v18n09 - Basketball Preview by Jackson Free Press Magazine

December 23 - January 7, 2019 â&#x20AC;¢ jfp.ms

WITH A MILLSAPS DEGREE, YOUR DREAM JOB IS WITHIN REACH.

TEN YEARS AFTER ENTERING SCHOOL, MILLSAPS GRADUATES HAVE THE HIGHEST AVERAGE SALARY OF GRADUATES FROM ANY COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY IN MISSISSIPPI.*

WE TAKE YOU HIGHER. MILLSAPS.EDU * SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION COLLEGE SCORECARD WWW.COLLEGESCORECARD.ED.GOV

contents

JACKSONIAN

December 23, 2019 January 7, 2020 • Vol. 18 No. 9

4 Editor’s Note 7 Talks

9 Habitual Offender Laws Bayram relays how outdated Mississippi law has separated the Houser family.

12 opinion 14 Cover Story

erving as the executive director of Young Business Leaders Jackson since 2016, Jay Fletcher works to help young businessmen grow in their faith and leadership. Fletcher grew up in Walker, La., graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a degree in social-studies education and then from New Orleans Seminary in Christian education with a specialization in youth ministry and counseling. Fletcher has been serving on a church staff since that point, up until about four years ago when he started to do some ministry outside the walls of the church. Fletcher grew up watching his grandfather work as the pastor at his church, but he admits that ministry was not always what he wanted to do. “I knew in 10th grade that God wanted me to do ministry in some form. I was just hardheaded, and I just wanted to do some other things. I wanted a normal life, just like any other 10th grader. I had seen some of the tough sides of ministry, the heaviness of some of the things my grandpa had to carry around,” Fletcher says. “But God stayed so faithful with me through the process. I wound up a sophomore in college before I ever said, ‘OK, I’m done.’ But from 10th grade to sophomore year of college, God was just super faithful to me to stay the course and continue to draw me into that role. There’s no doubt it’s been the right role.”

Jay Fletcher In 1994, Fletcher moved to Jackson. When his kids went to college, Fletcher realized that he wanted to minister in a way that would let him work closer to people. “I just love being around people. I enjoy people. I began to learn that I had a lot to learn about people that just work a normal everyday job, that may show up on Sunday morning, that may pop in on Wednesday night,” Fletcher says. YBL Jackson is a nonprofit that works to help young businessmen grow in their spiritual faith, lead in their family and grow in their community and workplace. The organization holds weekly Bible studies around the Jackson metro area, and they work to help men be able to lead Bible studies and do small group ministry. YBL currently has 30 small groups in the Jackson area. “There’s so much realness and rawness in the small groups we do,” Fletcher says. “We want to encourage guys and try to help plug them in to local churches, so we can partner together to develop these guys spiritually.” Outside of work, you can find Fletcher golfing or spending time with his wife of more than 30 years, as well as their children and two grandchildren. He also leads a young adult life group at his local church alongside his wife. – Jenna Gibson

20 NYE Catering Guide Learn what restaurants and caterers are available as we approach the new year.

22 events

23 Doggo Saves Owner McGrone explores how Miller desconstructs depression and toxic masculinity in “Biloxi.”

24 Sports 25 Music 26 music listings 28 Puzzle 28 Sorensen 29 astro 29 Classifieds 30 Local List

December 23, 2019 - January 7, 2020 • jfp.ms

YBL Birmingham

16 Basketball

editor’s note

by Donna Ladd, Editor-in-Chief

’m old enough to remember three presidential impeachment lead-ups and how fans of those presidents and their parties reacted to them. When the U.S. House started an impeachment inquiry into the corrupt, racist and sneaky Richard “I Am Not a Crook” Nixon, most around me in Neshoba County kept saying: “Everyone does it. He just got caught.” Of course, “everyone” doesn’t greenlight break-ins at the headquarters of the opposing political party to find inside information to use in campaigns. And “everyone” doesn’t lie, obstruct and cover for the burglars and conspirators. It was an openand-shut case—which clearly Nixon knew himself by the time he resigned before the House voted on the impeachment articles. My second impeachment cycle was, of course, Bill Clinton. I admit to voting

December 23, 2019 - January 7, 2020 • jfp.ms

How would I react if it was an elected official I didn’t like?

for Clinton, and I was even there in 1992 as a reporter in Madison Square Garden when Democrats nominated him and Al Gore the first time. Still, I was uncomfortable with the seemingly credible stories that dribbled out alleging sexual harassment against Paula Jones and others. In some ways, I held my nose and voted for Clinton because the alternative was so bad. In office, Clinton went way too far with compromises with Republicans who were pushing for extreme welfare reform and draconian incarceration laws for adults and teenagers in 1994 (which Bernie Sanders voted for), as well as horrific zero-tolerance policies for minors. By the time he was running for re-election in 1996, neoconservatives were pushing the fake “super-predator” myth about black boys into national headlines as an excuse for locking up more black people of all ages, and both Bill and Hillary bought into the supposed explosion of predators by 2000, even as crime was dropping dramatically. I wasn’t pleased with the Clintons’ efforts to appease white Americans’ fear of black crime, but it was the Monica Lewin-

sky affair that really first made me turn on blind partisanship. And, no, he wasn’t “impeached for an affair,” as many like to say. He was impeached for lies and obstruction that came after sexual acts with a barely-legal young woman who worked for him and in the workplace we call the Oval Office. This was textbook sexual harassment even if she consented. He then lied about it, even referring to his conquest as “that woman.” I looked at the full situation and made a decision that wasn’t popular with many of my friends—I supported Clinton’s impeachment. These constitutional safeguards are there for a reason, and lies and obstruction by a U.S. president, even one you like, is not acceptable. When Democrats yelled at me, I always answered that I wasn’t blinded by partisanship, that I asked myself a question when people I had voted for were accused of something: How would I react if it was an official I didn’t like? If I didn’t apply the same standard to someone I had supported, then I was a hypocrite. Put simply: It’s hypocrisy to shrug at what Clinton did and said and then turn around and blast Trump for his disgusting comments about grabbing women’s genitals at will. That’s blind partisanship. Still, impeachment is hell for a the country—but the reasons impeachment proceedings begin are very serious. They are the kinds of violations of public trust than set dangerous precedents for the future. As for Trump, please don’t tell me that a man who was such a brute to fellow Republicans about their families in primary debates, or who mocked reporters with disabilities at rallies, or who bilked students who bought into his Trump University scam, or who tried to block black tenants from his rental buildings, was not headed

White House

Be Clear: Trump (and Clinton) Caused Own Impeachment

Impeachment proceedings are serious affairs and serve a vital purpose, regardless of party. It’s hypocrisy to only hold the “other” party accountable.

for impeachment for something. He has no filters, nor any apparent moral compass. Christians who think he is serving their moral interests are doing what my progressive friends were doing when defending Clinton—acting out of self-interest because he promised something they wanted, regardless of how he hurt people otherwise. Trump’s offenses are a worse combination of both Nixon and Clinton’s transgressions. He is not, of course, being impeached for paying off a porn star or for the multitude of credible accusations against him for sexual assault or cheating on his wife while she was pregnant with his son. He’s not being impeached for his open racism and for locking children in cages and separating them from parents trying to get them a safer life in the U.S. Those things speak to his abhorrent character, though. The House impeached Trump because he openly and admittedly sold out the United States to a foreign country to hurt a

contributors

Bryan Flynn

Seyma Bayram

Carlton McGrone

Bryan Flynn is nearly a lifelong Mississippian, who has freelanced for the JFP since 2010. When not watching or writing about sports, he can be found working on some type of home brew. He lives in Jackson with his wonderful wife, lovely daughter and several pets. He wrote the basketball previews.

Staff Reporter Seyma Bayram is from the Kurdish region of Turkey and grew up in The Netherlands and New York. She is a graduate of the Columbia Journalism School and the State University of New York at Binghamton. She wrote about the human impact of sentencing in this issue.

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

political opponent, dangling missiles in exchange for the “oppo” dirt. That is similar to what Nixon did, but more treasony. The fact that no Republican in Congress has the balls to stand up to this serious transgression is terrifying for our country— and another difference from Nixon. And the fact that Trump supporters excuse anything he does because he makes public racism OK again or pretends he a bastion of Christian love is absurd and treacherous for our democracy. Trump wants to be a dictator. He sells our nation out to dictators like Vladimir Putin, even as he tries to manipulate nations like Ukraine on his friend Russia’s behalf. He fights sanctions that Congress passes against Russia. He defends white supremacists and pretends there are “good people on both sides” of racist attacks. He is making the nation hateful again. When I was growing up in Neshoba County and learned about the full horrors that racism reaped right in my town, I started to wonder what it would have been like to live through such an oppressive period, existing in fear of what would happen if you spoke out. Today, Trump has taken us backward closer to that time, and it is not an era we can afford to replicate. Democrats face a quagmire now over Trump’s impeachment. Sure, it’s divisive, but Trump created that vivisection with his leering hatred of anyone who disagrees with or challenges him. Like with Nixon and Clinton, impeachment is a national crisis of his own making. The nation owes it to future generations to hold him accountable, just as it did Nixon and Clinton. Donna Ladd is editor-in-chief and CEO of the Jackson Free Press.

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FEILD CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION Nick Cave, Soundsuit, 2016. mixed media, including a mask with horns, various toys, globes, wire, metal, and mannequin, 84 x 45 x 40 in. Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York. © Nick Cave, Photos: James Prinz Photography

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December 23 - January 7, 2019 • jfp.ms

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VA L L E Y M E N B A S K E T B A L L 2 0 1 9 -2 0

OCT 10 | 30

Tougaloo (Exhibition)

Itta Bena, Miss.

7:00 p.m.

Ames, Iowa Salt Lake City, Utah Mount Pleasant, Michigan Kalamazoo, Michigan Ruston, Louisiana Brookings, South Dakota Florence, Alabama Itta Bena, Miss.

7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m.

Springfield, Missouri Oxford, Ohio Dayton, Ohio Santa Clara, California Riverside, California

7:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.

Itta Bena, Mississippi Montgomery, Alabama Huntsville, Alabama Itta Bena, Mississippi Itta Bena, Mississippi Houston, Texas Prairie View, Texas

4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Itta Bena, Mississippi Itta Bena, Mississippi Itta Bena, Mississippi Itta Bena, Mississippi Lorman, Mississippi Baton Rouge, Louisiana Itta Bena, Mississippi Itta Bena, Mississippi Jackson, Mississippi

4:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.

Grambling, Louisiana Pine Bluff, Arkansas Various

7:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m.

NOV 11 | 5 11 | 8 11 | 10 11 |12 11 | 19 11 |24 11 |27 11 | 30

Iowa State Utah Central Michigan Western Michigan Louisiana Tech South Dakota State North Alabama North American

DEC 12 | 6 12 | 15 12 | 17 12 | 20 12 | 22

Missouri State Miami (Ohio) Wright State Santa Clara Cal Baptist

JAN 1|4 1 | 11 1 | 13 1 | 18 1 | 20 1 | 25 1 | 27

Arkansas Pine Bluff* Alabama State* Alabama A&M* Alcorn State* Southern* Texas Southern* Prairie View A&M*

FEB VA L L E Y W O M E N B A S K E T B A L L 2 0 1 9 -2 0

OCT 10 | 31

Stillman (Exhibition)

Itta Bena, Miss.

6:00 p.m.

Oxford, Mississippi Florence, Alabama Itta Bena, Mississippi Itta Bena, Mississippi Hattiesburg, Mississippi Hattiesburg, Mississippi

6:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.

Itta Bena, Mississippi Laramie, Wyoming Fort Collins, Colorado Memphis, Tennessee Monroe, Louisiana

11:00 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 2:00

Itta Bena, Mississippi Montgomery, Alabama Huntsville, Alabama Itta Bena, Mississippi Itta Bena, Mississippi Houston, Texas Prairie View, Texas

2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m.

Grambling, Louisiana Pine Bluff, Arkansas Various

5:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m.

NOV 11 | 5 11 | 9 11 | 13 11 | 18 11 | 29 11 | 30

Ole Miss North Alabama Murray State Austin Peay Southern Miss Omaha

DEC 12 | 6 12 | 12 12 | 14 12 | 20 12 | 29 p.m.

Florida A&M Wyoming Colorado State Memphis Louisiana-Monroe

JAN 1|4 1 | 11 1 | 13 1 | 18 1 | 20 1 | 25 1 | 27

Arkansas Pine Bluff* Alabama State* Alabama A&M* Alcorn State* Southern* Texas Southern* Prairie View A&M*

December 23 - January 7, 2019 • jfp.ms

FEB

2|1 2|3 2|8 2 | 10 2 | 15 2 | 17 2 | 22 2 | 24 2 | 29

Jackson State* Grambling State* Alabama State* Alabama A&M* Alcorn State* Southern* Texas Southern* Prairie View A&M* Jackson State*

MARCH 3|2 3 |7 3 | 10-14

Grambling State* Arkansas Pine Bluff* SWAC Tournament

HOME GAMES ARE GOLD Schedule and times are subject to change. All Home Games at R.W. Harrison Complex For ticket information, please contact the MVSU cashier’s window at 662.254.3313. • WWW.MVSUSPORTS.COM * SWAC Contest

2|1 2|3 2|8 2 | 10 2 | 15 2 | 17 2 | 22 2 | 24 2 | 29

Jackson State* Grambling State* Alabama State* Alabama A&M* Alcorn State* Southern* Texas Southern* Prairie View A&M* Jackson State*

MARCH 3|2 3 |7 3 | 10-14

Grambling State* Arkansas Pine Bluff* SWAC Tournament

AShton Pittman

torytelling & e, s i ur

news, cul t

TALK JXN ence ver rre Abortion-rights activists protested against Mississippi’s six-week abortion ban outside the Mississippi Capitol building in May 2019.

Abortion Inches Closer to Supreme Court

s a parade of angry white men stood at the podium on the Mississippi Capitol steps denouncing abortion one cold day in February, Libby Rich stood off to the side, dancing and using American sign language in front the crowd that had gathered below around a statue that honors the women of the Confederacy. “You are such a bad person. God will never forgive you for this. You have no love. You have no compassion. You are anti-choice,” Rich signed, as one man after another from Operation Save America made vitriolic remarks about women and “homosexuals.” In the 1960s, before the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling overturned state-level blanket abortion bans, Rich nearly died from an infection due to an illegal abortion that she sought in desperate circumstances. While in the hospital, she faced threats of possible arrest and pros-

ecution once the doctors realized what she had done. Even as they stood on the Capitol steps, the Mississippi Legislature was working on passing a law that bans all abortions once a fetal heartbeat becomes detectable, which is around six weeks’ gestation. The Legislature passed that law in March, but a federal judge struck it down in May. The State appealed the ruling soon after. ‘An Unbroken Line’ The case is making its way through U.S. federal courts alongside a 15-week abortion ban the Legislature passed in 2018, but which the same judge—Judge Carlton W. Reeves for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi—also struck down in November 2018. On Dec. 13, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans concurred with Reeves’ ruling on the 15-week ban. “In an unbroken line dating to Roe

v. Wade, the Supreme Court’s abortion cases have established (and affirmed, and re-affirmed) a woman’s right to choose an abortion before viability,” a threejudge panel appointed by Democratic and Republican presidents ruled. “States may regulate abortion procedures prior to viability so long as they do not impose an undue burden on the woman’s right, but they may not ban abortions. The law at issue is a ban.” “Mississippi politicians have done everything in their power to cut off abortion access in our state. Despite these attempts, abortion remains legal in Mississippi, and our clinic is open,” Shannon Brewer, the director of Mississippi’s only abortion clinic, the Jackson Women’s Health Organization, said after the ruling. “But year after year, the State makes it harder to access abortion. Because of that, many of our patients drive hundreds of miles and spend weeks or months saving

money to reach us—for abortion care, and for gas, a hotel and to cover childcare.” The Center for Reproductive Rights, which filed the lawsuit on JWHO’s behalf, celebrated the ruling. “With this ruling, Mississippi—and other states trying to put abortion out of reach—should finally get the message. Instead of wasting taxpayer dollars to defend multiple abortion bans that won’t stand up in court, they should be working on other issues—like addressing the state’s alarming maternal mortality rates,” Hillary Schneller, the Center’s senior attorney, said in a press statement on Dec. 13. Bryant Vows Fight The fight is far from over, though. Kelly Krause, the U.S. press officer for the Center for Reproductive Rights, told the Jackson Free Press on Dec. 13 that the court is set to hear arguments on more ABORTION, p. 8

December 23, 2019 - January 7, 2020 • jfp.ms

by Ashton Pittman

news,

storytelling & re, ir tu

cu l

TALK JXN

“We are gravely troubled by the gangsterism of the current occupant of the White House.”

@jacksonfreepress

—Jacqueline Amos, Chairwoman of the Mississippi Association of Democratic Chairpersons

ce eren rev December 23, 2019 - January 7, 2020 • jfp.ms

courtesy Joey Fillingane for Mississippi campaign

Jackson Women’s Health Organization Director Shannon Brewer (right) said she is worried that anti-abortion groups may use laws like Mississippi’s fetal heartbeat law in an attempt to overturn Roe v. Wade.

@jxnfreepress

Ashton Pittman

ABORTION, from p. 7

Feb. 3, meaning a decision would likely come by summer. After the court struck down the 15-week ban, though, Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant vowed that the State would not give up. “Mississippi will continue this mission to the United States Supreme Court,” Bryant, a Republican, tweeted. Krause said the Center does not expect the Supreme Court to take the case. If that did happen, though, it could set the stage for a fight over Roe v. Wade— and raise the possibility that the nation’s high court, which is now more conservative under Trump, could overturn the half-century-old precedent. Earlier this year, Mississippi House Rep. Joey Fillingane, R-Sumrall, told the Jackson Free Press that part of the goal of bills like the heartbeat bill and the 15-week ban is to get a case to the Supreme Court. “With a fifth conservative taking the seat of Justice Kennedy, who was considered a moderate on the court, I think a lot of people thought, finally, we have five conservative justices and so now would be a good time to start testing the limits of Roe,” Fillingane said at the time. Already, the U.S. Supreme Court has signaled that it may be more open to antiabortion arguments since President Donald Trump appointed Brett Kavanaugh to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy, a swing vote who stopped the court from overturning Roe v. Wade in 1992.

@jxnfreepress

‘We Are Worried’ In the past, federal courts have struck down laws requiring women seeking abortion care to undergo invasive transvaginal ultrasounds. In early December, though, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed an appeals court’s ruling to stand, and after that courts upheld a Kentucky transvaginal ultrasound law. The Kentucky law, now in effect, requires doctors to vaginally probe women to conduct the ultrasound, play the sound of the fetal heartbeat and describe images of the fetus in detail. In early 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case on a Louisiana

Mississippi Sen. Joey Fillingane, R-Sumrall (right), told the Jackson Free Press earlier this year that he hopes legislation like the State’s six-week ban would force a U.S. Supreme Court reconsideration of Roe v. Wade.

“admitting privileges” law that imposes burdensome regulations on abortion clinics, and would likely shut down all but one clinic in Mississippi’s sister State if allowed to take effect. The law requires doctors who provide abortions to obtain admitting privileges at local hospitals, which can prove difficult if not impossible in some cases. Federal courts have previously blocked admitting privileges laws, too, including one the Mississippi Legislature passed in 2012 that would have forced JWHO, the only clinic in the state, to close. If the U.S. Supreme Court upholds the Louisiana law, that would

grant Mississippi legislators permission to pass a new admitting-privileges law, free of fears of judicial reprisal. After Reeves struck down the six-week ban in May, Brewer told the Jackson Free Press that she is worried about how these cases could affect Roe v. Wade. “We know this is going on in multiple states, so of course we are worried, but of course we are going to fight whatever they try to put out there,” she said. Follow Jackson Free Press State Reporter Ashton Pittman on Twitter @ashtonpittman. Send tips to ashton@jacksonfreepress.com. Read more abortion coverage at jfp.ms/abortion.

Resolutions for the New Decade As we make our way into the 2020s, here are a few goals we hope the City of Jackson will strive to achieve.

1 4

Further diversifying the local food scene.

Inviting new opportunities for entrepreneurship in the area.

2 5

Increasing activity in downtown Jackson with more businesses and more people. Interacting more with the various cities in Greater Jackson and building more cohesion among us.

3 6

Patching up enough potholes that some areas are drivable again. Creating more walking and biking paths to make the Jackson metro more multimodal.

TALK JXN

incarceration

Long Sentences, Broken Lives by Seyma Bayram ing also made him ineligible for parole or time reduction for good behavior or participation in self-enrichment programs, like drug-abuse treatment. By the time of his release, Houser will be 103 years old. A ‘Virtual Life Sentence’ Houser is one of 2,635 Mississippians currently serving lengthy prison terms under Mississippi’s so-called “habitual laws,” the state’s version of “three strikes laws.” Mississippi’s habitual laws

The other habitual law, Sec. 9919-83, states that a judge can sentence a person to life without parole upon that person’s third felony charge, if one of his or her two prior felony convictions constitutes a “violent” offense—even if the offense that he or she is being sentenced for is not violent. And while robbery, murder and rape are defined as violent offenses under Mississippi’s code, so are unarmed home burglaries. Furthermore, judges can exercise discretion in classifying a felony offense courtesy FWD

Dusty Houser (right) leafs through photographs of his father, Paul Houser alongside his wife and son. Paul Houser is serving a 60-year prison for a drugrelated offense because of Mississippi’s habitual-offender laws.

drive the state’s high incarceration rate, the third highest in the country. More than 900 Mississippians have prison terms that last 20 years or longer. Half will die in prison for being sentenced to life without parole or with an excessively long prison term that amounts to a “virtual life sentence,” as in Houser’s case. Mississippi has two primary habitual sentencing laws. Mississippi Code Sec. 99-19-81 states that those with two prior felony convictions shall receive the maximum prison term for a current conviction. This means that a person with two prior drug-possession charges can end up with a 60-year prison sentence if arrested for possession or sale of drugs. Mississippi Department of Corrections data from June 2019 show that the majority of the people serving virtual life habitual sentences—2,261—were sentenced under this law.

as a violent crime, if it is not included in the list of eligible offenses under Sec. 99-19-83, “if the facts show that the defendant used physical force, or made a credible attempt or threat of physical force against another person as part of the criminal act.” Under that law, as of June, 374 people are serving habitual life sentences. In addition, a judge can double or triple the prison sentence for selling drugs within 1,500 feet of a school, park, church or movie theater. Similarly, the state’s drug-enhancement sentencing law can double the length of a subsequent drug conviction, which is how Houser’s 30-year-long-sentence increased to 60. “[A]ny kind of meaningful steps forward in Mississippi is going to have to include some pretty robust sentencing reform. This is not asking Mississippi to be on the vanguard,” FWD.us Senior Criminal Justice Reform Director Zoe

Towns said in an interview last month. The State of Mississippi needs to examine neighboring states’ habitual laws and sentencing lengths for drug and property crimes and then reclassify offenses here, she said, adding, “Mississippi just needs to kind of catch up.” Racial Disparities Paul Houser is white, but habitual laws disproportionately target black men, who account for 75% of those now incarcerated under habitual sentences despite making up 13% of Mississippi’s total population, a November 2019 FWD.us report, “We All Pay: Mississippi’s Harmful Habitual Laws,” found. MDOC data show the racial disparities in sentencing. In August 2018, 358 people were serving habitual life sentences; 74.6% were black and 27% were there on non-violent crimes. Black people accounted for 77.5% of those serving habitual sentences for non-violent offenses. The bulk of those serving extreme sentences in Mississippi are behind bars for drug-related charges, including simple marijuana possession. Mississippi’s habitual laws criminalize people for relapsing, advocates say, without addressing the root cause of addiction or improving public safety. In 2019, the Mississippi Legislature passed a comprehensive criminal-justice reform bill, House Bill 1352, which included expansion of drug courts in the state. But Mississippi Code automatically excludes many who need treatment from accessing drug courts. “You’ve got a drug addict who waits around for his neighbor to leave so he can go in and get some food because he is hungry. That’s ‘burglary,’” Mississippi state public defender Andre De Gruy explained, which counts as a violent offense even without a person there to harm. “[Burglary] is a crime of violence by definition, and … you’re excluded from drug court because of crimes of violence.” Impact on Families Paul Houser’s son, Dusty, says his 12-year-old son is not allowed to hug his grandfather, who has been incarcerated since the child’s birth. “He’s never seen him in the free world,” Dusty Houser said in an more BROKEN LIVES, p 10

December 23, 2019 - January 7, 2020 • jfp.ms

arly one morning on May 5, 2006, Paul Allen Houser walked into a convenience store in Columbus, Miss., to purchase cold medicine, a copy of Tradewind magazine, lithium batteries and a 24-ounce bottle of Mountain Dew. Houser, then 43, had struggled with substance abuse for most of his adult life, after a work-related back injury at age 15 left him with a prescription-painkiller addiction. Houser was on his phone at the check-out counter when he noticed a police officer approaching the store. He rushed out after paying for his items and drove off in his truck. Shortly afterward, the same officer, Wade Beard, stopped Houser and held the unarmed man at gunpoint while waiting for another officer, Scott Quinn, to arrive. The store clerk, Crystal Strickland, had notified Beard of Houser’s “nervous” demeanor and his purchase of the batteries and medicine, which contained pseudoephedrine—ingredients commonly used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Quinn arrested Houser for driving with a suspended license, while Beard and a police dog searched his vehicle. They later recovered the cold medicine and the batteries, which Houser testified he had purchased for his game camera, and which he had thrown out of his truck earlier because he was worried about his previous criminal history. Police charged Houser with “possession of precursors” to create an illicit drug—meth. In Mississippi, being caught with ingredients for a drug can land a person in jail, regardless of whether the person has manufactured or possesses the drug at the time of arrest. But it was Houser’s prior drug-related felony convictions, including one related to the sale of less than 1 ounce of marijuana in 1983, that classified him as a “habitual offender” under Mississippi’s criminal rules before the 2006 arrest. After Houser’s first trial ended in a mistrial, a judge sentenced him to 30 years in prison under Mississippi’s habitual-offender law. Because he was a repeat drug offender, the judge also applied the state’s enhanced drug-sentencing law, dubbed the “doubler,” because it doubles the length of second-time or subsequent drug convictions. All in all, Houser was sentenced to 60 years in prison. Habitual sentenc-

TALK JXN

INCARCERATION

BROKEN LIVES, from p 9 interview. “He’s always seen my father behind bars. And that’s really hard for me because my son and my dad are more alike than me and my dad.” Studies show that even short-term incarceration negatively affects families, but decades-long sentences are known to sever family bonds or prevent them from forming. Having an incarcerated family member has other long-lasting collateral consequences, including financial insecurity, homelessness, lower educational outcomes and increased likelihood of developing mental-health problems.

Older people are more likely to receive extreme sentences, with people above age 40 accounting for almost 80% of those serving sentences of 20 years or longer, the report said. More than a quarter are 55 or older. As of October, 1,091 people over age 60 were in MDOC custody. Only two were eligible for geriatric parole, because Mississippi law disqualifies people over 60 who are sentenced as habitual and violent offenders from early parole, despite research studies proving elderly people are less likely to commit crimes. “There is no way for them to get out. So the problem is just going to increase,” De Gruy said.

De Gruy disagrees with judicial latitude in defining crimes of violence. “In our opinion, that’s something that should be found by a jury, not by a judge. That may go up in review in federal court at some point in the future,” he added, pointing to a 2019 case, Bowman v. Mississippi, and the 2016 case Fogleman v. Mississippi. He warned against sentencing guidelines, which he called “very-well intentioned efforts that have never really worked well.” He cited a recent National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers report on their impact and efficacy. “The guidelines didn’t end any unjust sentencing, they just institutionalCOURTESY FWD

December 23, 2019 - January 7, 2020 • jfp.ms

Paul Houser (center) is joined by his family during a prison visitation. In 2007, a judge sentenced Houser to 60 years in prison under the state’s habitual offender law. He is not eligible for release until he is 103.

“When you have a family member (in) prison, there are no stress-free days,” Patsy Houser, Paul’s wife, wrote in a statement. “You constantly worry about them because you realize what harm can come to them at any time.” Economic Burdens Housing the 78 people now serving life sentences has already cost state taxpayers more than $16 million, the FWD.us report said, and could cost an additional $52 million by the time their prison terms end. Taxpayers must shoulder additional costs of a growing elderly prison population serving habitual sentences.

Sensible Reforms On two occasions, jurors recognized Dusty Houser in public and expressed remorse to him for finding his father guilty. Had they known Paul Houser would draw such a long sentence, they would “have never in their life considered him guilty, never,” Dusty said. “They understand the verdict that is delivered, but they don’t understand the impact it has on a family,” he added. De Gruy agrees that most residents don’t understand how sentencing works in the state. “We’ve had situations where jurors had no idea that it was going to be such a severe punishment,” he said.

ized it,” De Gruy said. “… They basically worked as unvalidated risk assessments. And they ended up with the same people getting these extreme sentences because of who set up the guidelines.” Prosecutors and judges also prefer discretion, he said, because sentencing data can be used politically against judges and prosecutors, who hold elected positions and do not want constituents to deem them too soft or harsh. Reducing maximum sentencing, reclassifying crimes (including what constitutes a violent crime), and ending life without parole for non-violent crimes would dramatically improve sentenc-

MOST VIRAL STORIES AT JFP.MS: 1. “It’s Official: Dem Shanda Yates Ousts 32-Year Republican in Mississippi House” by Ashton Pittman 2. “Coming Soon: A Movie Theater Explosion” by Dustin Cardon 3. “Verizon Wireless Suing City of Jackson” by Seyma Bayram 4. “Espy: Hyde-Smith Betrays ‘Sacred Oath’ to With Vow to Protect Trump at Trial” by Ashton Pittman 5. “Support or Separation in Foster Care? Summit Explores Problems, Solutions” by Nick Judin EVENTS TO CHECK OUT AT JFPEVENTS.COM: 1. Kwanzaa Celebration 2019, Dec. 26 2. The Rocky Horror Burlesque Show, Dec. 31 3. New Year’s Day Viennese Opera Brunch, Jan. 1 4. Superhero Day Camp, Jan. 3 5. Alpha Delta Zeta Highway Cleanup & Bonding Breakfast, Jan. 4

ing disparities in Mississippi, De Gruy believes. Systemic changes to the state’s underfunded and inadequately overseen public-defender system could help, too. So far, popular opinion seems to side with reform. Ninety-two percent of American voters believe people should be eligible for “time off their prison sentence for maintaining good behavior and participating in rehabilitation programs,” and 89% support supervised probation and “parole and post-release supervision.” Another 77% believe judges should apply “prison terms less than the maximum sentence,” and more than half believe convictions from 10 years ago or longer should not affect sentencing. But until the Legislature implements reforms, Mississippi’s habitual laws will continue to criminalize people struggling with addiction, hurt black communities, burden taxpayers and tear apart Mississippi families, experts warn. “There’s no way to grasp it … the belief that (your loved one) is going to die in prison,” Dusty Houser said. Email reporter Seyma Bayram at seyma@jacksonfreepress.com. Read more criminal-justice and violence-prevention reporting at jfp.ms/preventingviolence.

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Episode 7x21

Now available on

December 24, 2019

Merritt Baria is a 23-year-old political strategist in Mississippi who grew up in Jackson and on the Gulf Coast, and is now living back in the capital city. The daughter of outgoing Mississippi House Minority Leader David Baria, Merritt talks with Donna Ladd about the need for more women to run for office in the state and for strategists to take a wider view of who is a “viable” candidate or not. She plans to help more women, in particular, run for and win office as she did with incoming House Rep. Shanda Yates. Let’s Talk Jackson is sponsored by Mississippi Federal Credit Union (http://msfcu.us/); this episode also is brought to you by the Center for Art & Public Exchange at the Mississippi Museum of Art. More at http://museumcape.org/.

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

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K L A T S ’ L ET N O S K C JA

Merritt Baria

Funmi Queen Franklin

Soul Work Required for Resolutions to Stick

you want to live somewhere else? Are you running away from something, or will the problem just follow you? If the desire is to improve your health and be a better person, it will take more than losing weight or quitting a job to get there. Even if you are able to accomplish your New Year’s resolutions, you will soon find that neglecting to fix the cause of the

Self-evaluation is a beautiful thing, but it can’t be a surface exercise. It’s a natural step in preparation for the next year. We all want to be better tomorrow than we were today. It’s imperative to dig deep to uncover the reason that there’s a need to make the resolutions made. Commit to taking the time and focus needed to fix those things. Since your resolutions require soul

Photo by Isaac smIth on UnsPlash

ision boards and resolution lists fly around like hand grenades on the battlefield at the end of every year. People make promises to themselves that they won’t keep. “Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right,” Oprah Winfrey said once. This year, choose you. Actually, one might argue, keeping

Editor-in-Chief and CEO Donna Ladd Publisher & President Todd Stauffer Associate Publisher Kimberly Griffin Creative Director Kristin Brenemen REPORTERS AND WRITERS City Reporter Seyma Bayram State Reporter Ashton Pittman Culture Writer Aliyah Veal JFPDaily.com Editor Dustin Cardon Investigative Fellow Nick Judin Contributing Writers Dustin Cardon, Bryan Flynn, Alex Forbes, Jenna Gibson, Tunga Otis Torsheta Jackson, Mike McDonald, Anne B. Mckee EDITORS AND PRODUCTION Deputy Editor Nate Schumann Editorial Assistant Azia Wiggins Consulting Editor JoAnne Prichard Morris ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY Senior Designer Zilpha Young Contributing Photographers Seyma Bayram, Acacia Clark, Imani Khayyam, Ashton Pittman, Brandon Smith ONLINE & DIGITAL SERVICES Digital Web Developer Ryan Jones Web Editor Dustin Cardon Social Media Assistant Robin Johnson Web Designer Montroe Headd Let’s Talk Jackson Editor Kourtney Moncure SALES AND MARKETING (601-362-6121 x11) Sales and Marketing Coordinator and Writer Andrea Dilworth Advertising Designer Zilpha Young Events Assistant Leslyn Smith

Year-end resolutions are fine, but year-round soul work and mindfulness will serve you much better.

December 23, 2019 - January 7, 2020 • jfp.ms

the resolutions isn’t really a true desire. Most of these proclamations are the result of self-assessed failures throughout the year. There’s a moment of reflection at the end of the year that offers a sense of motivation that this time it’ll be different. It’s usually emotionally driven and quite foggy or overly broad.

“Lose 50 pounds.” “Find a new job.” “Leave this relationship.” “Move away.” “Stop smoking/drinking.” “No more clubbing.” These minimally meaningful resolutions don’t carry well beyond a few weeks, months maybe. For these declarations to last, one must dig deeper than the aforementioned statements. To make real changes, a person must explore deeply the reason the problem exists in the first place. Why are you 50 pounds heavier than you’d like to be, and why do you want to lose those pounds? Why aren’t you happy on your job? Is it something you’re doing that you need to change before you expect the next job to suit you better? What is making you drink and smoke? Why do

Be present in every moment. problems’ existence will only guarantee the inevitable return of the same issue being added to next year’s vision board or resolution list. Fix it. Choose you. Commit to putting nothing above your happiness and health—and to stop beating yourself up for things you can’t change. Decide to be happy wherever you are. Be present in every moment. Accept what happens around you, and know that you can’t change everything or everybody. Resolve to take care of your spirit. That means you can find the unyielding power to work jobs that offer you peace of mind; to work out for yourself, not just lose weight; to pick self-love over a love dependent on someone else who may or may not be able to offer the love required for satisfaction; and, of course, to give you the power to be joyful no matter where you reside. Mindful presence goes or stays with you wherever you are.

work to stick, one becomes more determined to see them through. It’s not as easy to forget about peace of mind and selfawareness if that is your focus. You don’t have to see it behind the counter every time you go in the store to buy gas, so you won’t feel like putting it off until next month. The commitment to deep soul work is much larger, and the reward is far greater. But, it is something you can cling to all year and then for years to follow. You have chosen to simply be attentive to yourself. There is no more sensible resolution than choosing you. “If your mind is expansive and unfettered, you will find yourself in a more accommodating world, a place that’s endlessly interesting and alive,” Buddhist teacher Pema Chödrön wrote in “Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change.” “That quality isn’t inherent in the place but in your state of mind.” Plus, soul work is so vast, it makes for a pretty awesome vision board. Just make sure the board remains in your view. Funmi “Queen” Franklin is a word lover, poet, a truth yeller, community activist, and the founder of an organization that promotes self-love and sisterhood. This column does not necessarily reflect the views of the JFP.

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Scott Crawford

A former colonel in the U.S. Army, Jennifer Riley Collins made a bold entry into Mississippi’s statewide elections this year when she sought to replace Attorney General Jim Hood after he opted to run for governor. Mississippi has not elected an African American to statewide office since the late 1800s—and has never elected a black woman. “Why can’t I break the barrier? I will be very honest with you. I am fully qualified for the position,” she told the Jackson Free Press in an early 2019 interview. “I think people will see that as they learn about me, and as I get a chance to share my platform across the state of Mississippi. I think what I have to say will resonate with hard-working Mississippians, and they will see me as a fully qualified candidate. So why shouldn’t I be able to break the barrier?” While Collins did not break that barrier in 2019, she did put about 359,000 dents in it. She won about 20,000 more votes than Rep. Jay Hughes, a white male legislator who lost his bid for lieutenant governor to Republican Delbert Hosemann in a 20-percentage-point rout. After the election, Collins submitted a widely read guest column to this newspaper calling out the Mississippi Democratic Party for paying too little attention to black candidates and voters. —Ashton Pittman

Shanda Yates

Jackson attorney Shanda Yates had not planned on seeking political office when Democrats approached her about running for a Republican-held seat in early 2019, but with a little convincing, she took the leap. Months later, in November, she ousted longtime House District 64 Rep. Bill Denny, a top Republican at the Legislature who first won that seat when Yates was just 6 years old. “It’s really exciting. It’s also a little surreal if I’m being honest,” she told the Jackson Free Press shortly after the Hinds County Election Commission finished counting the ballots. “I always had in the back of my mind, ‘This is probably not going to pan out at the end of the day, but I’m still going to give 100% and see how close I can get.’” Yates said the key to her victory was the time she and her supporters spent knocking on thousands of doors and talking to voters about issues like funding education and paying to repair roads and bridges. She refused to take Democratic votes for granted by focusing mostly on swing voters, she said, ensuring that people got to know her as a person. —Ashton Pittman

AShton Pittman

Jennifer Riley Collins

t the end of every year, the Jackson Free Press staff chooses the most intriguing newsmakers of the past year. These are not necessarily people who did positive things, although many did. They are Mississippians who emerged as the most interesting and who caused a lot of conversation in the capital city and beyond.

Delbert Hosemann

Mississippi’s popular Republican secretary of state will soon take the reins of the most powerful job in the state when he becomes lieutenant governor on Jan. 9, 2020. In that capacity, he will serve as president of the Senate, giving him both executive powers and the ability to appoint powerful committee chairs—giving him significant say over the legislative agenda. Hosemann’s 20-point victory stands in stark contrast to other Republicans, like incoming-Gov. Tate Reeves, who won by a mere 5.5 points after running a campaign focused on attacking opponents and pledging allegiance to Donald Trump his No. 1 campaign issue. Hosemann bucked that strategy, focusing instead on issues where he finds common ground with many Democrats: expanding Medicaid, raising teacher pay, investing more in public schools, expanding pre-K programs and repairing crumbling roads and bridges around Mississippi. “On January 10, we will hit the ground running. … If you’re head of transportation, I have an agenda for transportation,” Hosemann said at a mid-December press conference. “I’ve got an agenda for health care, I’ve got an agenda for education, for public health, for Medicaid.” —Ashton Pittman

trip burns

AShton Pittman

The Most Intriguing OF

Jody Owens

While on the campaign trial, incoming Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens promised to lead criminal-justice reform locally. His “smart justice” platform drew endorsements from officials including Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba. A former civil-rights lawyer with the Southern Poverty Law Center until his resignation last June, Owens will succeed Robert Shuler Smith, whose rocky eight-year-tenure was mired by scandal, management and transparency issues, as well as facing multiple criminal charges in Hinds and Rankin counties himself, but no convictions. Although Owens has spoken positively of his predecessor, his vision for the office looks markedly different than that of Smith. Owens says he wants to overhaul pretrial detention in the county, likening the current system to a debtor’s prison. Owens, who is often called a “decarceral” prosecutor, believes in refocusing criminal-justice policy through the lens of public safety. To this end, he wants to roll out more alternatives to incarceration, such as electronic monitoring, but also diversion programs and drug courts. In October, The Appeal reported sexual-harassment allegations against Owens from several women who worked with him at SPLC. Owens has vehemently denied the allegations, some of which date back to 2013. — Seyma Bayram

Angie Thomas

Coming off the heels of a successful film debut of her novel “The Hate U Give,” Jackson native and novelist Angie Thomas will begin the new decade on strong footing. The author recently announced that Kay Oyegun, writer and producer for NBC’s “This Is Us,” will be the screenwriter for the film adaptation of her second novel, “On The Come Up.” With this film, Thomas is embarking on a new journey as a producer, where she’ll get to play more of an active role in bringing her novel to life on film, and in the future, other stories to film as well. Despite her busy schedule—and post-election tweets saying Mississippi’s politics are driving her to move out of state—the author still finds time to give back by cleaning up Aaron Henry Park in the Georgetown community where she grew up, citing the late Nipsey Hussle as inspiration. The park played a key role in her upbringing, ultimately leading to her decision to become a writer. Be it luck or the grace of God, Thomas’ reign doesn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon. — Aliyah Veal

Arekia Bennett rekia Bennett is still in her 20s, but she A is already having an outsized impact on election engagement on young people in Mississippi, especially voters of color. When Bennett took over executive leadership of Mississippi Votes, an organization started and previously run by young white Mississippians to analyze voter data and increase registration and turnout, she quickly focused on recruiting, engaging and listening to African American millennials and members of Generation Z. When Bennett came to the Jackson Free Press after the November election to record a “Let’s Talk Jackson” podcast, she brought two younger women with her, praised them and other young people, and continually focused on her own need to listen to younger voices in Mississippi who have much to teach older folks, even those her age. She graduated from Bailey Magnet High School and got her bachelor’s degree in physics from Jackson State University. While at JSU, she was heavily involved in activism and advocacy, largely around women’s reproductive issues and issues affecting women of color. Make no mistake: Bennett is a force. — Donna Ladd

Vitamin Cea

The past year was huge for female emcees in hip-hop in Jackson and beyond, and Gautier native and rapper Charity Hicks, known as Vitamin Cea, is no exception. Following the debut of her 2017 project “JoyFULL Noise,” Cea has had a pretty busy year, performing across her home state and garnering heavy media coverage. The rapper is the music supervisor for the new web series “Black Enough” and headlined the Mississippi State Fair’s “Music on the Midway” concert. She has been featured in the Jackson Free Press three times in the past months with contributions in two of the magazine’s cover stories, as well as having her own feature story. Cea capped off the year with performances in Jackson rapper Dolla Black’s 4th Quarter Exchange music event, an all-female-led showcase, and comedian Hannibal Buress’ Isola Fest in Isola, Miss. Vitamin Cea just might be the breakout, female energy that Jackson has been waiting for. — Aliyah Veal

David Archie

Outgoing Hinds County Supervisor Darrel McQuirter tried to disqualify perennial local candidate David Archie after Archie defeated McQuirter for District 2 seat on Aug. 6. McQuirter argued that Archie didn’t live on Shady Lane Oaks Street in District 2 and, therefore, could not run for the supervisor seat. Archie maintained that his home is under renovation and that he plans to move back into it soon. Likewise, Archie had lost a challenge four years ago to McQuirter for the same seat. In November, a county circuit judge ruled in Archie’s favor, so he will join the Hinds County Board of Supervisors, where he will have his hands full. In addition to leveraging purse power—the Hinds County Board of Supervisors determines how and where county taxpayer money is spent—Archie will work alongside the rest of the board to implement a plan to turn around the Hinds County Detention Center, which is still in a state of crisis four years after the U.S. Department of Justice placed it under a federal consent decree. A 2015 federal investigation into the 594-bed facility revealed that it violated pretrial detainees’ constitutional rights, had severe staffing shortages, faulty facility construction and a culture of violence, among other problems. — Seyma Bayram

December 23, 2019 - January 7, 2020 • jfp.ms

With more than 20 years of experience as a circuit judge, Hinds County Senior Circuit Judge Tomie Green has deep insight into Mississippi’s criminaljustice system. But unlike most Mississippi judges— who may refrain from publicly criticizing the systems in which they operate, opting instead for a tough-oncrime persona for fear of upsetting voters—Green has been vocal in identifying areas in which the Hinds County justice system can improve. She helped to push for reforms to Mississippi Rules for Criminal Procedure, to address, among other issues, excessively long pretrial incarceration rates, which not only violate the constitutional rights of those behind bars but also burdens taxpayers. This culminated in a 2017 Mississippi Supreme Court ruling that requires senior circuit judges to review pretrial detainees’ conditions for release if they have been jailed for more than 90 days. Green oversaw her court’s transition to an online filing system of pleadings, to reduce administrative errors, delays and gaps in communication. She also keeps abreast of what is happening in the county jail, regularly receiving and reading letters from the people locked up there. With a roster of powerful, outspoken and mostly women judges on her team, Green is poised to leave a significant impact on the local judicial system. — Seyma Bayram

Drew Demptsey

Judge Tomie Green

Trip BUrns

Courtesy Arekia Bennett

Seyma Bayram

Glenn Boyce hit the University of Mississippi like a lightning bolt. His installment by the Institutions of Higher Learning’s Board of Trustees upended a year-long process to select a new chancellor in favor of a man previously paid to assist in the search process. Outrage gave way to the careful silence of unease, with many among the faculty and student body concerned that his selection signaled a State-directed clampdown on academic freedom and campus progressivism. Boyce is only the latest flashpoint in the struggle between the IHL board and the UM community, which stretches back to the unceremonious removal of Chancellor Dan Jones in 2015. But he represents an escalation in the board’s stake in the fight: Boyce served as commissioner of the IHL board from 2015 to 2018, late enough to preside over changes to the very search process that would then be invoked to bring him into the Lyceum. The trajectory and impact of his tenure, however, remains to be seen. — Nick Judin

Imani khayyam

courtesy University of Mississippi

Glenn Boyce

2020

Men's College Basketball Preview by Bryan Flynn

The Bigs University of Mississippi Rebels Men There might not have been a better turnaround job in college basketball last year than what Kirmitt Davis did in his first season with the Rebels. Davis went 20-13 as he led Mississippi to its first NCAA appearance since 2015. Gone is Terence Davis but the Rebels return senior guard Breein Tyree, who was selected Preseason First-Team All-SEC. He is joined by junior guard Devontae Shuler and sophomore forward Blake Henson. Tyree is currently fourth in the conference in scoring with 18.2 points per game. The Rebels are currently 7-3 but those three losses to the University of Butler, University of Memphis and Oklahoma State University were lost chances to get quality non-conference wins. Davis needs to get the Rebels to show up during conference play. This team will be in the mix for an NCAA berth as long as the wheels don’t fall off during conference play.

University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles Men After five seasons at the helm, USM head coach Doc Sadler suddenly resigned as head coach of USM. Sadler went to the University of Nebraska to become an assistant coach, and the Golden Eagles were looking for a new coach after a 20-13 mark last season. USM hired Jay Ladner as head coach after the NCAA sanctions from the Donnie Tyndall disaster. Currently USM is off to a terrible start to the Ladner era as the Golden Eagles are 3-8 on the season. The best USM scorer is senior forward Boban Jacdonmi with 12.4 points per game in just eight games. Sophomore guard Gabe Watson is averaging 11.9 points per game in 11 games this season. Early returns looks as though USM is starting over again and will begin another rebuild. The only hope for a postseason berth will be everything coming together in conference play or a miracle run in the conference tournament. It will be tough for USM fans to start again after the promise of last season.

Jackson State University Tigers Men Wayne Brent returns as head coach of Jackson State University and in seven seasons at JSU has a 82-122 record. The Tigers will lean on Preseason SWAC Defensive Player of the Year and Preseason First-Team All-SWAC sophomore forward Jayveous McKinnis to help earn wins. Second leading scorer in the conference is junior guard Tristan Jarrett, who is averaging 16.8 points per game. In conference play it will be McKinnis and Jarrett that will lead the way for the Tigers. Currently JSU is 1-8 on the season as the program has played mostly on the road. Programs like Jackson State play road games for checks to keep the athletic program going. The only hope for an NCAA Tournament spot is winning the SWAC Tournament for JSU. The Tigers need to come out of non-conference play healthy to make a run through the regular season and tournament. There is no margin for error for JSU. Read more sports coverage at jfp.ms/sports courtesy University of Southern Mississippi Athletics

Mississippi State University Bulldogs Men

December 23, 2019 - January 7, 2020 • jfp.ms

Last season was a breakthrough campaign for Ben Howland as the Bulldogs went 20-11 and reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time under his leadership. Howland is 78-56 during his time at MSU.

Gone is Quinndary Weatherspoon but the Bulldogs have plenty of talent returning even it all of that talent won’t be back to start the season. MSU will rely on Preseason FirstTeam All-SEC sophomore forward Reggie Perry. Perry is averaging 13.8 points per game but senior guard Tyson Carter is averaging 17.4 points per game for fifth best in the conference in scoring. MSU gets junior guard Nick Weatherspoon back on after a 10-game suspension to start the season. MSU is currently 7-2 with a loss to Villanova University and Louisiana Tech University. The Bulldogs will be in the hunt for an NCAA Tournament spot but need to be strong in conference play. Much like the Rebels, MSU can’t afford not show up in SEC play with a weak out of conference schedule.

The Littles Alcorn State University Braves Men The Braves will go as far as Preseason Second-Team All-SWAC junior guard Troymain Crosby can take the team. He is currently eighth in the conference in scoring with 13.1 points per game. Senior guard Maurice Howard is

ninth in the SWAC in scoring with 12.7 points per game. The two combine to give the Braves a strong one-two scoring punch for Alcorn State University. ASU is currently 3-5 on the season but the real test will be conference play. The Braves’ postseason hopes depend on winning the conference tournament at the end of the season. Everything for this team comes down to being the conference champion.

USM Coach Jay Ladner

Winning SWAC games in the conference regular season should set up a better chance to win the postseason title.

Mississippi Valley State University Delta Devils Men It hasn’t been the best start for Mississippi Valley State University as the Delta Devils currently are winless at 0-9

on the season. MVSU does have a bright spot to focus on early this season with senior guard Michael Green leading the conference in scoring. In eight games played this season, Green is averaging 19.3 points per game for the top scoring spot in the SWAC. Freshman guard Caleb Hunter is 13th in the conference in scoring with 11.6 points per game. MVSU like JSU and ASU

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Delta State University Statesmen Men

Belhaven University Blazers Men The Blazers were picked to finish last in the Eastern Division of the American Southwest Conference. That projection doesn’t seem too far off after the 1-5 start for Belhaven University. Belhaven placed three players on the conference preseason watch list to start the season with all three players being seniors. Senior forward Bronson Cooks a preseason watch list player leads the team with 15.8 points per game. He is 10th in scoring for the ASC. Things need to turn around quickly

Mississippi College Choctaws Men The Choctaws are currently 5-4 overall and are just ahead of DSU in the conference standings. Much like the Statesmen, Mississippi College is struggling on the road with a 1-3 mark but an outstanding 4-1 at home. Junior guard Winston Edwards, eighth in scoring in the GSC, leads MC as he scores 17.3 points per game. The Choctaws need to get the road woes fixed before conference play begins. That could end up being the difference to a postseason bid.

Millsaps College Majors Men The Majors have started the season strong with a 6-3 start on the season. Millsaps College has played two road games but split those with a win and a loss and is 5-2 at home. Millsaps is paced by junior forward Anthony Hughes, who leads the team with a 13.7 points for 10th place in the Southern Athletic Association. Helping with the scoring load is freshman Kaleb Jenkins, who is second on the team scoring with 12.9 points per game. If the Majors can keep up their strong play at the start of conference play, they could contend this season.

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courtesy Mississippi college Athletics

Delta State University is currently struggling at 4-6 to start the season. DSU is strong at home with a 3-1 record but struggling on the road and neutral sites with a 1-5 record. The Statesmen haven’t started conference play so there is time to turn things around. Playing better on the road would be a good start. DSU needs junior guard Keyshaun Street to lead the way. Street is 13th in the Gulf South Conference in scoring at 14.9 points per game. He might have to do more if there is a postseason run in this team.

Millsaps begins SAA play with the coming New Year.

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for the Blazers if they want any hope of a postseason. The slow start for Belhaven is bad but there is plenty of time with conference games still to play.

Tougaloo College Bulldogs Men Tougaloo College is off to a fast start at 10-2 on the season with both losses coming on the road. The Bulldogs are 3-2 on the road this season and 7-0 at home. Tougaloo is led by Ledarius Woods, who leads the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference with 20.7 points per game. Preseason All-GCAC senior guard Stanley Williams is second on the team in scoring with 14.6 points per game. The Bulldogs were picked to finish fourth in the conference but look poised to exceed that projection. Tougaloo could make a run in the conference and in the GCAC later next year. more BASKETBALL p 18

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must win the conference tournament for any hope of an NCAA Tournament bid. Green and Hunter are going to have to carry this team if they want to win a championship because there isn’t much behind those two players.

2020

Women's College Basketball Preview by Bryan Flynn

The Bigs Mississippi State University Women

Jackson State University Tigers Women

It wasn’t a pretty start to the season as the University of Southern Mississippi was taken behind the woodshed by Mississippi State in the second game of the season. After that loss the Golden Eagles have gone 7-1 the rest of the way with a loss to Tulane University. USM is led by preseason All-Conference USA senior guard Shonte Hales who is sixth in the conference in scoring with 16.1 points per game. Senior forward Respect Leaphart is 11th in C-USA in scoring with 14 points per game. USM women were picked to finish eighth in the preseason but these Golden Eagles could be a surprise in C-USA. This team reached a lower tournament last season and could be an NCAA team this season.

Jackson State University began the season 1-7, a rough start. The Tigers have rarely been in close games in those seven losses. The lone bright spot for JSU has been senior forward Marneisha Hamer as the Preseason First-Team All-SWAC selection is second in the conference in scoring with 14.8 points per game. Hamer needs help from Preseason Second-Team All-SWAC senior guard Kaisah Lucky who is averaging just 4.3 points per game to start the season. The Tigers will have to win the SWAC Tournament to get into the NCAA Tournament. That means the slow start won’t hurt JSU right now, but the team needs to begin to turn things around before conference play starts.

University of Mississippi Rebels Women

JSU’s Marneisha Hammer

December 23, 2019 - January 7, 2020 • jfp.ms

The Rebels went 9-22 last season, and there is progress on the rebuild this season as the team currently is 6-5. Last season at this point in the season, Mississippi was 5-6 and didn’t get above .500 the rest of the season. Junior guard Deja Cage leads the team in scoring with 13.7 points per game for 13th best in the SEC. No other Rebel player ranks in the top-25 in scoring in the conference. This young team might need to give Cage more help as the season goes along. The Rebels were picked to finish 13th in the 14 team SEC but the Rebels might surprise some and with luck and health finish better than projected. There might not be an NCAA Tournament bid this season, but UM is building toward the future.

The Littles Belhaven University Blazers Women

Belhaven University is off to a fast start as the team is off to a 7-1 start. The Blazers were picked to finish last in the American Southwest Conference Eastern Division in the preseason and are better than expected or feasting on weak foes. Belhaven senior guard Peyton Papenburg is leading the ASC in scoring with 22.6 points per game. Junior guard Keke Lyles is fifth in the conference 18 is scoring at 17.1 points per game and

junior guard Mariah Collins is ninth in the ASC in scoring with 13.7 points per game. The Blazers might be beating bad teams but this team could be putting everything together this season. When conference play starts it will show if Belhaven is a contender or pretender.

Millsaps College Majors. Women As the Majors are set to begin conference play, the team is at .500 with a 5-5 record. Two of the three loss for Millsaps College have come in overtime games. If those games went in favor of

the Majors, the team would have a winning record. Millsaps is led by junior forward Dia Fortenberry, who leads the Southern Athletic Association in scoring with 19 points per game. Fortenberry is getting scoring help from junior guard Taelor Manning as she is averaging 12.2 points per game. No other Majors player is averaging double-digits in scoring. If the Majors can get more scoring help for Fortenberry and Manning, this team could be in the mix later in the season. If the scoring stays the same, Millsaps will be at the middle or bottom of the conference when the SAA Tournament starts.

Tougaloo College Bulldogs Women Tougaloo College is on a five game losing streak at this moment and are 3-10 overall to begin the season. The Bulldogs are 0-8 on the road, 1-2 at home but 2-0 at neutral site games. Scoring is a major concern for the Bulldogs. Just junior guard Amari Pittman is scoring in double-digits with 11.5 points per game for 16th in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference. No other player on the roster is scoring more than seven points per game. If the Bulldogs can’t increase the team’s scoring as a whole, it doesn’t

Courtesy Jackson State University Athletics

Mississippi State University keeps rolling as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball. The Bulldogs lost in the regional final of last year’s NCAA Tournament to miss out on a third straight Final Four. MSU is back to a fast start with a 9-2 record with the losses coming in back-to-back games to the University of Stanford and University of West Virginia. This season MSU didn’t have a player picked to either the First-Team or Second-Team All-SEC in the preseason. Sophomore forward Jessika Carter leads the team in scoring with 14.7 points for ninth best in the SEC. Even in the tough SEC, the Bulldogs will be in the mix for an NCAA Tournament high seed. MSU is ranked 15th in the current top-25 with plenty of time to move up the rankings.

University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles Women

Alcorn State Braves Women

Mississippi College Choctaws Women The Choctaws were picked to finish 11th in the conference this preseason. Mississippi College is 5-4 overall and 2-1 in GSC play to start the season a good start in conference play. Mississippi College doesn’t even have one player with a scoring average in the top 15 or top 20 of the conference. It does have three players ranked 21st to 25th in scoring which gives MC a chance to improve. If the Choctaws can get one player to break out as a scoring threat each time down the floor and role players step up this team could exceed projections. Even exceeding projections might not mean this team ends up in a postseason tournament.

Delta State University Statesmen Women Delta State University is 7-1 overall and 1-1 in the Gulf South Conference to start the season. The Statesmen were picked to finish fourth in the preseason

courtesy Belhaven university athletics

The Braves started the season 0-4 but somewhat righted the ship by winning four of their next seven games. Currently Alcorn State is 4-7 on the season as the team gets ready to start conference play. ASU is figuring out how to win even as Preseason Second-Team AllSWAC junior center Jamaysha Bernard is averaging just 2.8 points to start the season. Picking up the scoring load is junior guard LaRea Roscoe and Jada Hargrove are both averaging 11.7 points per game and tied for ninth in the SWAC in scoring. Just like JSU, Alcorn State path to the NCAA Tournament is by winning the conference tournament at the end of the season. If Bernard can get going and Roscoe and Hargrove keep going at their current pace, there is hope for ASU to go dancing.

projections and could still end up better as the season is still early. DSU is getting a strong start from Preseason All-GSC senior guard Nia Johnson who is ninth in the conference in scoring with 14.7 points per game. Johnson needs to get more help from Preseason All-GSC senior forward Quantesha Patterson who is averaging just 11.5 points per game. Johnson and Patterson could lead the Statesmen to a

Are you a Best of Jackson Finalist?

Belhaven’s Peyton Papenburg

post-season berth. DSU is off to a good start and could set themselves up for a high seed in the conference tournament.

Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils Women The Delta Devils are off to a tough start as the team is currently 1-8 to start the season. There have been few close games including a 22-95 loss to the University of Wyoming. Mississippi Valley State University is getting a strong season out of junior guard Ayonna Cotten who is sixth in the SWAC with 13.3 points per game. MVSU junior guard Sheli Thigpen is 12th in the conference in scoring with 10.8 points per game. If the Delta Devils want to go dancing they might need even more out of Cotten and Thigpen. Winning the conference tournament will send MVSU dancing. Read more at jfp.ms/sports.

Then You’re Invited To the Best of Jackson Party! For tickets and information, contact

party@jacksonfreepress.com 601.362.6121 ext.21

December 23, 2019 - January 7, 2020 • jfp.ms

look like much will change for the squad. If the scoring goes up as a team, this squad could turn things around in conference play.

food&drink

New Year’s Catering & Event Guide by Amber Helsel

Broad Street Baking Company (4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 101, 601-362-2900) This holiday season, Broad Street will have treats like Christmas cookie kits, Christmas wreath king cakes, iced sugar cookies and gingerbread men. Customers should place orders at least 48 hours in advance. For more information, visit broadstbakery.com.

Heavenly Sweetz (126 Keener Ave., 601-291-1179) For the holidays, Heavenly Sweetz

more. For more information, visit nandyscandy.com. The Pig & Pint (3139 N. State St., 601-326-6070) The Pig & Pint’s holiday menu includes smoked meats such as whole turkey and Pepsi-Cola-glazed ribs; sides such as collard greens and smoked green beans; and desserts like bananas Foster banana pudding. For more information, Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

BRAVO! Italian Restaurant & Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 244, 601-982-8111) This holiday season, BRAVO! will take customers’ favorite serving platters and build an antipasto tray on it. To order, call 601-982-8111. BRAVO! Will also host a New Year’s Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31, starting at 6:30 p.m. The dinner will feature six courses that guests can pair with wines for an additional cost. The early seating from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. is $70 per person and the late seating from 9 p.m. to midnight is $85 per person and includes a Champagne or sparkling cider toast and sparklers.

with items such as a quiche, biscuits and 10 mixed-flavor mini Pop-Tarts. The keto option includes a crustless quiche, six keto bagels and six keto cream-cheese danishes, and decorate-your-own cookies kit and more. For more information, visit pricklyhippie.com.

December 23, 2019 - January 7, 2020 • jfp.ms

The Prickly Hippie (500 Highway 51, Suite F, Ridgeland, 601-910-6730) The Prickly Hippie has holiday preorder items such as iced sugar cookies, a Christmas morning breakfast bundle

Barrelhouse (3009 N. State St., 769-216-3167) The bar’s Tacky Christmas Party is from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23. The event will include prizes for holiday attire from Barrelhouse and Cathead Distillery, and Chad Wesley will play starting at 7 p.m. Barrelhouse will be open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lounge 114 (100 E. Capitol St., 769-257-6223) On Dec. 31, Lounge 114 will host a New Year’s Eve celebration. The event includes party favors, Champagne, food, music, and guests have a chance to win a cruise for two. The doors open at 8 p.m. For more information, find the business on Facebook. Names & Faces Lounge (224 E. Capitol St., 601-955-5285) Names & Faces will host its Ugly Sweater Party on Saturday, Dec. 21. For more information, find the business on Facebook.

HIckory Pit (1491 Canton Mart Road, 601-956-7079) For Christmas, Hickory Pit will have smoked turkeys and pies such as pecan and Hershey’s. Primos Cafe (2323 Lakeland Drive, Flowood, 601-936-3701; 515 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland, 601-898-3600; 201 Baptist Drive, Madison, 601-853-3340) Primos Cafe will have dinner packages that serve 10-12 and include a choice of whole turkey or ham, cornbread dressing, giblet gravy, a large vegetable, cranberry sauce, 12 dinner rolls and a choice of pie. Vegetable selections include sweet potato, squash or green bean casseroles, butter peas and more. Pies include lemon ice box, sweet potato and pecan. Primos also has holiday catering for the office. For more information, visit primoscafe.com/holiday.

bean casserole and cheesy broccoli rice; and more. For more information, visit sugarmagnoliatakery.com.

Greater Jackson offers a variety of places to celebrate the New Year.

will have pound cakes, two-layer cakes and more. Kimmiesweett (1149 Old Fannin Road, 601-720-9774) For Christmas, Kimmiesweett will have 8-inch round cakes in flavors like strawberry, coconut and Italian cream; pies such as chocolate silk and sweet potato; cobblers like apple and blackberry; cheesecake like turtle and strawberry; and other desserts such as pound cake, cupcakes and banana pudding. Nandy’s Candy (1220 E. Northside Drive, Suite 380, 601-362-9553) Nandy’s holiday menu includes handmade marshmallows, Nutter Butter Rudy cookies covered in chocolate, keepsake boxes filled with chocolate and

visit pigandpint.com. Campbell’s Bakery (3013 N. State St., 601-362-4628) For the holiday season, Campbell’s Bakery will have treats such as Christmas-themed teacakes and petit-fours. Sugar Magnolia Takery (5417 Highway 25, Suite F, Flowood, 601-992-8110) Sugar Magnolia has dessert trays that feature treats such as dipped and decorated pretzel sticks, chess squares, brownies and macaroons; treats such as gingerbread men and themed petit-fours; desserts like brownies, bars and Bundt cakes; plain, strawberry, blueberry or turtle cheesecake; meats like herb-roasted turkey, and pork and beef tenderloins; sides such as cornbread dressing, green

Hal & Mal’s (200 Commerce St., 601-948-0888) Hal & Mal’s will host its annual Krystal Ball and Catfish Drop from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Dec. 31. The party will have a large screen playing music videos, and a DJ and karaoke, and the Raphael Semmes Jazz Quartet will play from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event includes food and a Champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $25 per person. Fenian’s Pub (901 E. Fortification St., 601-948-0055) Fenian’s will host a New Year’s Eve party on Dec. 31. Risko and Friends will perform from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Crazy Cat Eat Up (1491 Canton Mart Road, 601-957-1441) For New Year’s Eve, Crazy Cat will host a dinner with a menu of dishes such as pimento cheese, butternut squash bisque, pork meatballs with a creole tomato sauce and tobacco onions, garlic-

King Cake Headquarters! Vibe Jackson (6390 Ridgewood Road, 769-233-8713) Vibe Jackson will host “how vibe stole Christmas” with performances from r&b groups Imastarr, soulofdasip, Lou writer and Rico Charms. The event begins at 7 p.m. A karaoke party is from 10 p.m. to midnight. For more information, find the business on Facebook. Last Call (1428 Old Square Road, 601-713-2700) Last Call’s UGLY Sweater Tuesday is Tuesday, Dec. 24, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Guests who wear ugly sweaters get a shot. The bar will have $5 CIROC White Grape vodka and $6 Gentlemen Jack whiskey. Last Call will have a full menu, and the kitchen is open until 2 a.m. For more information, find the event on Facebook. On Wednesday, Dec. 25, Last Call will host its annual Christmas giveaway, which will include $500 in gift card prizes. Specials include $4 Ketel One Citroen and $5 Jack Apple. The doors open at 6 p.m., and the event begins at 9 p.m. 1908 Provisions (734 Fairview St., 601-948-3429) 1908 will have a Christmas Eve dinner with a four-course prix fixe menu on Tuesday, Dec. 24, from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Guests can also order from the regular menu. For more information, find the business on Facebook. Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive, 601-576-6000) The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science will hosts its “Going Extinct” New Year’s Eve Glow Party from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 31. The event will feature a black light dance party, a nocturnal animal show, a glow-stick trail hike, special cupcakes with glow-inthe-dark dinosaurs, activities and more. For members, tickets are $8 per person ages 3 and up and $10 for nonmembers. Children 2 and under get in free. T&J Concessions will be on site and Anderson Square will do face painting.

Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Museum Blvd., 601-981-5469) MCM will host its Noon Year’s Eve event on Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event includes countdowns at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and a grand finale at noon with confetti canons, a balloon drop and music. Throughout the day, children can make their own party hats and noise makers, write wishes for the coming year and play games. Galexie Glister and Marshall the Fire Truck Pup from “Paw Patrol” will also be onsite. Martin’s Downtown (214 State St., 601-354-9712) Martin’s will have a New Year’s Eve party that will feature a performance from The Captain Midnight Band. The doors open at 9 p.m., and the show begins at 10 p.m. Tickets are $10, and the show is for ages 18 and up. 4th Avenue Lounge (209 S. Lamar St., 855-246-9636) 4th Avenue will host a New Year’s Eve party on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Party packages are available. Johnny T’s Bistro & Blues (538 N. Farish St., 601-954-1323) On Monday, Dec. 23, Jackson Professionals Group will host “Let’s Jingle & Mingle Holiday Social” from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. JPG will be collected gently worn or new children’s coats to give to children in need. For more information, find the event on Facebook. Johnny T’s will host a New Year’ Eve celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Clinton Babers will perform during the event. The party also features a free seafood buffet and Champagne toast at midnight. Fleet Feet Jackson (500 Highway 51, Suite Z, Ridgeland; 153 Ridge Way, Suite C, Flowood) Fleet Feet will host the “Santa Chaser Run” on Tuesday, Dec. 24, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Santa will begin running at 8 a.m., and the course is three miles. Runners can dress in holiday attire and will get breakfast afterward. Fleet Feet will open early for last-minute shopping. The business will also collect gently used running shoes to donate to The Pair Tree, which provides shoes for those in need in the Jackson metro area.

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December 23, 2019 - January 7, 2020 • jfp.ms

rosemary beef tenderloin and Nutella mousse cake. Seatings are at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The dinner is $65 per person. For more information, find the restaurant on Facebook.

Looking for something great to do in Jackson? Visit JFPEVENTS.COM for more. HOLIDAY Christmas Bingo: Holiday Special Session Dec. 23, 4-7 p.m., at Capital City Bingo (1700 Terry Road). The bingo hall runs a special second, holiday session wherein each pack game pays $1,000. A regular session will be held at noon. $5 per pack, other bingo prices vary; call 601-353-5266; find it on Facebook.

St.). Attendees learn a routine that consists of strip tease, chair tease, dancing in heels and ends with a special performance. Includes a happy hour. Class starts 7 p.m. Advanced registration is required. Specials and deals available on-site only. $35 general admission; call 601502-4000; find it on Facebook.

Roam Scavenger Hunts (400 Mississippi St.). Let’s Roam hosts scavenger hunts for the Jackson area. Participants race against the clock as they take photos of the items on the list. Call for more details. $11 scavenger hunt ticket; call 833-202-7626; email kelly@letsroam.com; letsroam.com.

Noon Year’s Eve Dec. 31, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Museum

Koinonia Friday Forum Dec. 27, Jan. 3, 9 a.m., at Refill Cafe (136 S. Adams St.). The weekly series features lectures and presentations on various topics from a number of reputable guests. The topic of the forums change every week, as do the guest speakers. Free admission; email nmcnamee72@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY 12/25 Xmas Night 2019 begins 8 p.m. at Hal & Mal’s (200 Commerce St.). The fifth-annual event offers locals a place to party on Christmas night. Includes live performances by Bass Drum Of Death, DJ Scrap Dirty, Kate Teague, Spirituals and The Cats Purring Family Band. A portion of the proceeds support the family of COURTESY ALEX WARREN James Griffin, the sound engineer for past installments of the event who passed away earlier this year. $10 admission; call 601-948-0888.

December 23, 2019 - January 7, 2020 • jfp.ms

Canton Christmas Festival Dec. 23, 5 p.m.-9 p.m., at Canton Tourism (147 N. Union St.). The event features a viewing of the city of Canton’s Christmas lights, a Christmas Village and includes food and sales from the Canton shops. The event also includes the annual Sip ‘n Cider, horse and buggy rides and story time with Mrs. Claus. Free admission; call 601-8591307; email jana@cantontourism.com; find it on Facebook.

Annual Krystal Ball and Catfish Drop Dec. 31, 8 p.m.-2 a.m., at Hal & Mal’s (200 Commerce St.). The New Year’s Eve event includes a MOD dance party, large screen playing VJ music videos, a DJ, karaoke, live music by Raphael Semmes Jazz Quartet, light refreshments, a free champagne toast at midnight and free Krystal burgers to-go. Must be 21 or older to attend. $28.20 general admission; call 601948-0888; find it on Facebook. Kwanzaa Celebration 2019 Dec. 26, 6-9 p.m., at Two Mississippi Museums (222 North St.). Women for Progress of MS, Inc. hosts an event that celebrates family and community and teaches the seven core principles (Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa. The event also includes a program to honor the 50th Anniversary of the Alexander V. Holmes school integration decision, the 1970 JSU shooting and seven young millennials from all over Mississippi as candle lighters for the Kinara. Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba has been asked to serve as the Griot for the program. Free admission; register on Eventbrite; call 601-576-6800; find it on Facebook. Holiday Pole Jam Dec. 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Taboo Dance and Aerial Fitness (856 S. State

Blvd.). The children’s museum hosts a “Noon Year’s Eve” celebratory event, wherein the program treats 12-noon as 12-midnight for the purposes of ringing in the New Year. Included in general admission or museum membership. $10 general admission, MCM members free; call 601-981-5469; email erin@mcm.ms. Happy New Year! From Char Dec. 31-Jan. 1, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., at Char (4500 I-55 N.). Char celebrates the New Year by offering their full menu featuring chef specials on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The event also includes live piano music in the bar area. Reservations are limited and can be accessed online or by calling the restaurant. The appetizer includes fried lobster tail, jalapeno slaw and sweet chili aioli. The entrees are deviled crab meat stuffed prawns, crab boil, smashed potatoes, lemon tarragon beurre blanc and a 14 ounce, char-grilled veal chop and smoked Gouda scalloped potatoes with a Madeira wine demi glaze. Free admission; call 601-956-9562; find it on Facebook. New Year’s Day Viennese Opera Brunch Jan. 1, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at Westin Hotel (407 S. Congress St.). Mississippi Opera hosts a brunch event featuring a meal and classical musical selections by Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven and Johann Strauss, Jr. (“The Waltz King”), as well as fun opera arias and musical theatre selections. $59 per person; call 601-960-2300; email info@msopera.org; msopera.org.

COMMUNITY Jackson Scavenger Hunt: Pretty Mississippi Dec. 23-Jan. 8, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., at Let’s

#AlwaysAlamo Samsung Smart TV Raffle Dec. 28, 8 a.m.-11:30 p.m., at The Alamo Theater (333 N. Farish St.). The Mississippi Association for the Preservation of the Smith Robertson Board of Directors holds a raffle for the continued upkeep and support of the historic Alamo Theater, with a prize of a brand new 40-inch Samsung smart television. Raffle tickets may be purchased from any board member or through the theater manager, Keishawna A. Smith. The winner will be drawn Dec. 28. $5 per raffle ticket; call 601-291-6587; email thehistoricalamotheater@gmail.com. All Ages Pokémon League Dec. 28, Jan. 4, noon-4 p.m., at Van’s Comics, Cards and Games (731 S. Pear Orchard Road, Suite 1, Ridgeland). Participants gather each Saturday to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Players invited to trade with one another. Free admission; call 601898-9950; find it on Facebook.

MONDAY 12/30 Arts and Crafts Day Camp is from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Museum Blvd.). The museum hosts the arts and crafts focused day camp for children ages 5-10. Attendees learn about European art-

PIXABAY

ist Wassily Kandinsky, read “The Noisy Paint Box,” cut circles, finger paint, hand-tie colorful yarn circles and more. Admission TBA; call 601-981-5469; mschildrensmuseum.org.

Red Carpet Casino Extravaganza Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., at Holiday Inn Pearl (110 Bass Pro Drive, Pearl). Diva Salon & Salon Pro hosts a red carpet event that includes a buffet style dinner, wine, cash bar, music and games. $42.63 general admission; call 601-939-5238; find it on Facebook. Liberty Luncheon - Ball of Collusion: The Plot to Rig an Election and Destroy a Presidency Jan. 6, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Country Club of Jackson (345 St. Andrews Drive). The Mississippi Center for Public Policy presents National Review Institute scholar and conservative author Andrew McCarthy as he talks about collusion in the 2016 election as discussed in his new book—which he claims was a perpetuated by President Obama and Secretary Hillary Clinton. $35 single admission, $319.89 reserved table; call 601-987-4450; find it on Facebook. Legislative Swearing In Ceremony Jan. 7, noon, at Mississippi State Capitol Building (400 High St.). The Capital City hosts a swearing in ceremony for incoming legislators. Free admission; call 601-359-3114; find it on Facebook.

KIDS Events at Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Museum Blvd.) • Winter Fun Day Camp Dec. 23, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The museum hosts an educational day camp for children ages 5-10. Attendees read “Snowmen at Night,” paint landscapes, learn about winter-planted vegetables, decorate gingerbread houses and engage in other artistic and STEM-related activities. $50 members, $55 nonmembers; call 601-981-5469; email erin@ mcm.ms; mschildrensmuseum.org. • Magic Mondays at MCM Dec. 23, Dec. 30, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The museum extends its hours and hosts a Food Lab program at 3:30 p.m. $10 general admission, free for MCM members; call 601-709-5469; email sbranson@ mcm.ms. • Spy Day Camp Jan. 2, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The museum holds a spy-themed day camp for children ages 5-10. Attendees create their own spy identification cards, undercover journals and secret recorders. They also read “Spy Guy,” learn to dust for fingerprints and practice evasive movements. Admission TBA; call 601-9815469; mschildrensmuseum.org. • Superhero Day Camp Jan. 3, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The museum holds a superhero-themed day camp for children ages 5-10. Attendees design superhero costumes, read “Even Superheroes Have Bad Days,” learn how to use “secret” technology and more. Admission TBA; call 601-981-5469; mschildrensmuseum.org. Learning Tree Book Club Jan. 4, 2-3:30 p.m., at Jackson Medical Mall Thad Cochran Center (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The children’s book club gets together to read and talk about books on the first Saturday of each month. Children may keep their books. Free admission; call 601-372-0229; find it on Facebook.

Looking for something great to do in Jackson? Visit JFPEVENTS.COM for more. FOOD & DRINK Ramen Night Dec. 23, Dec. 30, Jan. 6, 6-10 p.m., at Saltine Oyster Bar (622 Duling Ave.). Saltine Restaurant serves house-made vegetarian, Nashville hot chicken, seafood and more flavored ramen bowls every Monday. Free admission, food prices vary; call 601-982-2899. Ladies Night Dec. 26, Jan. 2, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., at Ole Tavern (416 George St.). The Ladies Night event includes free drinks for all ladies from 9 p.m. to close. DJ Glenn Rogers plays the latest dance music. $10 cover charge; call 601-960-2700; find it on Facebook. Food Is Peace: Vegan and Pescatarian Gathering Dec. 28-29, Jan. 4-5, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., at Soul Wired Cafe (111 Millsaps Ave.). Soul Wired Cafe hosts a pop-up style fellowship in celebration of vegan and pescatarian street food every weekend. Free admission; call 601-790-0864; find it on Facebook.

True Local Market Dec. 28, 2-6 p.m., at Cultivation Food Hall (1250 Eastover Drive). The weekly farmers market brings together local vendors selling produce, crafts and other goods. Vendor prices vary; call 601-487-5196; email events@cultivationfoodhall.com; find it on Facebook.

1908 Provisions Sunday Brunch Dec. 29, Jan. 5, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at 1908 Provisions Restaurant (734 Fairview St.). 1908 Provisions host brunch every Sunday featuring an omelet station, casseroles, various lunch plates, dessert and $5 mimosas/bloody Mary’s and more. Call 601-948-3429, ext. 305; find it on Facebook.

Iron Horse Grill Sunday Brunch Dec. 29, Jan. 5, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at The Iron Horse Grill (320 W. Pearl St.). The weekly brunch event includes live music performances, a waffle bar with topping choices such as fresh fruits, candied pecans, maple syrup, cinnamon, powdered sugar, whipped cream and an omelet bar with toppings such as sausage, bacon, crabmeat, ham, crawfish, cheddar cheese and fresh vegetables. The menu also includes sautéed hash browns, Delta Grind grits, Bottomless Mimosas and Endless Bloody Mary’s. Free admission, food and drink prices vary; call 601-398-0151; find it on Facebook.

SPORTS & WELLNESS Boxing & Kickboxing Dec. 23, Dec. 30, 5-7 p.m., at Boxers Rebellion Fighting Arts & Fitness (856 S. State St. Suite E). Instructors teach participants boxing and kickboxing skills. $15 single day, $100 session; more options shown on website; call 262-994-3174; email jeremy@ boxersrebellion.com; boxersrebellion.org. Beginner Yoga Classes for Teens and Adults Dec. 24, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at Medgar Evers Library (4215 Medgar Evers Blvd.). Medgar Evers Library hosts yoga classes for beginners (teens and adults) with Eternal

Yoga instructor, La’Desha Jones. The first ten attendees will be provided yoga mats and water. Free admission; call 601-982-2867; email ssimmons@jhlibrary.com. Latin Dance Party Dec. 28, Jan. 4, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., at Salsa Mississippi Club & Studio (605 Duling Ave.). Salsa Mississippi Club & Studio hosts a Latin dance party every Saturday that includes a free dance lesson. $5 student/ military, $10 general admission; call 601-2136355; find it on Facebook. Choreorobics Dance Off @ Steps the Studio Dec. 29, 6:15 p.m., at Steps the Studio (6800 Old Canton Road, Suite 113). Dance professional duo Roger and Tena Long instruct participants in the hip-hop dance class that aims to provide a way for people to both enjoy dancing while exercising. Individual rates are $10 per class for drop-ins and $50 for unlimited classes for the month (total of eight). The family rate is $70 per month for two adults

books

A Man, His Dog and the Pursuit of Happiness

Lucky TUcker

acets of mental illness often implode when a writer attempts to record such personal, Placed in a situation where he is forced to adapt so drastically, Louis begins to question fictional journeys onto the page. It can be difficult for fiction to grasp the creeping his own happiness, what it means to be happy and if he had ever felt happiness. It doesn’t horrors of a very intangible depression. Mary Miller’s masterful hold on her pro- take long before he stumbles upon the realization that, well before his divorce, he had faced tagonist, Louis, perfectly demonstrates helplessness in the wake of detachment while an inexplicable detachment from both his wife and his daughter, slowly relinquishing his grappling with one’s notions of happiness. familiarity with the world he’s lived in for 60 years. “Biloxi” begins with a simple-enough plot that gradually unfolds, revealing an almost Layla, Louis’s unforeseen furry companion, immediately consumes his every waking outlandish narrative that consistently grounds itself at its most critical moments. Louis, thought, his identity. Personifying her, comparing her to her daughter and ex-wife, Louis’ introduced as an early-60s divorcee, abandonment trauma finally has an outdecides to, on a whim, purchase a let. Deflecting from his actual personal Biloxian’s dog, something completely issues, Louis promises to give this dog out of character for this strait-laced, everything that he couldn’t provide for routine-driven retiree. Suffice it to his ravaged family. Rather than speaking say, self-inflicted hijinks ensue, and to them, Louis spends almost the entirety with his newfound best friend in tow, of the novel dodging their phone calls Louis has a front seat to the implosion to further indulge in spoiling Layla with of his self-constructed haven. trans fats and carbs, blind to the fact that With this initial setup, it behe’s slowly impeding his new best friend comes that much more difficult to just as he’s killing himself. construct a cohesive review of this The notion of offing himself does novel. Miller is wonderful, an incredcreep menacingly, if not comically, ible delight to read. She’s able to pack throughout the novel, interwoven bea number of overlying themes into a fairly tween almost losing his dog, being robbed straightforward story that abuses the unsusby a potential lover and the scheduled pecting Louis McDonald. Miller’s bullying bashing of a bird’s skull against his widow. of her character does not draw much, if any, Author Mary Miller creates a tale that explores depression and self-discovery. Like the bird that’s intent on selfShe signs copies of the book Monday, Dec. 23, at 11:30 a.m. at Lemuria Books. sympathy toward Louis as he is shown to be harm, Louis remains firm about doing the root of his own issues. nothing both about the bird’s distracting From its very domestic beginnings, noise and his depression. In this, Miller Miller’s narrative seems interested in the concept of change and to what ends one will go illustrates the choking hold of one’s masculinity, allowing it to determine Louis’s happito in order to avoid facing an inevitable grand metamorphosis. Simultaneously fighting ness and constantly causing him to feel unsettled in a familiar environment, unable to ask against and submitting to this change, Louis renders himself helpless, trapped within his plea for help. Poor, unemployed and utterly alone, Louis is plagued with suicide’s looming home, avoiding long-forgotten responsibilities while only managing what is right in front tangle; however, the reader inevitably forms an attachment with Louis in the wake of his of him. raging war with himself. Louis is a character bundled with hatred, both inward and external. He’s overtly vio “Biloxi” manages to remain surprising until its final, finite sentence, leaving Louis in lent and hateful toward minorities and women, peering at what makes them imperfect and a position of trepidation, similar to how we see him at the start of this novel. Weathered by therefore lesser in his eyes. He’s a self-righteous hero for treating little people as if they were an internal trek of self-discovery and reconnecting, he is presented with a new, better start “regular,” and while he can’t stop himself for scrutinizing estranged women’s minute details, to the next phase of his life. Miller demands your attention with this novel and promises a Louis’ chivalry dissuades him from voicing his complaints of the grotesque. story jammed with prosperity.

December 23, 2019 - January 7, 2020 • jfp.ms

by Carlton McGrone

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

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

College football is entering the bowl season, and the NFL is finishing up the regular season. The 2019-20 football season has just a little over a month of football remaining. THURSDAY, DEC. 26

College football (3-6:30pm ESPN): Louisiana Tech University v. University of Miami (FL). FRIDAY, DEC. 27

College football (5:45-9:30pm ESPN): Oklahoma State University v. Texas A&M University. SATURDAY, DEC. 28

College football (7-10:30pm ESPN): Clemson University v. Ohio State.

and any children ages 21 and under within the same home. $10 drop-in rate, $50 for month (8 classes); choreorobics.com. Free West African Dance Class Jan. 5, 2-3:30 p.m., at Central United Methodist Family Life Center (517 N. Farish St.). Shanina Carmichael teaches participants the art of West African dance. Open to all ages and experience levels. Includes live music by Alkebulan Music Philosophy. Attendees can stay until 4 p.m. to learn choreography for performances. Donations encouraged. Free admission, donations accepted; call 601-983-9305; email shanina. carmichael@gmail.com; find it on Facebook.

STAGE & SCREEN The Rocky Horror Burlesque Show Dec. 31, 8 p.m., at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.). Black Hat Shows and Ardenland present the musical in celebration of New Year’s. $30 general admission, $50 VIP; call 601-292-7121; dulinghall. ticketfly.com.

SUNDAY, DEC. 29

NFL (12-3:30pm Fox): New Orleans Saints v. Tennessee Titans. MONDAY, DEC. 30

College football (3-6:30pm ESPN): MSU v. University of Louisville. TUESDAY, DEC. 31

College football (1-4:30pm CBS): Florida State Seminoles v. Arizona State University. WEDNESDAY, JAN. 1

College football (12-3:30pm ABC): University of Michigan v. University of Alabama. THURSDAY, JAN. 2

Women’s college basketball (7-9:30pm SECN): University of Florida v. Mississippi State. FRIDAY, JAN. 3

College football (2:30-6pm ESPN): University of Ohio v. University of Nevada. December 23, 2019 - January 7, 2020 • jfp.ms

SATURDAY, JAN 4

College football (10:30am-2pm ESPN): USM v. Tulane University. SUNDAY, JAN. 5

NFL (12-3:30pm Fox): New Orleans Saints v. Carolina Panthers. MONDAY, JAN. 6

Women’s college basketball (6-8:30pm SECN): University of Mississippi v. Texas A&M. TUESDAY, JAN. 7

Men’s college basketball (8-10:30pm SECN): Mississippi v. Texas A&M. WEDNESDAY, JAN. 8

Men’s college basketball (6-8:30pm SECN): Mississippi State v. Alabama.

CONCERTS & FESTIVALS CMBS Blue Monday Dec. 23, Dec. 30, 7 p.m., at Hal & Mal’s (200 Commerce St.). The Central Mississippi Blues Society presents the weekly blues show, which features a “Front Porch Acoustic Hour” and a jam with the Blue Monday Band. Cash bar available. $5 admission, $3 for CMBS members; call 601-948-0888; halandmals.com. Jazz Nights Dec. 25, Jan. 1, Jan. 8, 6 p.m., at 4th Avenue Lounge (209 S. Lamar St.). The venue hosts weekly live jazz performances. Free admission; call 855-246-9636; email 4thavenuejxn.com. Charlie’s Effin’ Karaoke Dec. 25, Jan. 1, Jan. 8, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., at Ole Tavern (416 George St.). Ole Tavern hosts a karaoke event that includes $10 beer buckets and $2 “bartender’s choice” shots from 9 p.m. to closing. Free admission; call 601-960-2700; find it on Facebook. Live Entertainment Dec. 26, 6-8 p.m., at 4th Avenue Lounge (209 S. Lamar St.). The venue hosts weekly live entertainment. Free admission; email jjchapman22@gmail.com. Events at Martin’s Downtown (214 S. State St.) • TVBOO with DJ URI, Badmouth and Mckoi & Stone Dec. 26, 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. TVBOO, DJ URI, Badmouth and Mckoi & Stone perform live. $12.24 general admission; call 601-354-9712; find it on Facebook. • The Iceman Special Dec. 27, 8-11 p.m. The four-piece rock band live. Must be 18 or older to attend. Admission TBA; call 601-354-9712; find it on Facebook. • John Paul Keith Dec. 28, 9 p.m. The Americana singer-songwriter performs live. Must be 18 and older to attend. Admission TBA; call 601-354-9712; find it on Facebook. • The Captain Midnight Band New Year’s Eve Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. The Nashvillebased, waterbed rock ‘n’ roll band performs live on New Year’s Eve. Admission TBA; call 601-354-9712; find it on Facebook. • Afroman Live Jan. 2, 10 p.m.-1 a.m. The Grammy-nominated rapper performs live.

$17.55 general admission; call 601-354-9712; find it on Facebook. • Hood Baby and the Barnacles Live Jan. 4, 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Hood Baby and the Barnacles, a party-funk quartet band, performs live. Admission TBA; call 601-354-9712 Offbeat Friday Night Live Dec. 27, Jan. 3, 8 p.m., at Offbeat (151 Wesley Ave.). The weekly event features live music from various alternative acts in genres such as hip-hop, indie-rock and RnB. Doors open 7 p.m. $5 cover charge; find it on Facebook. LIVE in the Living Room Dec. 28, 6-9 p.m., at Cultivation Food Hall (1250 Eastover Drive). Cultivation Food Hall hosts live music performed by local music artists. Free admission; call 601-487-5196; email events@cultivationfoodhall.com; find it on Facebook. 2019 Soulabration Dec. 28, 7 p.m., at Mississippi Coliseum (1207 Mississippi St.). Various soul artists perform, including Grammy-nominated Calvin Richardson, King of Swing Tucka, Bad Boy T.K. Soul, Big Pokey Bear, Yayo and Super Soul Posse. $32-$57 tickets; call 601-353-0603; find it on Facebook.

TUESDAY 12/31 Going Extinct: New Year’s Eve Glow Party is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive). The museum holds a New Year’s celebration that sees off 2019 as well as the “Dinosaurs COURTESY MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE

S L AT E

the best in sports over the next two weeks

Around the World” exhibit. Attendees receive glow bracelets for the black light dance party. The event includes a live nocturnal animal show, a glow stick hiking trail, a photo-op with the Jurassic Park jeep, refreshments, games, prizes and more. T&J Concessions food truck and Anderson Square (painting faces with glowin-the-dark paints) on-site. Tickets sold in advance only. $8 museum members, $10 non-members, food truck prices vary; call 601576-6000; email andrea.falcetto@ mmns.ms.gov; mdwfp.com.

Events at Pops Saloon (2636 Gallatin St.) • BulletProof Dec. 28, 8 p.m.-2 a.m. The new country band based out of Baton Rouge, La., performs live. $37-$47; call 601-961-4747; find it on Facebook. • Motley Crucial & Poison Overdose Return Jan. 4, 7 p.m. Motley Crucial and Poison Overdose perform live as a tribute to Motley Crue and Poison featuring Hairicane. $15 advanced ticket, $20 at the door; call 601-961-4747; Eventbrite. Synergy Night Dec. 28, 9-11:30 p.m., at The Med Fish and Grill (1200 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland). Maranda Joiner hosts the open-mic night. Participants sing, read poetry and more. Includes giveaways, food and drinks. $10 general admission, $5 open mic participants; email maranda@marandajoiner.com; find it on Facebook. The Disco Stranglers Jan. 3, 8 p.m., at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.). The Eagles tribute band specializing in the performance of the entire Hotel California album from start to finish performs. Doors open at 6 p.m. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to enter. Seating is first-come, first-serve. Persons under 21 must pay a $5 upcharge. $20 general admission; call 601-2927121; dulinghall.ticketfly.com. Music in the City Jan. 7, 5:45-8 p.m., at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). New JXN performs in the museum’s Trustmark Grand Hall. Sponsored by St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral. Free admission; call 601-960-1515; msmuseumart.org.

LITERARY SIGNINGS Events at Lemuria Bookstore (4465 Interstate 55 N.) • “Biloxi” Book Signing Dec. 23, 11:30 a.m. Mary Miller signs copies of her recent book. $24.95 signed copy; call 601-366-7619; lemuriabooks.com. • “The Gone Dead” Book Signing Dec. 23, 1 p.m. Chanelle Benz signs copies of her book. $26.99 signed copy; call 601-366-7619; lemuriabooks.com.

CREATIVE CLASSES Visiting Artist: Kinetic Etchings Jan. 4, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Museum Blvd.). Visiting artist Kat Wilson of Kinetic Etchings leads dance workshops for youths. Program included in general admission or museum membership. $10 general admission, free for members; call 601-981-5469; email erin@mcm.ms. Shut Up and Write! (and Create!) Feb. 8 and March 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. JFP Editor Donna Ladd is offering two all-day Saturday workshops. On Feb. 8, she leads an interactive workshop on the five steps of writing sparkling non-fiction or memoir; then on March 21 presents her popular creativity workshop, for people of any creative discipline, or who want to figure out how to be more creative. Both workshops include breakfast and lunch from Broad Street Cafe, snacks, materials and supplies. Regularly $250 per workshop, get both for $250 through

MUSIC

2019 Soulabration Roundup

Calvin Richardson Multi-Grammy nominated soul musician Calvin Richardson will headline the event with his brand of neo-soul that mixes his more classically soulful tones with inspiration drawn from anything between pop to the powerful tunes of gospels and blast beats of ’90s hip-hop. Raised in Monroe, N.C., Richardson grew up consistently singing with Willing Wonders, the gospel group his mother led. Moving from the North Carolina gospel circuit to the soul scene was a smooth transition for Richardson as he was heavily inspired by not only classical soul, but his friends in the neo-soul movement of the early ’90s. TUCKA TUCKA James of Loreauville, La., is the self-proclaimed “King of Swing.” Starting his career singing lead with Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band, he later moved into a solo career in 2008 and has since released six albums, which all follow a similar

theme of romance, which is customary in many soul musicians’ toolkits. Boasting over a million listens on Spotify for his most popular track, “Work it Out,” James is considered a regional favorite in the Louisiana R&B scene.

Kimble, who released nine albums between 2002 and 2016, started his music career as a DJ. He has been involved with Under 21 and Houston-based R&B group H-Town. After touring around the world with H-Town, he began to write for a musician named Willie Clayton until he COURTESY CALVIN RICHARDSON

s the end of the year, and the end of the decade, draws nearer, lovers of soul music enthusiastically mark their calendars as they count down the days until the 2019 Soulabration, which will be held on Dec. 28 starting at 7 p.m. at the Mississippi Coliseum. Here is an overview of the six artists performing during this night of soul.

by Caleb McCluskey

Calvin Richardson headlines the 2019 Soulabration event featuring other artists.

T.K. Soul Contemporary R&B singer T. K. Soul, born Terrance Kimble, built his music on a foundation of traditional soul mixed with a hip-hop attitude. He calls himself the “bad boy of Southern Soul,” and grew up in Winnfield, La., on the Jackson 5, Al Green and Prince.

branched into a solo career and formed his label named Soulful Records. Pokey Bear Louisianan bluesman Pokey Bear of Baton Rouge is one-third of the band known as the Louisiana Blues Brothas and started his solo effort in 2013 with “Jose-

phine Son Pokey.” He has since released two more solo albums while still collaborating with his band. Pokey Bear, also known as simply Pokey or Big Pokey Bear, uses a fusion of R&B and bayou soul to make a style all to himself. Pokey Bear and TUCKA have previously collaborated together, with TUCKA sparing some bars in a remix of Pokey Bear’s theme song “They Call me Pokey.” Big Yayo Yayo, also known as Big Yayo, is a southern, soul musician from Goodman, Miss., which is just north of Jackson. The artist is known for his edgy hip-hop thumps that mix funk, soul, R&B and a touch of country into dancefloor grooves. Yayo’s songs generally revolve around two things: dancing and lovemaking. Yayo, born Christopher Mabry has consistently released singles until his 2015 debut “Southern Classic.” Yayo says he wants to be considered an ambassador for Southern culture. Super Soul Posse 2019 Soulabration also includes a special performance by Super Soul Posse, a collaborative collection of southern soul musicians, who dropped their first single “Wave to the Sky” earlier this year, which features the musicians Yayo, Adrena, DBroom, L.J. Echols, Andrea Lee, Krishunda Echols, Adrienne and Emerson Hill.

SATURDAY 1 /4 Hot Dog Eating Contest begins 2 p.m. at Hot Dog Man (1710 Monroe St., Vicksburg). Contestants compete in the hotdog-eating contest celebrating the business reaching more than 1 million hot dogs sold. The winner receives a $200 cash prize. $10 entry fee; call 601629-3998; find it on Facebook. PIXABAY

Dec. 31, or $100 off one workshop (total $150). Write class@writingtochange.com or call 601-966-0834. Cash, credit cards, checks OK.

ARTS & EXHIBITS Keep Building Jackson Celebrates 10th Anniversary Dec. 26-28, Jan. 2-4, Jan. 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Arts Center of Mississippi (201

E. Pascagoula St.). The arts center hosts the “Keep Building Jackson!” Brick Display, built by retired clinical psychologist Scott Crawford, who lives with progressive multiple sclerosis. Free admission; call 601- 960-1557, Ext 224; find it on Facebook. Events at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.)

• Creative Healing Studio Jan. 1, 12:30-2 p.m. Art therapist Susan Anand leads the bimonthly art activity for adults being treated for cancer or those who have previously been diagnosed with cancer. All skill levels welcome. Registration required. Free admission; call 601-960-1515; email smainlay@aol.com; msmuseumart.org. • Cape Art & Coffee Jan. 4, 10-11:30 a.m. The Museum’s Center for Art and Public Exchange (CAPE) leads this opportunity to slow down with fellow art lovers in a casual morning learning space. Coffee is served. This month, Rukia Lumumba discusses her work as a community activist dealing with the school-to-prison pipeline and healing the relationship between communities of color and law enforcement. Free admission; call 601-960-1515; msmuseumart.org.

BE THE CHANGE The Jackson Tougaloo Alumni Chapter Scholarship Dance Dec. 26, 7-11:30 p.m., at Hilton Hotel - Jackson (1001 County Line Road). The Jackson Tougaloo Alumni Chapter hosts its annual Thelma Sanders Scholarship Dance.

Proceeds support scholarships for students to further their education at Tougaloo College. The event recognizes Dr. Shannon Pittman Moore, the Alma Lowry Hill Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, for her contributions to Tougaloo and to the field of medicine. $40 registration; call 601-573-3900; email jtac1869@gmail.com. Alpha Delta Zeta Highway Cleanup & Bonding Breakfast Jan. 4, 6:30-11 a.m., at Walmart Jackson (2711 Greenway Drive). Alpha Delta Zeta Chapter hosts a highway clean-up followed by breakfast at IHOP on Highway 18. Free admission; email adz@adz1938.org; find it on Facebook.

December 23, 2019 - January 7, 2020 • jfp.ms

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

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. 25

courtesy Hood Baby and the Barnacles

12/23 - 1/7 Monday 12/23 Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - CMBS presents Blue Monday 7 p.m. $5 Kathryn’s - Joseph LaSalla 6:30 p.m. Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

Tuesday 12/24 1908 Provisions - Vince Barranco 6 p.m. Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Fenian’s - Open Mic 9 p.m. Kathryn’s - Fade2Blue 6:30 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - Dinner, Drinks and Jazz: Raphael Semmes & Friends 9 p.m. Table 100 - Chalmers Davis 6 p.m.

Wednesday 12/25 1908 Provisions - Ronnie Brown 6:30 p.m. Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - Bass Drum Of Death, DJ Scrap Dirty, Kate Teague, Spirituals and The Cats Purring Family Band 8 p.m. Shucker’s - Sonny & Co. 7:30 p.m. Table 100 - Andy Henderson 6 p.m.

Thursday 12/26 Bonny Blair’s Live, Brandon - Matt & Shawn 7 p.m. Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. F. Jones Corner - Chris Minter & the

Hood Baby and the Barnacles

shucker 4-10 p.m.; Acoustic Crossroads 7:30-11:30 p.m. Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

Friday 12/27 1908 Provisions - Bill Ellison 6:30 p.m. Alumni House - Hunter Gibson & Chris Link 7 p.m. Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - The City 8 p.m. Bar 3911 - DJ Taboo 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Bonny Blair’s, Brandon - Lovin Ledbeter 9 p.m. Char - Ronnie Brown 6 p.m. Drago’s - Johnny Crocker 6 p.m. F. Jones Corner - The Blues Man 10 p.m. $5; Sherman Lee Dillon & the MS Sound midnight $10 Genna Benna, Brandon - Wes Bailey 7 p.m. Georgia Blue, Flowood - Nathan Logan 7 p.m. Georgia Blue, Madison - Shaun Patterson 7 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - Ally & Jazz Katz in Dining Room; Beebee’s, Bark and Witchcake in Red Room 7 p.m. Kathryn’s - The Sole Shakers 7 p.m. Martin’s - The Iceman Special 8 p.m. Pelican Cove - Jesse Howell Duo 6 p.m. Shucker’s - Sonny Duo 5:30 p.m.; Bad Charlotte 8 p.m. $5; Jason Turner courtesy Afroman

December 23, 2019 - January 7, 2020 • jfp.ms

Afroman

Char - John Clark 6 p.m. CS’s - Karaoke 8 p.m. Cultivation Food Hall - Victoria Lynne Sittig 6 p.m. F. Jones Corner - Big Money Mel & Small Change Wayne 10 p.m. $5; Sherman Lee Dillon & the MS Sound midnight $10 Genna Benna, Brandon - Aaron Coker 7 p.m. Georgia Blue, Flowood - Chad Wesley 7 p.m. Georgia Blue, Madison - Jason Turner 7 p.m. Kathryn’s - Faze 4 Dance 7 p.m. Martin’s - John Paul Keith 10 p.m. Mississippi Coliseum - (Soulabration) Calvin Richardson, King of Swing Tucka, Bad Boy T.K. Soul, Big Pokey Bear, Yayo and Super Soul Posse 7 p.m. Pelican Cove - Patterson & Alexander 6 p.m. Pops Saloon - Bulletproof 8 p.m. Shucker’s - Acoustic Crossroads 3:30 p.m.; Bad Charlotte 8 p.m. $5; Chad Perry 10 p.m. Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Two Rivers, Canton - DoubleShotz 8 p.m.

Sunday 12/29 1908 Provisions - Knight Bruce 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Char - Big Easy Three 11 a.m.; Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Kathryn’s - Scott Turner Trio 6 p.m. Pelican Cove - Stace & Cassie 12-4 p.m.; Gena Steele 5 p.m. Shucker’s - Chris Gill & The Sole Shakers 3:30 p.m. Table 100 - Raphael Semmes Trio 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dan Michael Colbert 6-9 p.m. Wellington’s - Andy Hardwick 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Monday 12/30 Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - CMBS presents Blue Monday 7 p.m. $5 Kathryn’s - Johnny Crocker 6:30 p.m. Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m. KJ Funkmasters 11 p.m. $5 Genna Benna, Brandon - Todd Smith 7 p.m. Georgia Blue, Flowood - Aaron Coker 7 p.m. Georgia Blue, Madison - Wes Bailey 7 p.m. Kathryn’s - Keys vs. Strings Dueling Piano Show 6:30 p.m. Martin’s - TVBOO with DJ URI, Badmouth and Mckoi & Stone 10 p.m. Pelican Cove - Chris Gill 6 p.m. Shucker’s - Bushwacker & Mother-

Trio 10 p.m. Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Two Rivers, Canton - DoubleShotz 8 p.m.

Saturday 12/28 Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - Eddie Cotton, Jr. 8 p.m. Bar 3911 - Drag Performance & Dance Party feat. DJ Taboo 8 p.m.-3 a.m. free before 10 p.m. Bonny Blair’s Live, Brandon - Lovin Ledbetter 9 p.m.

Tuesday 12/31 1908 Provisions - Vince Barranco 6:30 p.m. Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar - Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster 8 p.m. Bonny Blair’s Live, Brandon - Keys vs. Strings & Jason Miller Band 8 p.m. Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Duling Hall - The Rocky Horror Burlesque Show 9 p.m. Fenian’s - Open Mic 9 p.m. Georgia Blue, Madison - NYE Show:

See more music at jfp.ms/musiclistings. To be included in print, email listings to music@jacksonfreepress.com. Zach Bridges Band 7 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - Dinner, Drinks and Jazz: Raphael Semmes & Friends 9 p.m. Kathryn’s - Travlin’ Jane 6:30 p.m. Martin’s - The Captain Midnight Band 9 p.m. Pelican Cove - Bad Charlotte 8 p.m. Shucker’s - Faze 4 8 p.m.-1 a.m.; Charade 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Table 100 - Chalmers Davis 6 p.m.

Wednesday 1/1 1908 Provisions - Ronnie Brown 6:30 p.m. Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - New Bourbon Street Jazz Band 7 p.m. Pelican Cove - Richard Lee Davis 6:30 p.m. Table 100 - Andy Henderson 6 p.m.

Thursday 1/2 Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. F. Jones Corner - Chris Minter & the KJ Funkmasters 11 p.m. $5 Genna Benna, Brandon - Live Music 7 p.m. Georgia Blue, Flowood - Live Music 7 p.m. Georgia Blue, Madison - Live Music 7 p.m. Iron Horse Grill - Robert Kimbrough, Sr. & Good Vibes 6 p.m. Kathryn’s - Steele Heart 6:30 p.m. Martin’s - Afroman 10 p.m. Pelican Cove - Live Music 6 p.m. Shucker’s - Live Music 7:30 p.m. Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

Friday 1/3 1908 Provisions - Chuck Bryan 6:30 p.m. Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - Mike Rob & The 601 Band 8 p.m. Bar 3911 - DJ Taboo 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Bonny Blair’s, Brandon - Lovin Ledbeter 9 p.m. Char - Ronnie Brown 6 p.m. Duling Hall - The Disco Stranglers 6 p.m. F. Jones Corner - The Blues Man 10 p.m. $5; Sorrento Ussery midnight $10 Genna Benna, Brandon - Live Music 7 p.m. Georgia Blue, Flowood - Live Music 7 p.m. Georgia Blue, Madison - Live Music 7 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - Ally & Jazz Katz in Dining Room; Beebee’s, Bark and Witchcake in Red Room 7 p.m. Kathryn’s - Jay Wadsworth & The Round Up Band 7 p.m. Pelican Cove - Live Music 6 p.m. Shucker’s - Live Music 5:30 p.m.;

Live Music 8 p.m. $5; Live Music 10 p.m. Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Saturday 1/4 Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - Barefoot Highway 8 p.m. Bar 3911 - Drag Performance & Dance Party feat. DJ Taboo 8 p.m.-3 a.m. free before 10 p.m. Char - John Clark 6 p.m. CS’s - Karaoke 8 p.m. Cultivation Food Hall - Live Music 6 p.m. F. Jones Corner - Big Money Mel & Small Change Wayne 10 p.m. $5; Stevie J midnight $10 Genna Benna, Brandon - Live Music 7 p.m. Georgia Blue, Flowood - Live Music 7 p.m. Georgia Blue, Madison - Live Music 7 p.m. Kathryn’s - Faze 4 Dance Band 7 p.m. Martin’s - Hood Baby and the Barnacles 10 p.m. Pelican Cove - Live Music 6 p.m. Pops Saloon - Motley Crucial & Poison Overdose Return 7 p.m. Shucker’s - Live Music 3:30 p.m.; Live Music 8 p.m. $5; Live Music 10 p.m. Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Sunday 1/5 1908 Provisions - Knight Bruce 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Char - Big Easy Three 11 a.m.; Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Kathryn’s - Wayward Jones 6 p.m. Pelican Cove - Live Music 6 p.m. Shucker’s - Live Music 3:30 p.m. Table 100 - Raphael Semmes Trio 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dan Michael Colbert 6-9 p.m. Wellington’s - Andy Hardwick 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Monday 1/6 Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - CMBS presents Blue Monday 7 p.m. $5 Kathryn’s - Joseph LaSalla 6:30 p.m. Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

Tuesday 1/7 Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Drago’s - Larry Brewer 6 p.m. Fenian’s - Open Mic 9 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - Dinner, Drinks and Jazz: Raphael Semmes & Friends 9 p.m. Kathryn’s - Scott Stricklin & Brian Smith 6:30 p.m. Mississippi Museum of Art - New JXN 6 p.m. Table 100 - Chalmers Davis 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2

Offsite & Onsite CATERING AVAILABLE

DECEMBER

Music/Events

Monday 12/23

January

$5 Margaritas, $5 Mezcalitas, $3 Patron Shots $1 off all beer

Monday

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

Tuesday

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

22 23

Friday

February

8 12

Sat-Sun

Endless Mimosas $15 $6 Bloody Mary’s & Micheladas

8 p.m. to 2 a.m. - Buy tickets online, $25/per

Thursday 12/26

Friday 12/27

Cary Hudson nf//gs Pink Palaces Judson Wright the CUT

2820 N State St (601) 487-6082 greenghosttacos.com

AT DULING

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

Friday 1/3

Saturday 1/4

Restaurant Open Sunday 1/5

SONGWRITER SERIES Feat. Zach Bridges, Brennan White, Micah Smith, Anse Rigby Red Room - 6pm

Monday 1/6

Red Room - Doors 8 - Show 9 - $10

Central MS Blues Society presents:

Timmy Avalon Duo

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

Dining Room - 7pm - Free

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

Blue Monday Tuesday 1/7

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

Upcoming

1/24 - Seth Power Band

HAPPY HOUR

Thursday 1/2

Restaurant Open

Sunday Potluck

www.dulinghall.com

RESTAURANT CLOSED

Red Room - Doors 8 - Show 9

SAINTS VS. PANTHERS

COMPLETE SHOW LISTINGS & TICKETS

Wednesday 1/1

Restaurant Open

Sunday 12/29

JAZZ, DJ, KARAOKE, CHAMPAIGN TOAST.

RESTAURANT CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY

Saturday 12/28

$2 off Shrimp and Fish Tacos

RESTAURANT CLOSED

RESTAURANT CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY

Dining Room - 7:00pm - Free

Tuesday 12/31

KRYSTAL BALL

Cats Purring

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

RESTAURANT CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY Wednesday 12/25

$2 off Quesadillas

Ladies Day! 1/2 priced Salads and Bowls Happy Hour Starts at 4 p.m. for Ladies

Tuesday 12/24

Central MS Blues Society presents:

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

Wednesday Thursday

Central MS Blues Society presents:

Monday 12/30

2/28 - The Rock Project

We’re now on Waitr!

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December 23 - January 7, 2019 • jfp.ms

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Mattel 52 Diamond experts? 53 Bird-related 54 Laissez-___ 56 Tolkien trilogy, to fans 57 Islands off the North Carolina coast, or the theme of this puzzle 62 One in the red 63 Volcanic dust 64 “The Death of Actaeon” painter 65 ___ buco (Italian veal dish) 66 ATM charge 67 Word of the future?

BY MATT JONES

Down

1 “In ___” (Nirvana album of 1993) 6 506, in Roman numerals 9 Breaks down 13 Diminished 15 Youngest woman to serve in Congress, initially 16 “___ for Steve” (Morley Callaghan short story) 17 Coen Brothers movie of 1991 19 Zip 20 Internet annoyance 21 Lazybones 22 Lenny’s friend on “The Simpsons”

25 2007 T-Pain song feat. Yung Joc 28 Garden pests 30 March Madness org. 31 Queen of Quebec? 32 Sandcastle tool 34 “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” disguise 37 Good value, slangily 41 “___ y Plata” (Montana motto) 42 “Tres ___” (“Very well,” in Paris) 43 Bindi and Robert Irwin’s mother 44 Crawl around? 46 Bedazzler item 47 Color categorized as #DA1884 and Pantone 219C and trademarked by

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55 Triple Crown category in baseball 57 Ungainly one 58 Take advantage of 59 Actress Vardalos 60 Penn of the “Harold & Kumar” films 61 Show with Ego Nwodim, briefly ©2019 Jonesin’ Crosswords (jonesincrosswords@gmail.com)

1 Flash drive letters 2 “___ Carter V” (Lil Wayne album of 2018) 3 Goof 4 Sounding like a clunky engine 5 ___ about (approximately) 6 Every 24 hours 7 Actor Max ___ Sydow 8 “Ew!” 9 Actress Bullock of “Bird Box” 10 Central Florida city 11 City in the Black Forest, when doubled 12 Inspire, as Kondoesque joy 14 Radio features, once 18 It might give you chills 21 “Princess ___” (Gilbert & Sullivan operetta) 22 ___ loading (marathon runner’s strategy) 23 “... partridge in ___ tree” 24 Horned charger 26 Part of SOTU 27 “Because Freedom Can’t Protect Itself” org. 29 ___ Jam Records 32 Dress up fussily 33 Consenting vote 34 Gold, in Latin

“Shore Thing” --from one side to another. Across

35 Monetary stand-in 36 Onion peels 38 Award co-presented by the American Theatre Wing 39 State hwy. 40 Hand down to heirs 44 Food court pizza chain 45 Get a victory 46 Go around, as an issue 47 “The Jungle Book” bear 48 Affirms as true 49 Formal ceremonies 50 “___ shoe fits ...” 51 No, in Scotland

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CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

Fifteenth-century Italian metalworker Lorenzo Ghiberti worked for 28 years to turn the Doors of the Florence Baptistry into a massive work of art. He used bronze to create numerous scenes from the Bible. His fellow artist Michelangelo was so impressed that he said Ghiberti’s doors could have served as “The Gates of Paradise.” I offer Ghiberti as inspiration for your life in 2020, Capricorn. I think you’ll be capable of beginning a masterwork that could take quite some time to complete and serve as your very own “gate to paradise”: in other words, an engaging project and delightful accomplishment that will make you feel your life is eminently meaningful and worthwhile.

You’re wise to cultivate a degree of skepticism and even contrariness. Like all of us, your abilities to say NO to detrimental influences and to criticize bad things are key to your mental health. On the other hand, it’s a smart idea to keep checking yourself for irrelevant, gratuitous skepticism and contrariness. You have a sacred duty to maintain just the amount you need, but no more—even as you foster a vigorous reservoir of receptivity, optimism, and generosity. And guess what? 2020 will be an excellent time to make this one of your cornerstone habits.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20):

Dante Alighieri (1265–1321) finished writing The Divine Comedy in 1320. Today it’s considered one of the supreme literary accomplishments in the Italian language and a classic of world literature. But no one ever read the entire work in the English language until 1802, when it was translated for the first time. Let’s invoke this as a metaphor for your life in the coming months, Pisces. According to my visions, a resource or influence that has previously been inaccessible to you will finally arrive in a form you can understand and use. Some wisdom that has been untranslatable or unreadable will at last be available.

ARIES (March 21-April 19):

Nazi Germany invaded and occupied Denmark during World War II. In 1943, Hitler ordered all Danish Jews to be arrested—a first step in his plan to send them to concentration camps. But the Danish resistance movement leapt into action and smuggled virtually all of them to safety via fishing boats bound for Sweden. As a result, 8,000+ Danish Jews survived the Holocaust. You may not have the opportunity to do anything quite as heroic in 2020, Aries. But I expect you will have chances to express a high order of practical idealism that could be among your noblest and most valiant efforts ever. Draw inspiration from the Danish resistance.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20):

When she was 31, Taurus writer Charlotte Brontë finished writing her novel Jane Eyre. She guessed it would have a better chance of getting published if its author was thought to be a man. So she adopted the masculine pen name of Currer Bell and sent the manuscript unsolicited to a London publisher. Less than eight weeks later, her new book was in print. It quickly became a commercial success. I propose that we make Brontë one of your role models for 2020, Taurus. May she inspire you to be audacious in expressing yourself and confident in seeking the help you need to reach your goals. May she embolden you, too, to use ingenious stratagems to support your righteous cause.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20):

2020 can and should be a lyrically healing year for you. Here’s what I mean: Beauty and grace will be curative. The “medicine” you need will come to you via poetic and mellifluous experiences. With this in mind, I encourage you to seek out encounters with the following remedies. 1. Truth Whimsies 2. Curiosity Breakthroughs 3. Delight Gambles 4. Sacred Amusements 4. Redemptive Synchronicities 5. Surprise Ripenings 6. Gleeful Discoveries 7. Epiphany Adventures 8. Enchantment Games 9. Elegance Eruptions 10. Intimacy Angels 11. Playful Salvation 12. Luminosity Spells

CANCER (June 21-July 22):

“There are years that ask questions and years that answer,” wrote author Zora Neale Hurston. According to my astrological analysis, Cancerian, 2020 is likely to be one of those years that asks questions, while 2021 will be a time when you’ll get rich and meaningful answers to the queries you’ll pose in 2020. To ensure that this

plan works out for your maximum benefit, it’s essential that you formulate provocative questions in the coming months. At first, it’s fine if you generate too many. As the year progresses, you can whittle them down to the most ultimate and important questions. Get started!

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):

The Roman Emperor Vespasian (9–79 AD) supervised the restoration of the Temple of Peace, the Temple of Claudius, and the Theater of Marcellus. He also built a huge statue of Apollo and the amphitheater now known as the Colosseum, whose magnificent ruins are still a major tourist attraction. Vespasian also created a less majestic but quite practical wonder: Rome’s first public urinals. In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you Leos to be stimulated by his example in 2020. Be your usual magnificent self as you generate both inspiring beauty and earthy, pragmatic improvements.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

When Virgo author Mary Shelley was 18 years old, she had a disconcerting dream-like vision about a mad chemist who created a weird human-like creature out of non-living matter. She set about to write a book based on her mirage. At age 20, she published Frankenstein, a novel that would ultimately wield a huge cultural influence and become a seminal work in the “science fiction” genre. I propose we make Shelley one of your role models for 2020. Why? Because I suspect that you, too, will have the power to transform a challenging event or influence into an important asset. You’ll be able to generate or attract a new source of energy by responding creatively to experiences that initially provoke anxiety.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):

Libra-born mystic poet Rumi (1207–1273) wrote that he searched for holy sustenance and divine inspiration in temples, churches, and mosques—but couldn’t find them there. The good news? Because of his disappointment, he was motivated to go on an inner quest—and ultimately found holy sustenance and divine inspiration in his own heart. I’ve got a strong feeling that you’ll have similar experiences in 2020, Libra. Not on every occasion, but much of the time, you will discover the treasure you need and long for not in the outside world but rather in your own depths.

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SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):

Among his many accomplishments, Scorpio rapper Drake is an inventive rhymer. In his song “Diplomatic Immunity,” he rhymes “sacred temple” with “stencil.” Brilliant! Other rhymes: “statistics” with “ballistics”; “Treaty of Versailles” with “no cease and desist in I”; and—my favorite—”Al Jazeera” (the Qatar-based news source) with “Shakira” (the Colombian singer). According to my analysis of the astrological omens in 2020, many of you Scorpios will have Drake-style skill at mixing and blending seemingly disparate elements. I bet you’ll also be good at connecting influences that belong together but have never been able to combine before.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

Sagittarian poet Rainer Maria Rilke (1875–1926) embodied a trait that many astrology textbooks suggest is common to the Sagittarian tribe: wanderlust. He was born in Prague but traveled widely throughout Europe and Russia. If there were a Guinness World Records’ category for “Time Spent as a Houseguest,” Rilke might hold it. There was a four-year period when he lived at fifty different addresses. I’m going to be bold here and hypothesize that 2020 will NOT be one of those years when you would benefit from being like Rilke. In fact, I hope you’ll seek out more stability and security than usual.

Homework: Your imagination is the single most important asset you possess. What can you do to ensure it serves you well and doesn’t drive you crazy?

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December 23, 2019 - January 7, 2020 • jfp.ms

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):

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LOCAL LIST

Top 10 1

1. Hinds County Courthouse (407 E. Pascagoula St.) I marvel at such architectural beauty found in downtown Jackson. 2. Mississippi State Capitol (400 High St.) The nearby Capitol in downtown Jackson is just as beautiful to me.

December 23, 2019 - January 7, 2020 • jfp.ms

3. New Stage Theatre (1100 Carlisle St.) All my visits to New Stage have been met with world-class talent and riveting entertainment.

5. Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.) I get lost for hours at this museum. 6. Mississippi Crafts Center (950 Rice Road) This place has hours’ worth of fun just waiting for visitors.

We’ve got you covered for you last minute catering. We hope you and your family have joyous holiday. We can’t wait to see what 2020 holds for our customers.

Angelique Rawls

4. Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.) I have enjoyed every concert, dance or theatrical performance I have attended here.

Angelique Rawls, assistant vice president of communications and development for the Hinds County Resource Agency, grew up thinking she would move to a bigger city and have an office in a high-rise building with a large window where she would develop amazing ad campaigns. She never left, and she doesn’t want to. Here are 10 reasons she loves the Jackson metro.

7. Iron Horse Grill (320 W. Pearl St.) When I sit down at Iron Horse, I often order a burger. They are great. 8. Char Restaurant (4500 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road) Another food favorite, Char’s menu is filled with delicious items. 9. Cock of the Walk (141 Madison Landing Circle, Ridgeland) Every chance I get, I take anyone who is visiting from another state for the first time to this restaurant. I get

Our Holiday Schedule:

tickled at the idea that they will go back home and tell everyone that the people in Mississippi eat off tin plates and drink out of tin cups. 10. Jackson-Evers International Airport (100 International Drive) After taking a trip to an exciting location, I especially like flying into the airport late at night. No matter where I go, I always enjoy coming home.

MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

Christmas Eve: Regular Hours Christmas Day-Closed 730 Lakeland Dr. Jackson, MS | 601-366-6033 New Year’s Eve: Regular Hours Sun-Thurs: 11am - 10pm, Fri-Sat: 11am - 11pm WE DELIVER FOR CATERING ORDERS Fondren / Belhaven / UMC area Jan 1-2: Closed

Acacia Clark; Imani KHayam; Kristin Brenemen; Trip Burns; Amher Helsel; Trip Burns; Trip BUrns; courtesy Iron Horse Grill; courtesy Char Restaurant; courtesy Cock of the Walk; clipart

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