Expose’ Magazine
Of Jackson
meet the
PRESIDENT Dr. Carolyn meyers
A SPECIAL
see who’s who in
BLACK HISTORY edition: lots of history revealed!
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jackson!
Issue 12 | February 2013
february 2013
contents
Features
06 Smith Robertson Museum 16 Civil Rights Legends 18 Dr. Carolyn Meyers, President of Jackson State University
24 John Hardy - Revealed
26 See Who’s Who in Jackson 28 Entertainment News 30 Book Shelf
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Expose’ Magazine of Jackson
LETTER FROM
THE EDITOR We are Proud to Present A Special Black History Edition As a JSU graduate, it is an honor and a pleasure to feature Dr. Carolyn Meyers, the President of my beloved University, in our special Black History Edition. Infact Dr. Meyers is making black history as the first woman president of Jackson State University! I am also proud to honor two of Mississippi’s legends that we don’t hear very much about - Rev. Robert L. T. Smith, Sr. and John R. Lynch (J. R. Lynch Street is named in his honor and Jackson State University is located on the street that bears his name.) You will also be introduced to the Director of the Smith Robertson Museum, Pamela Junior. Plus see Who’s Who in Jackson and much more.
Terri Lynn Editor in Chief
On The cover:
Expose’ Magazine of Jackson
Dr. Carolyn Meyers, President of Jackson State University
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Expose’ Magazine of Jackson
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Stephanie Donaldson Owner of Silver Gallery
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JACKSON, MS 39211
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smith robertson
museum Interview with Pamela Junior, Director of Smith Robertson Museum, operating under the auspices of the City of Jackson.
EMOJ:
P
amela, please tell us about the history of Smith Robertson Museum & Cultural Center. Ms. Junior: Smith Robertson Museum & Cultural Center is housed in the first school for African Americans in the City of Jackson, Mississippi. Built in 1894, the school meet was named after Mr. Smith Robertson, a pamela junior former slave from Fayette, manager of Alabama. Mr. Robertson smith robertson museum was the first African American Alderman school for the children to for the city of Jackson attend. A large amount of who died in 1899. The the first faculty members school was pinned “The were memorialized for Mother School”. Alums include, Richard Nathaniel their passionate quest to teaching students. What Wright, author of Black do I mean by that senBoy and Native Son and Randall Pinkston CBS New tence, most of the Jackson area is named after past Correspondent. Jackson was very fortunate to have faculty members such as; Golden Nathaniel Smith such a wonderful public
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(G. N. Smith Elementary); Mary L. Morrison (Morrison Elementary); Odell Clausell (Clausell Elementary); Sallie Reynolds (closed Sallie Reynolds Elementary) W. H. Lanier (Lanier High School) John Powell (Powell Middle School) and many others. The school closed in 1971 because of the desegrega-
tion of schools in Jackson. Children were being bused to schools in other communities and the enrollment was lowered and the school was forced to close. After being closed for many years the city wanted to bulldoze the property, the word of the school being torn down ran rapid through the community and activists and educators such as Dr. Jessie B. Mosley and Dr. Alferdteen Harrison were able to bring organizations together with two-hundred signatures of registered voters. These women took the signatures to City Hall and were able to buy the facility for $ 1.00. Dr. Otha Burton who was the Director of the Department of Human and Cultural Services was able to get at Community Development Block Grant to renovate the facility. The museum opened in 1984. After some years of managing the museum, Dr. Mosley sold the facility back to the City of Jackson and the museum runs under the auspices of its leadership.
jackson’s premier cultural museum tions, either permanent or temporary, tell a comprehensive story regarding the history of the African American in Mississippi. EMOJ: How has the museum evolved under your leadership? Ms. Junior: I have been more than fortunate to stand on the shoulders of two wonderful managers before me; Dr. Jessie B. Mosley and Theresa King who each in their own rights have made my job very easy. Dr. Mosley was responsible for the “concept” of an African American Museum being housed in this school. She also travelled the entire state of Mississippi looking
wall of greats See this exhibit when you walk into the museum.
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EMOJ: What is your role at the museum? Ms. Junior: Under the heading of manager of Smith Robertson Museum & Cultural Center I am responsible for managing the facility, staff members and budgetary issues. I am also responsible for making sure that all exhibi-
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old photo of the school before becoming a museum
for artifacts and was passionate beyond measure in her quest to make this museum the best museum in the country. Ms. Theresa King also had an undeniable passion about this museum. She left an enormous foot print to walk behind. She was responsible for bringing well known artists such as Jacob Lawrence and his beautiful wife Gwendolyn Knight to Jackson. The historical marker and the beautiful mural of Richard N. Wright that welcomes you when you drive towards the museum were all powerful changes that were made
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under her leadership. Then we get to me, I am not one to talk much about what I have done, I truly believe the old gospel song, “May the work I’ve done speak for me”. Everything that has been done under my leadership would only be possible with the wonderful staff members that walk through the doors of the museum everyday. I do believe that like minds work together. I sought out the most brilliant minds to work at this facility. The passion here runs deep and it makes the workload easy. Through the tireless efforts of staff
members we have been able to focus solely on teaching to the masses the history of the African American from before he crossed the Atlantic Ocean (how he lived) to the struggles, trials and tribulations that he endured, to living and infusing his culture with the dynamics of the Americas. I believe strongly that if we don’t teach our children about the habits, culture and mistakes of our ancestors, then yes, we/they will repeat them. Our job here at the museum is to make sure that each child/ adult that comes through those doors leave with
more than they can imagine serving in the military, EMOJ: Tell us about some of regarding their history. being a student at Alcorn your exhibits. State University, becoming the 1st Field Secretary in Ms. Junior: The museum is EMOJ: What are some of Mississippi for the NAACP very excited about the renothe events going on at the to his sad demise by Byron vations that have/will be Museum during the year? De La Beckwith. We want- made. When you walk into ed to make sure that the the doors of the museum Ms. Junior: Well, I am excit- whole story was told, not we have a wonderful new ed to say that the museum just portions of the story. “Welcome Center” where is truly doing some amazWe also wanted students to ing events during the 2013 see the steps that Medgar year. First of all on the 20th of February we will be joining the Penguin Restaurant and Bar in having a luncheon to “Celebrate the Legacy of African Americans in Mississippi” at 11:30 a.m. at the Penguin Restaurant. We are so excited to bring a wonderful retrospect of African American life in Jackson beginning in the early 1930’s all in wonderful black and white photographs. Our David Taylor Gallery will be featuring an exhibit called Faculty members 1920’s “Colors between Brothers: Featuring Lorenzo Gayden walked to his greatness. you will be greeted with and Shambe’ Jones. This All of us have greatness open arms and eager folks exhibition will begin the and sometimes it’s the path to teach you about the his11th of February. Other that we walk that will lead tory of African Americans exciting programs will us right into that greatin Mississippi. We have include the opening of our ness. All of us have this revamped the exhibition new permanent gallery greatness, how we use it is regarding Smith Robertson regarding Medgar Wiley of importance. This exhibi- School. The museum staff Evers! The museum is very tion will open on the 9th wanted to make sure that excited about this exhibiof June which is the begin- the entire comprehensive tion and included the family ning week of the 50th story was told about the in the research. Mrs. Myrlie Anniversary of Medgar’s school, with large graphEvers Williams and her chil- death. Other events at ics. We have also created a dren were very excited to the museum include the new exhibition on Richard bring this gallery to Smith creation of a Civil Rights Wright, a former student Robertson Museum and Gallery and the lunch of Smith Robertson School Cultural Center. The perma- counter scene from the old who graduated in 1925 and nent gallery will start with Woolworth Five and Dime went on to be a famous Medgar’s life as a young Store on Capitol Street in novelist. boy in Decatur, Mississippi, downtown Jackson.
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Richard Wright exhibit Upstairs, we are excited to tell people that we have a permanent gallery that tells the story of the African American and his travels during the Great Migration called “Field to Factory-1915 through 1940. The museum is elated to say that there are only two venues that you can see this exhibition (1) at the National Museum of American HistorySmithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. and Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center in Jackson, Mississippi. The permanent gallery that I am so very proud of is “From Africa to
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Mississippi” exhibition. We have built the “Hole” of the ship inside the museum. The Hole of the ship was the part of the ship that the enslaved Africans were kept. Adults and children, men and women, were placed in the worst of conditions. We want students/teachers/patrons to feel the pain, feel the sense of hopelessness that these proud people felt! But, through these adversities made it through! WE must continue to vigilantly have a venue where people of all races can learn about the African American. These are just some of the wonder-
ful exhibits that you will be able to see at Smith Robertson Museum & Cultural Center. EMOJ: Can you elaborate on why Smith Robertson Museum is important for the community? Ms. Junior: I keep going back to the cliché if you are not familiar with your path, how do you move forward! Our people are stuck in a rut, because we don’t have a sense of who the slave was, where he came from and how he lived before making that voyage. The culture of the African American is so rich,
so vast, so important to all people. This land was built by the African American! We must keep teaching and show the resilience of these strong people. Why is this museum so important, you ask? Because we have everything you need to know about the African American in Mississippi. Everything you want to know about the African before he came to the Americas, how it felt for eight weeks on a vessel with NO idea on what or where they were going, could you do this today? What we give to the community is their strength back, their integrity back, their fortitude back! If we don’t bring these characteristics of the African before he got on that ship, then we will forever be lost.
location
above: atrium
below: gift shoP
Smith Robertson Museum is located at 528 Bloom Street in downtown Jackson, MS 39202.
museum hours Hours of Operation are from: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weekend: Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
contact: Phone Number: 601.960.1457
parking: Parking is Free!
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From Field to Factory Exhibition
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Expose’ Magazine of Jackson
“This is a life sized replica of an actual holding area for slaves in the ship. You can walk through the exhibit to see where the slaves where actually kept. There will also be sound effects. It’s very dark and erie!”
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minister of jackson’s civil rights movement Rev. r. L. T. smith Rev. Robert L. T. Smith, Sr. and Granddaughter
R
everand R. L. T. Sr., was the first African American to run for U. S. Congress since reconstruction.
“After the urging of many prominent Negro and white citizens in the fourth congressional district, I have consented to run for a seat in the Unites States House of Representatives from the fourth Congressional District of Mississippi”. Rev. R. L. T. Smith, Sr. was born in Utica, Mississippi. He married Annie Louise Mason of Bolton, Mississippi. They were the proud parents of 11 children. He taught school at an early age. Later he became a postman and business man. His grocery story, Smith’s Supermarket, was located on Valley Street in Jackson. His wife and daughters ran the store while he was on his mail route as a postman. Rev. Smith, my grandfather, became interested in the plight of black people and therefore involved himself with the civil rights movement. He was a good friend of Medgar Evers and he was also closely aligned with Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. who resided in Rev. Smith’s home on Dr. King’s trips to Jackson, Mississippi.
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In 1961, after years of working with the civil rights movement, he decided to run for the U. S. House of Representatives against John Bell Williams. This was a tumultuous time for him to seek the office of congress. During this time he received many threatening phone calls and the window panes were broken out of his super market. Bob Moses, another civil rights leader, volunteered to travel the state with Rev. Smith, giving him protection and assistance. Even though his bid for U. S. Congress was not successful, he was a pioneer for other African Americans from Mississippi to seek congressional office post the Reconstruction Era.
Image Credit: Miss. Dept. of Archives
John R. Lynch (1847-1937) was a slave. His mother, Catherine White, also a slave, was of African and European heritage. Patrick Lynch, his father, was from Dublin, Ireland. After his father died he and his mother were sold to a plantation in Natchez, Mississippi.
“Mr. Speaker, it is not social rights that we desire. We have enough of that . . . ”
Although John R. Lynch’s only formal education consisted of four night classes, he spoke English fluently. Prior to becoming involved with politics Mr. Lynch taught himself photography. He had a successful photography business in Natchez, Mississippi. John R. Lynch’s public service began when he was appointed as Justice of the Peace by Mississippi Governor Ames in 1869. Later that same year he was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives. He was also Mississippi’s first African American Speaker of the House. He served several terms in that office until 1873. In 1873, at the age of 26 he was the youngest person to be elected to Congress. He was one of the first African Americans to be elected to a congressional office. He served in the 43, 44th, and 47th Congress. His election of 1877 was contested. This was a time when certain white groups were using intimidation to suppress the black vote. During this time the majority of the state changed from Republican control (which was the party of most Black people at that time) to a majority Democratic Party control.
As a result, Mr. Lynch’s election of 1877 was contested and he was not allowed to take his seat. Although Mr. Lynch introduced and argued several bills into congress, he is probably most known for his historical debate of the Civil Rights Act of 1875. (See excerpt of his speech). In 1884 he married a socialite from Louisiana name Ella Sommervile. The couple had one daughter before their divorce. In 1898 President Grant appointed him as the auditor of the treasury in the Navy Department and paymaster in the regular army until 1911. In 1911, he married Cora Williams. They moved to Chicago where he lived the remainder of his life as a lawyer.
civil rights speech of 1875 Excerpt of speech John R. Lynch gave when the congress of 1875 was debating the passage of the Civil Rights Bill of 1875. Mr. Speaker, it is not social rights that we desire. We have enough of that already. What we ask is protection in the enjoyment of public rights. Rights which are or should be accorded to every citizen alike.
Source: Wikipedia
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dr. carolyn meyers president Dr. Meyers is the first female president for Jackson State University. She graciously granted an interview with the magazine.
EXPOSE: Where did you grow up and what did you want to be when you grew up? Dr. Meyers: I was born and raised in Newport News, Va. I was drawn to engineering the summer before my senior year in high school when I participated in an aerospace engineering summer institute led by NASA and the National Science Foundation. At that time, the manned spacecraft center was at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Va. We got to meet the seven original astronauts and experiment with their equipment and testing vehicles. Then we learned the math behind what we had done. That was the first time I realized what you could do with mathematics. EXPOSE: What did your parents do for a living? Dr. Meyers: I’m the child of educators. My mother taught talented and gifted students in the public schools in Newport News, and my father started out as a probation officer in Newport News and went on to become a principal of two elementary schools.
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EXPOSE: Can you tell us about your leadership positions prior to coming to Jackson State University? Dr. Meyers: When I joined Jackson State University, I brought 30 years of academic and administrative leadership experience in higher education, serving most recently as President of Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia. I served as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where I was a tenured professor of mechanical engineering and Dean of the College of Engineering. I also was a tenured faculty member at the Georgia Institute of Technology and was the first Associate Dean for Research in its College of Engineering. EXPOSE: What are some of the major accomplishments you made as the President of Norfolk University? Dr. Meyers: During my tenure at Norfolk, the university received reaffirmation of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and disciplinary
Featuring dr. carolyn meyers president
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Dr. Meyers poses at the Inauguration Reception.
national accreditations in business, teacher education and engineering. The university also received full certification by the NCAA. Some other accomplishments during that time include a 19 percent increase in freshmen enrollment in one year, improved retention rates, and the launch of the Honors College, the School of Extended Learning and the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. I oversaw the creation and
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approval of a doctoral program in materials science and engineering, an online bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, a doctoral program in social work and a bachelor’s degree in social work at New College Institute in Martinsville, Va. EMOJ: It has been reported that you are also achieving great fund-raising goals for Jackson State as well, can you tell us the key to your success in getting
such tremendous amounts of funding for the universities you lead? Dr. Meyers: We raised $7.5 million during my first year at Jackson State, which was a major increase over previous years. Part of our success came from strengthening our relationships with alumni, who contributed in record amounts. Our Institutional Advancement team was so successful because they implemented a vari-
“We are so proud of our school’s President.” Association of Colleges and Schools and national accreditations in business, teacher education and engineering as well as full certification by the NCAA. Our enrollment climbed to an all-time high of 8,903, and we’ve positioned the university to become a national model for educating the underserved and achieving global recognition for excellence in education, research and service. EMOJ: What are your future goals for this urban university? Dr. Meyers: Our future is quickly approaching. Jackson State University is
to open our Madison campus this summer, and we will soon open our downtown Jackson location. Our campus is truly connected to the entire metro area. We are expanding our course offerings to reach today’s students, and we’re working toward building our enrollment up to 15,000 students. EMOJ: What would you say to someone who is considering matriculating at Jackson State University? Dr. Meyers: Come join us! We will treasure and nurture your excitement, talents, and hopes, as well as your many ideas and dreams. We at Jackson State University will do all we can to make your dreams come true.
ety of new systems and approaches to increase donations. The support we get from alumni and other friends is a vote of confidence in the direction Jackson State is taking. EMOJ: What are some of the accomplishments that you have made during your leadership at JSU? Dr. Meyers: Jackson State University earned a 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation from the Southern
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President Meyers’ Inauguration Reception
The History of Jackson State The origin of Jackson State started in 1877 as Natchez Seminary. It was renamed Jackson College in 1884. The school remained in Natchez until 1885 when it moved to the current location of Millsaps College. Some believe that due to protest of some of the whites regarding a black school being located in their suburb, the school had to be relocated. In 1902 Jackson College was moved to its temporary location on the corner of Farish Street and Griffith Street where it remained until 1903 while the construction of the new school location was being completed. In 1903 Jackson College moved to its present location on John R. Lynch Street. Jackson College was renamed Jackson State University in 1975. Chronological Source: H. T. Sampson Library
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dR. MEYERS IS PRESENTED WITH FLOWERS!
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john hardy
revealed introducing john hardy, manager
The Penguin has the Upscale look and feel of the University Club but it is accessible to everyone!
of the Penguin
J
ohn Hardy is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. He graduated from Central High School which was located in downtown Jackson. After high school, John attended Jackson State University on a full Presidential Scholarship, Music Scholarship (Violin), Jackson Touchdown Club Scholarship and a Tennis Scholarship. In 1978 he graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. In 1986 Mr. Hardy received his certification as a Certified Club Manager of ClubCorp, Dallas, Texas. He was General Manager of the distinguished University Club which
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was located in downtown Jackson for 36 years. John has taught dining etiquette and customer service courses in the City of Jackson, including eight Jackson Public Schools, Virginia College, Antonelli College, five Churches, several Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops, Trustmark National Bank, Jackson State University, Jackson Police Training Academy and the MS Highway Patrol Training Academy. His delivery is motivational, exciting and interactive. Mr. Hardy brings his years of experience to the new Penguin Restaurant to create a truly enchanting and enjoyable dining experience!
“As someone who frequented the Penguin as a college student, it’s amazing to see the new face of the Penguin.”
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SEE WHO’S WHO in Jackson Dr. Joseph Clay, D.C.
Lawanda Clay
Dr. Clay of Elite Healthcare Alliance is a dedicated and compassionate chiropractor who focuses on providing the highest quality chiropractic care. Using a whole person approach he customizes each treatment plan to fit the patient’s health and wellness goals.
Lawanda Clay is wife of Dr. Joseph Clay as well as the manager of Elite Healthcare Alliance. In addition to being a wife and mother, she is also a mentor of young girls between the ages of 9 and 19. Her mentoring organization is called One Plus One.
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Christopher Paige Christopher is the owner of Customs Cuts and Styles which is located at 2445 Terry Road in Jackson, Mississippi. Chris is noted as a philanthropist who gives free ‘back to school’ hair cuts to the boys in the community.
One Plus One Coaching & Mentoring Girls 9 - 19 years old 769-798-2139 www.ExposeMagazineofJackson.com
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eNTERTAINMENT NEWS
starter wives
CONFIDENTIAL
Cast of the show: See next page.
This is a new show featured on TLC on Tuesday nights at 9:00 p.m. central, featuring the ex-wives or ex-girl friends of well known celebrities.
Some of the most noted exes include the ex-girlfriend of basketball player Lamar Odom, who played for the L. A. Lakers.
Critics of the show say that these women should just move on with their lives but others believe that the show is a way to heal the wombs from their past relationships.
Josie Harris: Ex-wife of boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
Zakia Baum: Ex-wife of rapper Jermaine “Maino” Coleman.
Monica Joseph-Taylor: Soon to be Ex-wife of Funkmaster Flex.
Liza Morales: Ex-girlfriend of NBA baller Lamar Odom.
Tashera Simmons: Ex-wife of rapper DMX.
Cheryl Caruso: Ex-wife of mobster Phil “Philly” Caruso.
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The Book Shelf
Elite Healthcare Alliance 350 N. Mart Plaza Suite B Jackson, MS 39206 601-987-0067
CUSTOM CUTS & STYLES Beauty & Barber Shop 2445 Terry Rd. Jackson, MS 39204
(601) 321-9292
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Expose’ Magazine of Jackson
Write It Down make it happen “...good things happen ...life is a narrative you have a hand in writing”. This book is chock full of practical every day examples of how people used provened techniques of writing down their goals or wishes to make them happen.
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