Wednesday, June 30
Stop the War
Friends, there is a war—indeed a food fight of major proportions—taking place at our collective American table. The proponents of protein hurl vicious insults at our friends, the carbohydrates, while …
Burning Bush: A Review of "Fahrenheit 9/11"
Perhaps the most controversial (and deservedly so) film so far this year is "Fahrenheit 9/11," a new release from Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Michael Moore. Winner of last May's Golden Palm, …
Summer of ‘64: A Mississippi Freedom Fighter Remembers the Struggle
with JoAnne Prichard Morris
You never know when something's going to happen that will change your life completely. If I had stayed in Florida canning tomatoes, I wouldn't have been here when the civil …
Just Another Church
Methodist minister Ed King worked and lived Freedom Summer in Mississippi in 1964. The Vicksburg native ran for lieutenant governor on the Freedom Vote mock election ballot while Aaron Henry …
A Third-Person Shooter
A Review of "Red Dead Revolver"
Never again will I laugh at the clichéd spaghetti westerns my uncle likes to watch. After playing "Red Dead Revolver," I think I might even start watching them myself. You …
Ordinary People
Holmes County, Miss., was 72 percent black in the early 1960s, but less than 1 percent of eligible African Americans were registered to vote, while 100 percent of eligible white …
[Ladd] Freedom is Just Another Word
When I was living in New York, we heard that the Klan was coming to march in Manhattan. This, predictably, caused an outrage in the city with folks screaming about …
Nickel and Dimed
Councilman Kenneth Stokes proclaimed at the June 1 Jackson City Council meeting that "kids looking for a job are often turned away and only have the dope lords to turn …
Fahrenheit 601
Over the last week, the online version of the JFP has been alive with efforts to bring Michael Moore's controversial film "Fahrenheit 9/11" to the Jackson area, as well as …
[Stiggers] Your Car is a Hoopty When..
Your international hustler is here to help the peoples who drive their raggedy cars to a low-paying, no- Medicaid-benefits job with the greatest invention since the Pocket Fisherman.
[Cohen] Beware the Writhing of a Starving Beast
When Haley Barbour was running for governor, the national GOP pulled out its heaviest hitters to canvass the state for his campaign. George W. Bush, Dick Cheney and Rudy Giuliani …
David Dennis, Jr.
Tall, slim, wearing his hair in neat, short braids, David Dennis Jr. looks like a high school basketball player, maybe on his way to play in college—if he's got the …
Weed and Seed: Successes and frustration with community policing
The duties of a policeman share a similarity to that of firefighting in that the majority of effort exerted by law enforcement usually happens after the brunt of the damage …
Sunday, June 27
Saturday, June 26
Telling Our Own Stories
Our readers' grass-roots "Fahrenheit 601" campaign to bring Michael Moore's film to Jackson is inspiring them to band together to bring other independent and edgy films to Jackson. Since we …
We Want Our Indie Pics
Why can't we see "The Pianist" (pee-a-nist, it's OK to say it) in Jackson? For that matter, why can't we see "Bowling for Columbine" or "The Quiet American"? Why are …
'Mississippi Burning' and Other Tall Tales
In one of those bizarre twists of fate that keep happening to me since I returned to Mississippi, I ended up recently spending a Saturday afternoon in Neshoba County with …
Friday, June 25
[Hutchinson] What is ‘the Truth,' Mr. Cosby?
Comedian Bill Cosby's partial recant that his knock of allegedly bad behaving blacks was a call for action and not a broad brush stroke indictment of all poor blacks, came …
Wednesday, June 23
[Jacktown] Aggressive and Musical, by Alphonso Mayfield
What's up, Jackson? I want to update you on a few develops on albums from some of your favorite Jacktown artists. With all the excitement going on surrounding Jubilee! Jam …
Nader Slams ‘Paymasters'
Green Party presidential hopeful Ralph Nader came to town June 16, sounding more like his old ball-busting, consumer-advocate self than a man trying to upset the presidential apple cart.
I Felt the Earth Move
It was like old home day in Neshoba County Sunday … with a few twists. The usual suspects—the people I've gotten to know in the struggle for justice and racial …
Sin City: Jackson Tries to Legislate Morality
In the old southern way of life in Mississippi, there are no boundaries between state and church, as long as it is an established church believing in the Good Book, …
The Battle for ‘Public Morality'
We learned in civics class that the Legislature passes laws that the people want, and any bad laws that violate the people's rights will be struck down by the courts, …
[Stiggers] Join the Electric Slide for Medicaid Protest
…indicate precisely what you mean to say/yours sincerely wasting away/Give me your answer/fill in a form/mine forever more/Will you still need me/Will you still feed me/When I'm sixty-four." — The …
[Ask JoAnne] The Dreaded Sentence Prayer
A. You're right, nobody really sent in that question. But it's not totally made up. It's a question I get all too often—the dreaded question. It's the dreaded question because …
Love and Eros
Painted feet slap the stage, fingers curl smoke-like around air, eyes balloon and rise with the audience; the Indian ballet begins. However, this ballet contains no plie arched by a …
Great Americans
Tamaya Daniels sat in the lobby of the new girl's dorm at Tougaloo College, watching the Lakers vs. Pistons game on television. A center for Nottingham High School in Syracuse. …
E. Willander Wells
"Elegance" is a word that keeps surfacing in conversations with fashion designer E. Willander Wells as we sit outside Broad Street bakery.
In the Zone: Getting Stricter
Sex-toy shops aren't the only local businesses pushing the limits of popular morality that are facing some challenges in the city of late. The Jackson City Council has passed a …
[Lott] Less Partisan, More Plainspoken
To win the War on Terror we must recognize it for what it should be—a deadly serious fight to save American lives. When we treat it as a political exercise …
Barbour Revitalizing Democratic Party?
Bobby Harrison argues in the Daily Journal that Barbour is singlehandedly revitalizing the Democratic Party in the state. I think he has a point. "Haley Barbour lives, eats and sleeps …
1.6 Million Women Sue Wal-Mart for Discrimination
The NY Times reports: "A federal judge ruled yesterday that a lawsuit that accuses Wal-Mart Stores Inc. of discriminating against women can proceed as a class action covering about 1.6 …
Tuesday, June 22
Monday, June 21
Down a Southern Road
Monday, June 21, is the 40th anniversary of the deaths of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner.
Dick Molpus Raises the Roof in Neshoba County
June 20, 2004—With Gov. Haley Barbour sitting right behind him, former Secretary of State and Neshoba County native Dick Molpus made a thundering speech in honor of slain civil rights …
Friday, June 18
UPDATED: Music Sked for Jackson Lounge at the JAM
Just in: The working schedule for the Jackson Lounge tent at the JAM. Check back or at the tent for schedule changes/updates. See you out there. It's a *very* good …
Barbour and his Deadbeat Mississippians
June 11, 2004–Today in The New York Times, columnist Bob Herbert nails Barbour's cuts to Medicaid recipients–the worst Medicaid cuts ever: "If you want to see 'compassionate' conservatism in action, …
Wednesday, June 16
Hoops City
The Jackson Rage won't have to leave home for the playoffs, a luxury for both the team and its fans. The WBA will hold its first championship weekend at Jackson …
"Folk Funk," Bobby Rush
So why the hell isn't Bobby Rush famous?
In a 50-plus year career, he's recorded well over 20 albums, one with Philly Soul legends Gamble and Huff. Last year he starred in one of the films in the …
City of Brutality: A Review of ‘City of God'
Crime, redemption and the viciousness of the human animal are the fundamental elements of "City of God (Cidade de Deus)," a brutal and beautiful drama from Brazilian director Fernando Meirelles. …
Politics of the Blues
Otis Taylor is one of the few blues artists today who has explicitly addressed lynching; his song "Saint Martha Blues" tells in painful detail the story of his great-grandfather's lynching …
Charles Hooker
Charles Hollingsworth Hooker Jr., 58, holds dear his faith, family, furniture—mid-century modern business furniture, that is—and jazz. After growing up in his father's downtown business, the Mississippi Stationery Company, the …
Men We Love
In honor of Dad's day, we want to spotlight just a few of the Jacksonian men we love.
Former Gov. William Winter, 81, is such an obvious choice for the "Men We Love" issue that we almost feel silly including him. But, as politics get uglier and more …
Where's the Monk?
"Van Helsing—The Game" looks and feels like a medieval "Enter the Matrix" and plays like "Devil May Cry 2"—both of which flopped. Fortunately, it also manages to combine the good …
18 Going on 21: Jubilee Jam! Almost Legal!
Mississippi's largest annual music festival has returned for its 18th birthday after its near-fatal deluge of rain and indebtedness in 2003. Jubilee! Jam, with its move to mid-June, has been …
Bigotry of Low Expectations
I was about to start my second year at Mississippi State when Ronald Reagan came to the Neshoba County Fair in 1980. My gut instincts told me one thing. "The …
Conservative Group Unveils Reagan Ad
AP is reporting: "Days after Ronald Reagan was laid to rest, a conservative interest group on Tuesday unveiled a campaign ad that aligns him with President Bush and criticizes Democratic …
Tuesday, June 15
Title Hunter
Jackson native Lindsey Hunter is part of the Detroit Pistons team that is on the verge of winning the NBA championship. The Pistons lead the Los Angeles Lakers 3-1 in …
For A Good Time, Try Paddling
Buffalo Peak Outfitters is now holding its Kayak Demo Series weekly. You can check out the merchandise every Thursday at 6 p.m. at Mayes Lake in LeFleur's Bluff State Park …
Monday, June 14
Former Bush Staffer Working for Kerry
AP is reporting: "Randy Beers sat on the porch steps next to his longtime friend and colleague Dick Clarke and the words came tumbling out in a torrent. 'I think …
Sunday, June 13
Neshoba County Coalition Calls for Justice
The newly formed Philadelphia Coalition of blacks, whites and Choctaws released the following statement calling for justice and issuing a long-overdue apology for the tragic murders that happened there on …
The Next Generation
Those are six words I never expected to say. I grew up, like many restless kids, thinking my town was the most backward place on earth. That's normal. But when …
Friday, June 11
[Slate] the best in sports in the next 7 days
Pro baseball, Fort Worth at Jackson, 7 p.m. (1240 AM): Senators open a homestand with the Cats.
Running, Run To The Greater Belhaven Marketplace, 8 a.m.: The 5K run/walk, mile fun run and tot trot start behind the McDonald's at the corner of North State and Fortification …
Sens Honor ‘Cool Papa Bell'
May 17 was the 101st birthday of one of the greatest baseball players many people have never heard of: James Thomas "Cool Papa" Bell. The Jackson Senators will honor and …
Thursday, June 10
Wednesday, June 9
[Lott] Upon the Death of Ronald Reagan
"On this sad day, I am thankful that, at a time when our country was down, and the cause of freedom was in danger, and so many had lost faith …
The Ice Movie Cometh
A Review of "The Day After Tomorrow"
The worst-case scenario effects of global warming are the subject of "The Day After Tomorrow," a new action film heavy on breathtaking visuals but light on story and complex characters. …
Mississippi Home-Cooked Opry by Lynette Hanson
June 10, 2004—Mix five parts Harmony & Grits with four parts Heavenly Heritage and four parts Pearl Quartet. Blend in two of the Smiths—Wayne and Amanda. Add crowd to taste. …
51 Ways to Have Summer Fun
We here at the Jackson Free Press know that our Mississippi summer is here—even if the summer solstice isn't until June 20 at 5:57 p.m. Central Daylight Time—all blazing hot …
[Artist in Residence] Living in a Mural
William Goodman lives his art, all the way down to his toenails—literally. They are painted blue and black with white dots in what appears to be acrylic paint. I notice …
[Young] Not About Conservatism
A few days after the 50th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, an extraordinary panel met in New York City to discuss the urgent problem still posed by the …
He's My Brother
I may be even closer to Medgar now than when he was alive, if that's possible. He was the saint of our family and I cherished him. I didn't want …
‘Lawsuit Abuse' Over
Champagne corks were popping at Bravo the evening of June 3, even as some diners were sobered by the day's events. That afternoon, the Mississippi House of Representatives had suddenly, …
Checkmate?
Hell broke loose at the Capitol Monday afternoon when two renegade legislators, Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville, and Rep. Jamie Franks, D-Mooreville, filed an injunction against Gov. Haley Barbour, telling him …
[Jacksonian] DJ Phingaprint
Timothy Washington's dreads are not a fashion statement, but a cultural and spiritual move the 25-year-old undertook eight years ago. "I always had a little Afro," he says, "but I …
[Stiggers] Watch That Indecent Exposure
The following is an excerpt from the new E! program, "Mo'tel William's Celebrity Interview," with special guest, the Godfather of Soul, James Brown.
Why Can't You Behave?
Sometimes plot just gets in the way. "Ain't Misbehavin'," at New Stage Theatre through June 20, highlights the music of Thomas "Fats" Waller—a strong personality—with the sexy backdrop of Harlem …
Salter Bashes Holland on Medicaid
Sid Salter's column today bashes Rep. Steve Holland for originally supporting Haley Barbour's Medicaide bill, accusing him of "crawfishing": "Trouble is, the record shows that Holland was the chief House …
Tuesday, June 8
Saturday, June 5
Can Smarty Jones Do It?
While you're waiting to see whether Smarty Jones can win the Belmont Stakes on Saturday (post time 5:04 p.m. on Ch. 3), and become the first horse to win the …
More Exposure For Soccer
The New York Sports Express reports the naked truth on a soccer player who received a lifetime ban for, uh, unsportsmanlike celebration.
Thursday, June 3
House Votes to Accept Senate's Tort Reform Bill
After a long floor debate today, the Mississippi House of Representatives voted 76-38 to concur with the Senate strike-all version of HB 13 — a bill that institutes $1 million …
Wednesday, June 2
[Rev] Singin' The Gas Shortage Blues
There we were at night, driving around to find the cheapest gas ($2.15). I had to fill up the van that I sometimes drive for work. (Hello, I have a …
untitled
the Best in Sports in the Next 7 Days
Pro baseball, Jackson at Fort Worth, 7 p.m. (1240 AM): Deep in the heart of Texas, the Senators tangle with the Cats. Do they call Fort Worth employees and fans …
Alleged Victims
Jackson Family Wants Closure From the Church
The year was 1970, and 11-year-old Francis Morrison lay in his bed in the big house at 771 Belhaven St., listening for heavy footsteps, the covers pulled all the way …
Girl Drama
When I arrived for a rehearsal of Primrose Path's production of "Cowgirls: The Musical," I quickly saw that all of the actors are actresses. "Having an all-female cast is great," …
Survivors Try to S.N.A.P BACK
Local victims of sexual abuse by priests joined other victims nationwide by forming a Mississippi chapter of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (S.N.A.P.). Johnny Rainer, co-coordinator of the …
The State of a Stalemate
The first week of the special session called by Gov. Haley Barbour to focus on civil justice reform ("tort reform") and voter ID was, at best, cantankerous. At the end …
The Governor Sacrifices His Rook
One burning question from our past two weeks of reporting at the Capitol on the governor's special session is a simple, if surprising, one. Does Haley Barbour really want tort …
[Ask Joanne] Eureka, She Found It!
Q. I've noticed for years the signs at Fortification and Monroe Streets pointing south indicating some sort of "Community Children's Theater." And I've hunted for it, but I can't seem …
Denise Halbach
With an eyebrow arched and a gleam in her startlingly blue eyes, Denise Halbach captivates her audience immediately. The Louisiana-born, Jackson-raised dramatist begins our conversation with a surprising fact. "I …
[Mizell] It's as Simple as That
I took a creative writing class in college recently that was small and intimate and we actually discussed interesting things. Usually we'd go over poems and plays; but recently we …
[Stiggers] Summertime, and the Livin' Ain't Easy
Ladies, gentlemen and po' folks, playwright and entrepreneur Pookie Peterz presents his critically acclaimed ghetto-tragedy opera "Porgy and Bush."
Medicaid Train Wreck
The most momentous action so far during the special session wasn't technically on the agenda: Gov. Haley Barbour signed HB 1434 Wednesday, May 26, a "landmark" bill to cut $106 …
Mississippians and the Numbers
On Wednesday, May 26, Mississippians for Economic Progress released a poll in a press conference attended by Haley Barbour, which suggested that Mississippians support the notion of ending "lawsuit abuse" …
