Jackson Free Press

[verbatim] Jackson 2000, a multi-racial organization that fosters positive race relations, will host its annual party on Saturday, March 4, to celebrate the progress that has been made in Mississippi in the last two decades toward racial reconciliation.

The Board of Jackson 2000 is pleased to announce this year's FRIENDSHIP BALL honorees, Donna Ladd and Derrick Johnson. To these individuals, racial reconciliation is not a "project"; it is, instead, their life's work. Donna Ladd, founder and co-editor of the weekly alternative newspaper, the Jackson Free Press, and Derrick Johnson, state president of the Mississippi NAACP, understand the importance of making our community a better place by asking the hard questions and getting out the truthful answers when it comes to issues on race.

Donna Ladd, 44, a native of Neshoba County, lives to ask the tough questions. After graduating from Mississippi State University, she earned a master's degree at New York's Columbia University in journalism with a social justice focus. The Jackson Free Press, which launched three years ago, quickly gained national attention for the feature writing and columns produced and edited by Donna. Many of her articles have focused on race and youth issues. Donna has been featured in publications including a special story in Glamour magazine about her early life in Philadelphia, Miss. Never one to shy away from the truth of an issue, Donna, through her writing, works toward better understanding between the races always with an eye towards helping to create a better community for us all.

Derrick Johnson, 37, with his drive and determination to see a better Mississippi for all her people, was elected to be the youngest state president of an NAACP Conference in the nation. As a young lawyer, the Tougaloo and South Texas College of Law graduate joined the staff of Southern Echo Inc., and became a regional organizer for Echo's redistricting project in six states across the South. In addition to redistricting campaigns, Derrick has been actively involved and considered an expert in voters' rights and election law. Derrick's reputation of working for social and racial justice was rewarded with an appointment to the post-Katrina Governor's Commission for Recovery, Rebuilding and Renewal. Derrick asked the questions of equity and fairness for those in the state who might otherwise be voiceless.

The Friendship Ball, Saturday, March 4, 2006, at Hal & Mal's is an annual event presented by the Board of Jackson 2000. Jackson 2000 is a group committed to creating opportunities for dialogue, understanding and action around issues of racial reconciliations. At this year's Friendship Ball These Days with Jewel Bass will provide entertainment. There will be light h'ors deuves and plenty of good fellowship. Tickets are $20 or $8 for students and are available at the door or from one of the three organizations that benefit from the proceeds, Habitat for Humanity, Stewpot Community Services or 100 Black Men.

All are welcome for the celebration of what is good in Jackson and two of the people who make Jackson (and Mississippi) a better place for us all: Donna Ladd and Derrick Johnson.

CONTACT: Merrill McKewen, [e-mail missing]

Previous Comments

ID

171242

Comment

Donna, congrats on this. It couldn't be going to a more deserving person. Keep doing what you're doing. Evidently it's working.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-02-25T19:57:50-06:00

ID

171243

Comment

Thanks, C.A. I must say, they blew me away with this. I am *very* honored. And to be standing up there with Derrick is so, so special to me. Love him to pieces.

Author

ladd

Date

2006-02-25T19:59:17-06:00

ID

171244

Comment

Congradulations to Donna and Derrick. I don't think that a better choice of recipients could have been made. Both of you are an example of what can happen when we all work together. Thank you for jobs well done.

Author

lance

Date

2006-02-26T07:52:08-06:00

ID

171245

Comment

Congradulations Donna and Derrick I wish sometimes I could devote my time to making a difference in Jackson without having to worry about making a living. The powers that be are trying to run me out of business right now. If they are successful I will concentrate on joining you and Derrick to make a difference in this City full time. Socrates

Author

mslink

Date

2006-02-26T20:02:11-06:00

ID

171246

Comment

Socrates, Don't say that! You go out of business? Your paper does make a difference and I hope that it will be around for years to come. I'm curious why you made that statement.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-02-26T20:19:57-06:00

ID

171247

Comment

[red]AWESOME! CONGRATULATIONS![/red]

Author

L.W.

Date

2006-02-26T20:33:59-06:00

ID

171248

Comment

Thank you c a just feeling a little low after having won the bid for the legal notices for the city of jackson and then having the mayor veto the vote of the council is disheartening

Author

mslink

Date

2006-02-26T21:12:16-06:00

ID

171249

Comment

Socrates... Mr. Garrett, I sent you an email. Let me know if you need us to do anything. Have enjoyed working with you and want to continue to do so.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-02-26T21:15:40-06:00

ID

171250

Comment

Socrates, we should definitely work together on some projects. Please be in touch about it, and let's meet and brainstorm. I would be delighted to work with you. And thanks for the kind words. Keep your chin up, sir.

Author

ladd

Date

2006-02-26T21:42:44-06:00

ID

171251

Comment

BTW, Socrates, it is not correct to say that I am devoting all my time to making a difference. I am working very hard to make a living as a businesswoman, and make a difference at the same time. I believe it can be done.

Author

ladd

Date

2006-02-26T21:51:56-06:00

ID

171252

Comment

More info; check out the Corky's ribs part. Y'all come see us now. ;-) You are cordially invited to the Friendship Ball Saturday, March 4, 2006 7:00 pm Hal & Mal's Honoring Derrick Johnson & Donna Ladd Entertainment by "These Days" featuring Jewel Bass Dress is casual. Tickets are $20 per person ($8 for students) and are available at the door or by calling Community Stewpot (353-2759), Habitat for Humanity (353-6060) or 100 Black Men (366-8301). Sponsored by Jackson 2000 along with Cabot Lodges of Jackson and Corky's Ribs & BBQ

Author

ladd

Date

2006-03-01T12:37:30-06:00

ID

171253

Comment

Donna and Derrick, I DON'T YOU, BUT I HEAR GOOD THING ABOUT YOU TWO, I WANT THANK YOU FOR THE THING YOU DONE FOR MY HOME TOWN. GOD BLESS YOU TWO, AND I WISH YOU ALL GOOD THING. KEEP THE GOOD WORK UP. EVEN LIVING HERE IN RHODE ISLAND, I LOVE JACKSON MISS. MY SON WERE BORN AND KILL HERE IN JACKSON, MISS. I STILL LOVE MY HOME TOWN, JACKSON MISS. ONE DAY THE PEOPLE IN JACKSON IS GOING TO TAKE THEIR TOWN BACK FROM THE DEVIL.

Author

whywhy

Date

2006-03-03T09:18:47-06:00

ID

171254

Comment

I may not be in towm for this. I've always wanted to go to one of these but haven't yet. I would love to show up and show Donna and the rest how to do the Jerk, the Bougaloo, the electric slide, the robop, etc. I turned 50 on Monday and I don't know what to do with myself now. I knew 40 meant it was time to be totally serious about life. I may show up and see if I can still do that Michael Jackson kick. If I don't make it, congratulations to both of y'all. Derrick, needless to say, I'm always proud to see Tougaloo continue the legacy through another one of us.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-03-03T09:47:03-06:00

ID

171255

Comment

la la i bet you cut up ray, and happy birthday.

Author

whywhy

Date

2006-03-03T09:51:48-06:00

ID

171256

Comment

Ray, I wish you could be there, too. ;-) Happy birthday, friend. whywhy, there are many good people here who care about people of all races, and even young men who get in trouble. Don't give up on us. We're fighting the good fight.

Author

ladd

Date

2006-03-03T11:38:36-06:00