Jackson Free Press

The ambitious dream that came to be known as the MS' Best Awards came and went on Saturday, October 28, 2006, with over 60 awards being presented to those who are part of the best of the state. Among the winners were Donna Ladd and Kamikaze of the Jackson Free Press.

* Mississippi's Best Awards 2006 Winners
1. Best visual artist : Shondra Macklin
2. Breakout artist (visual): Shondra Macklin
3. Best author (fiction): Sydney Molare
4. Best author (non-fiction): Ana Cook
5. Breakout artist (literary): Clarice Norton
6. Best Educator (k-12): Micca Knox of George Elementary
7. Best Educator (college level): Dr. Mark Henderson of JSU
8. Best High School Band (include city or county): Jim Hill High School
9. Best College Band: Jackson State University
10. Best photographer: Greg Jenson of Clarion Ledger
11. Best Hip Hop artist (solo/group): Infinite
12. Best Rock artist (solo/group): Storage 24
13. Best Blues artist (solo/group): Eddie Cotton
14. Best Gospel artist (solo/group): William Michael Morgan
15. Best Country artist (solo/group): William Michael Morgan
16. Best R&B artist (solo/group): Devi and the Devistators
17. Best Jazz artist (solo/group): Ezra Brown
18. Best Overall Entertainer: William Michael Morgan
19. Spoken word artist/poet: Brandi Hopkins
20. Breakout Recording Artist of the Year: William Michael Morgan
21. Best Recording Studio: Traxtar Records
22. Best Recording Producer: David Banner
23. Best Comic: JJ
24. Best Television network: WLBT
25. Best Television anchor: Maggie Wade
26. Best Mayor of a City: Yvonne Brown of Tchula
27. Best Radio Broadcast: 99 JAMZ WJMI
28. Best Radio Personality: Alice Marie, 99 JAMZ WJMI
29. Best Non-Profit Organization: True Ministries Church
30. Best Retail Organization/Business: Derknoco Autoplex
31. Best Sports Figure: Shelita Burns, Jackson State University
32. Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Derian Knox, Jackson-N-Crowd
33. Best News Coverage: WLBT
34. Best Journalist: Tavis Smiley of The Tavis Smiley Show
35. Best Editor (print): Saterria Kersey of Clarion Ledger
36. Best Editor (online): Donna Ladd of Jackson Free Press
37. Best Website: http://www.wmmorgan.net (William Michael Morgan)
38. Best Opinion Column: Kamikaze of JFP
39. Best Fashion Designer: Kenny Redd of Struggle Wear
40. Best Independently-owned Restaurant: Southside Bar and Grill
41. Best Independently-owned Business: Jackson-N-Crowd
42. Best Hair Salon/Barbershop: Nappy Kutz
____________________________________________________
POLL QUESTION: Members' Choice Award (This was the male and female
that you chose to receive special recognition as a fan favorite for
Mississippi's Best Awards.)
- Young South, rapper/producer, 219 votes, 68.22%
- Devi, entertainer, 234 votes, 56.80%

___________________________________________________

POLL QUESTION: "MISSISSIPPI'S BEST KEPT SECRET" Here are the five
people that YOU felt as though were the next big things coming out of the state.
- Duane Scott, singer/songwriter, 111 votes, 7.53%
- DJ Down South (rap), 131 votes, 8.88%
- Blaque Butterfly, artist/designer, 57 votes, 3.86%
- Bad Monkey Ent. (rap), 201 votes, 13.63%
- William Michel Morgan, singer, 862 votes, 58.44%
______________________________________________________
POLL QUESTION: In the state of Mississippi, what do you think has
given the state its worst perception?
CHOICES AND RESULTS
- Racism, 98 votes, 46.67%
- Drugs, 18 votes, 8.57%
- Gangs/Violence, 19 votes, 9.05%
- The Economy, 18 votes, 8.57%
- Lack of Jobs, 21 votes, 10.00%
- Rise in STDs, 5 votes, 2.38%
- Increase in Teen age pregnancies, 12 votes, 5.71%
- Leadership, 19 votes, 9.05%
__________________________________________________________

On Saturday, October 28, 2006 the Committee of the Mississippi's Best Awards presented several awards to those who they feel have made a difference in the state of Mississippi and for the people of Mississippi. It was important to give special recognition to some of the individuals who are truly making the state a better place for all of us.
We congratulate all of the recipients as well as all Mississippians who strive daily to give the state their "best".

* "Margaret Webb Sims Creative Arts Award" --- Marshall Ramsey
* "MBA Lifetime Achievement Award" --- Morgan Freeman
* "Freeman King Award" --- Willie Mosley, Jr.
* "Hometown Hero Awards" --- John Grisham / Valencia Robinson /
Tavis Smiley/ Deuce McAllister / Bobby Rush/ Maggie Wade / Duane
Scott/ Tambre Cherie/ 3 Doors Down / Alice Tisdale
* "Mississippi's Best Award" --- Minnie Holloway
* "Best of the Best Award" --- David Banner and Kamikaze
* "2006 Community Healers Award" --- Building Bridges Inc.
* "Most Likely to Succeed" --- Sydney Molare, author (female)/
William Michael Morgan,singer (male)

Previous Comments

ID

108035

Comment

Hello guys! Congrats to Donna and Kamikaze. When our plaques are done we will make sure that I drop them off to you. In the meantime you have your framed certificates. Whew! This was a big one for me... It was a hefty idea that had some parts that worked really well, and others that didn't work at all. In the Clarion Ledger today it links to my apology for the awards as well as gives the email address to contact me about refunds. Though I take full responsibility for anything that didn't go according to plan, I do want it understood that at the end of the day I know that I am ultimately where the buck stops when it comes to blame. I can deal with that. I am not going to sell out anyone who was working with me on this project. They were working with my vision. I don't agree with all things that have been said about the event, but I'm a big boy. I can take it. I think the important thing is to make sure that I keep the focus on what was the objective: To promote the best.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-10-31T07:10:06-06:00

ID

108036

Comment

I saw the C-L article. Ouch. Will you continue to write for them?

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-10-31T09:28:00-06:00

ID

108037

Comment

Cyrus, I think it would make sense for you to use this space to answer the allegations. How did this go so awry? Why did you use the names of people who were not confirmed? Why didn't you book the dinner? And so on. Simply saying that the buck stops with you doesn't seem like a sufficient response to the level of screw-ups that are being alleged. Also, I suggest that you post complete information here about anyone who needs to get money back, etc. You posted on this site to promote the event; you should now post information that people need to make this thing right.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-10-31T13:02:11-06:00

ID

108038

Comment

By the way, did you see this?

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-10-31T13:19:06-06:00

ID

108039

Comment

I agree with Donna. This would be a good place to tell your side and explain everything.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-10-31T13:37:58-06:00

ID

108040

Comment

As far as the refunds are concerns they can contact us at [email][email protected][/email] or call me at 601.201.8139. As I mentioned in the other thread began at 10a.m. today, the highest ticket price was $50--- not the $65 as mentioned. Since we first announced the refund option on Sunday morning, no one has taken us up on it. Donna, I also appreciate the opportunity to go into the thing that went wrong here. That was my intention when starting this thread, but I also want to stress the fact that I think this has all proven the overall point that we were trying to make. The good that went into the planning of this event, the people who were behind it don't seem to matter. The people that we recognized aren't being talked about. The performances that we had---the ones that were planned--- were great and William Michael Morgan (a 13-year old who has been on CMT, gotten personal calls from Oprah and won national competitions) was a crowd favorite. None of that is getting attention. It's telling to me that with all three television networks in attendance and people who bought tickets have said to me "Yes there were problems, but you pulled it off" when people who didn't pay for the event and attended as guests...or just heard about the event... are the ones who are appearing as "experts". I am going to lay everything out, but I don't want to get into a back and forth about some of the things that have been said by others. That is not going to help as plans are being made as to how to make sure things are made right.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-10-31T13:56:07-06:00

ID

108041

Comment

I agree with you that things should be "made right." However, there is an inherent irony in an event being called "Mississippi's Best" coming off as a fiasco. Thus, I believe you should address publicly any and all questions—including responding to people who are accusing you of using their names to promote an event and sell tickets without their permission. Also, please tell us why no dinner was booked, etc. You spend a lot of time posting and e-mailing press releases about this thing; why not the same attention to detail on the actual planning?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-10-31T14:00:20-06:00

ID

108042

Comment

Allow me to do my disclaimer... "I do not act as an expert of the MS Best Awards nor did I attend as a full representation of the Jackson Free Press" :P

Author

emilyb

Date

2006-10-31T14:01:53-06:00

ID

108043

Comment

Emily, I know that (smile) Disclaimer noted, though. And Donna, I have always valued your input and your candor. I want to make sure that the whole story is laid out, that's all. I think LaRaye, in getting the story, brought up some things that I am having to address in other ways. Just one point right now from the article that confuses me: If we had no plans to have a dinner Saturday night and it was impossible to have one in that room and that was the only room we had booked (let alone the only room that they used)--- why was there a caterer there at 6p.m. supposedly asking us if we needed anything?

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-10-31T14:11:49-06:00

ID

108044

Comment

Cyrus, answering with more questions is just confusing. Let's try it this way: When did you book the caterers, etc., for dinner? When did you know that you would not have dinner? How/when/did you let people who bought tickets for dinner know that there would not, in fact, be dinner. I would assume that a $50 ticket, which is very steep to my way of thinking, would need to include a good dinner in order to get people to buy it. Therefore, it would make sense to refund more than just $10, wouldn't it?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-10-31T14:19:27-06:00

ID

108045

Comment

Commo Cyrus....this isn't helping dude. You know that. You are well aware of what is being said, the allegations, you know the truth and you are seemingly buying time with these responses just to gather your thoughts. Commo man. You can do us better than that. You just need to own up to your responsibility in this....and when were the caterers suppose to be there????????/ Who said they even saw caterers? I was there at what was suppose to be the red carpet and there were no caterers, only onlookers trying to figure out where to go? I stood there, with my date, just like everyone else until close to 7 when I went to what was suppose to be the "dinner room" (along with about 10 or 15 others) only to be told to go to the 3rd floor. Upon arriving at the 3rd floor, low and behold, more confused people....I saw no one there even resembling an affiliation with a caterer EVER! And Ms. Velencia TOLD everyone that the reason we didn't get any food is because we couldn't eat on the 3rd floor. Now, if you had to book the 2nd and the 3rd floor in order to served dinner, then why was the 2nd floor dining area being cleaned still at say 6:45 with a prearranged dinner to start 15 minutes later. As I stated earlier, don't go down that road, brother. There is no need to be defensive, it will only worsen the situation. You are respected enough (at least on this website) to just state your responsiblity. Own up to ALL of it, not the part that you think won't be as bad. Because you can't righteously tell what's gonna have the most backlash until all is revealed. Also just so you know, I have learned in life that when others speak for you, your words tend to have little meaning unless you come out first. We are still in support of you, now, but dont' continue on the road that you are heading as if to say that what we don't know won't hurt us. And LW, thanks for bringing my post to his attention....GOOD LOOKIN OUT!

Author

Queen601

Date

2006-10-31T16:00:00-06:00

ID

108046

Comment

And also the reason why none of the good is being mentioned is because the bad outweighs the good. And until some light is shed on this from the events originator.....it will continue to be as such...unless it gets worse. And the event planners, who were they? How are they to be recognized if they are not mentioned in any of this? Why would they be when it seemed to be planned so poorly? That is why it is imperative that YOU make us aware of ALL....those who planned it...what happened to the caterers, the dinner....why not just take the CL article as an outline and address each and every allegation mentioned in it..... How about that.... and again I say, I am STILL with you. But as a QUEEN, it is my duty to stand beside that man and make him be a man! So that is what you get from me. And when it's over we shall bask in the embiance that is the SIP!!!! :-)

Author

Queen601

Date

2006-10-31T16:10:27-06:00

ID

108047

Comment

Cyrus??? ...your last post was at 1:11pm?? tick...tock...tick...tock....the integrity of our state is at hand!!!

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2006-10-31T17:40:33-06:00

ID

108048

Comment

Cyrus is thinking Kamikaze....pondering. Being careful. I'm sure he's not going to dismiss us in that fashion....right?

Author

Queen601

Date

2006-10-31T17:50:31-06:00

ID

108049

Comment

Cyrus obviously got in way over his head, but I'm sure he had no ill intent. Someone asked me a couple of weeks ago why I don't start a nonprofit to promote a cause that I'm about to write a book about (still hush-hush, but I'll have much more to say later). I told him it's because there were already nonprofits that dealt with that sort of thing, and I didn't feel that there was any need to do this under my own name when the name of the game is solidarity. The idea of doing statewide awards is appealing. The idea of doing statewide awards all by oneself sounds a little unrealistic, but I think Cyrus has probably learned a lot from this. I, personally, would never have wanted to go out and set up a Mississippi's Best Awards all by myself. This is partly because I'm a terrible event planner; I'm much better off when I'm playing wingman to people like Thabi Moyo or Jenni Smith, finding speakers but not trying to book or manage everything myself because if I tried, it would all fall apart. Donna asked why Cyrus was able to do all these great press releases but not book food. I think I can answer that: Because Cyrus, like me, is a creative artist--a very skilled promoter (especially a very skilled self-promoter, and there's no shame in that because it's essential if you're going to make a living doing what we do), but not necessarily a skilled planner. If it had been a Mississippi's Best Independent Artists Award, that might have been more manageable--but what he had in mind just didn't sound realistic, and when I heard there were some bumps in the road, I wasn't all that surprised. That's one of the reasons why I didn't get involved in the first place. Cyrus is no doubt hurting big time right now. I think we can take it as a given, based on his history, that he'll do the right thing in terms of funds. What that will mean for him personally is another story entirely. For my part, I think he has a lot to offer this city in the future and I think writing him off because of one screwup would be a mistake. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-10-31T18:22:51-06:00

ID

108050

Comment

LIAR!!!!! CYRUS, come on ... Hello guys! Congrats to Donna and Kamikaze. When our plaques are done we will make sure that I drop them off to you. In the meantime you have your framed certificates. I wouldn't want those dollar store frames, with no back, no glass and those "certificates" you printed out on your computer.

Author

willwork4food

Date

2006-10-31T20:07:42-06:00

ID

108051

Comment

I don't think the certificates are the big issue, willwork. I think the bigger issues are the people who paid for dinner and to see Project Runway people under potentially false pretenses. And I say that with due respect. There is a lot of explaining to do—and complete transparency seems to be his only choice at this point if he wants to be trusted on event planning again. I feel compassion for Cyrus at this point, but there are things that you don't just laugh off as well. And Mississippi does itself no favors by pretending mistakes like these are no big deal. They are.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-10-31T20:16:01-06:00

ID

108052

Comment

I can't disagree with any of that. To be honest, I'm just plain depressed by all of this. Not as depressed as I'd have been if I'd actually shelled out the fifty bucks, but certainly depressed. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-10-31T20:52:33-06:00

ID

108053

Comment

I don't feel compassion for Cyrus, I can't. What I disgust that he promoted events he knew wouldn't happen. I'm also concerned about how much these local charities are actually going to get and if they actually receive some money. Cyrus has jumped town before, will he do it again with some cash in his pocket.

Author

willwork4food

Date

2006-10-31T23:18:38-06:00

ID

108054

Comment

willwork4food, you say he's done this before? can you give examples?

Author

emilyb

Date

2006-10-31T23:24:26-06:00

ID

108055

Comment

Only supportable examples that can be easily verified -- or they will be deleted.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-10-31T23:27:05-06:00

ID

108056

Comment

Tom you keep offering excuses for this man, I take it he's your friend. Well as a friend you need not shy away from what is really going on here. I'm not convinced at all that he had no ill intent and from the looks of it, he doesn't care that I along with others think that about him. This thread as well as others started yesterday MORNING. Mr. Webb has addressed NONE of these issues. All he has done is apologized for not having food. And some place he said something about he explained the certificates, and that was to be good enough. Yes, Cyrus, I am becoming a tad bit frustrated with you. I feel as if you think we are some idiots here or something. Tom your saying this was a one man show, well that's not what Cyrus says. He said he had a commitee. Says he won't blame the committee but apparently he didn't work alone on this. By the way he introduced his COMMITTEE at the awards show. And I am confident, Tom that you were not there. There is no way you would be feeling the way you do, had you paid to attend, and came. NO WAY>

Author

Queen601

Date

2006-11-01T10:19:42-06:00

ID

108057

Comment

Folks, Cyrus is no dummy. He is a well-learned man. He had help, GOOD help and a good group of people around him who worked hard. He did NOT undertake this "alone" He alone knows what he must do, but Im beginning to see that he may not...tick...tock...tick..tock. I have reserved my next actions and reserved crticism because the idea of the MISSISSIPPI BEST AWARDS is too good to die now but it is in danger. Tom, you're not privvy to what some of us are privvy too. Read and dig further. Some "mistakes" arent always "mistakes" if you follow me. But today will tell tick..tock..tick..tock..BOTTOM LINE I WILL NOT SEE MISSISSIPPI COMPROMISED! and he knows what that means! ask Donna how we ran the MUSIC TO HEAL MISSISSIPPI BENEFIT concert after Katrina and how we had a system of checks and balances in place. THAT is a model on how to run a show. but I digress....tick..tock..tick..tock.... Cyrus...stop trying to compile that paperwork. it doesnt matter now sir....save the awards...you know what must be done....and it will one way or the other. You may not but, "I" know of a past problem and he received a pass from me and the MAP coalition. Not gonna go there yet. but again the clock ticks......please I implore you do the right thing buddy.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2006-11-01T10:37:40-06:00

ID

108058

Comment

hi guys i'm jackie watson - loggins and i was the assistant communications director for the MS Best Awards. this was my response letter to Mr. Webb's apology and maybe it will answer a few questions for everyone: it was too many letters so i'll post my response separately from this.

Author

MartyG

Date

2006-11-01T13:19:14-06:00

ID

108059

Comment

hi, cyrus i am relieved to hear from you today and yes i have a few questions and concerns. first off the $10 refund. i know that may go toward the people who paid for the $50 and $35 tickets, but what about those who bought VIP tickets for $89? second, what about those who bought ads for the ad book? will they be re-imbursed? then we also have those who purchase items for the gift bags. what happend to them? will people get their items back from the gift bags? if so, how are we going to go about doing it? my biggest question is how can you say you failed to "follow up" on something that was never planned or arranged in the first place? Amy Dillard, Sales Director of the Regency Hotel, (601) 969-2141 said the banquet room was never reserved for Friday, Oct 27. with this being true why then did you tell us on thursday that it will be open for us at 3:30pm friday? Linda McCarthy of the MS Telecom Center (601) 973-7002 also said the Clarion Ledger Gallery was never reserved for Saturday, Oct 28 and neither was the theatre for that matter. she informed me that the theatre was not booked until Saturday afternoon. I also contacted the managers for Mysterious and Terrence J and Rocsi and both said that they were available to attend but you did not comply when it came to travel and lodging. If you know these people were not coming, why didn't you tell everyone? why did you continue to advertise these things when you knew they were not going to happen? Why did you continue to sale VIP tickets for events that were not planned? you knew that those two tapings were not going to happen because, you didn't have access to the Telecom Center and you lied to everyone like you did, then waited til the very last minute to inform your planning committee. My biggest question is, why lie to everyone and why lie til the end? why did you drag everyone along for the ride knowing we will take the fall. i stood before city officials, media personalities, artists, and other notables, looking like an incompetent fool. But the real victims are the artist and all those who paid their hard earned cash to attend this fiasco. however i will do my part to make it right. all i request from you is to meet with your planning committee and bring the fianacial statements, items given for giftbags, a list of all those who brought ads, and a statement of the monies we have left to make this thing right. Jackie Watson - Loggins

Author

MartyG

Date

2006-11-01T13:19:29-06:00

ID

108060

Comment

Good afternoon. First I would I like address Ms. Queen. I thought I did a good job given the circumstances. If you could have done a better job then you should have. Please don't be embrassed for me. I was thrown out front and it was uncomfortable but guess what, I'll do it again if I have too. I put myself on front street to be ridiculed. People lashed out at me but I endured.

Author

val

Date

2006-11-01T13:27:55-06:00

ID

108061

Comment

and yes cyrus did have good people around him but after months of tireless effort and hard work, in the end we did not know what the hell was really going on. we found out about cancelled celebrity guests and venues the very day of the Fashion Event and Awards Show. This was not a simple matter of dropping the ball. From what I could see, there was not ball at all. And even after the awards I still didn't know the whole truth. So monday morning, i decided to contact the venues and a few of our celebrity guest. The answer was the same, the venues were never booked and the guest were available but mr. webb cancelled their appearances or just didn't comply with payment arrangements. the worst thing is he lied to his committee and told us these things were in place. so you see cyrus, at this point, the only person you can really "sell out" is yourself. as far as i'm concerned you sold us out saturday night.

Author

MartyG

Date

2006-11-01T13:28:43-06:00

ID

108062

Comment

The plot thickens.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-11-01T13:45:11-06:00

ID

108063

Comment

hahaha you have no idea.

Author

MartyG

Date

2006-11-01T14:03:44-06:00

ID

108064

Comment

Jackie, give me a holla...I think the situation is going to be fixed soon. A couple things that need to happen hopefully will happen as planned and then, if you will help, we can rebuild and prepare for next year. give me a call or email me at [email][email protected][/email] with your info.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2006-11-01T14:52:48-06:00

ID

108065

Comment

okay i will.

Author

MartyG

Date

2006-11-01T15:15:56-06:00

ID

108066

Comment

OK....I have read all of the headlines, interviews, and comments. Now, I'm going to speak. Cyrus, I'm a tad bit confused. I thought there were going to be actual awards given to the winners in each category. Cyrus, we got certificates. Certificates that were typed up by you. Actually, it looks as though everything was done by YOU. I think that was part of the problem. You didn't designate people to do specific jobs. It looks like you handled everything and kept everyone else in the dark. What was the point of a committee, when no one seemed to know what was going on except you. Cyrus, I will not go into detail about what you did to me. But, I, along with some of the others on the committee, know what you did. I must say I'm not surprised, but, I didn't know you would go as far as you did. It's really hurtful to know that someone that I considered a friend would do such things. Well, Cyrus, I guess you are getting the attention that you've always wanted. But, I bet you never figured it would be like this. Like I've told you before..."God don't like ugly!" Oh! and by the way...When will the refunds begin? Why only $10.00? The big question is why continue to insult the intelligence of the committee, as well as, Mississippi? Also what was the urgency in having the event. Why have such an event after only three months of planning? Why not take the time neceesary to ensure the best outcome? Another question...why weren't there other men on the committee? You may wonder how or why this may matter...it matters more than you think. as far as the Rankin County Arts Alliance goes, It's headed by you... so...No I don't want to be apart of it anymore. Feel free to vote somone else in. Believe it or not help was offered, but rejected. Everyone have a great day!! signed, backstabbed, lied on and disappointed

Author

blaque butterfly

Date

2006-11-01T17:12:48-06:00

ID

108067

Comment

I'm back...Cyrus, if you knew these things weren't going to take place..why didn't you just cancel the event all together. Just being in attendance was actually more hurtful than it would have been to recieve an e-mail stating that the event had been cancelled. That way everyone could have gotten full refunds....rather than $10.00...but that wouldn't have been profitable, now would it? When you saw that things weren't going well ...you could have just ended it and planned for a later date...being that you didn't have anything booked. Clothing bought..wouldn't have been worn, could have been returned to the store....LOL. A person who really gives a flip about the situation wouldn't have thought about using such a phrase? as ( the "buck" stops). I think that was very inappropriate. But , guys that was just to get the fire started....I ask that you all pay close attention as this continues.

Author

blaque butterfly

Date

2006-11-01T17:52:33-06:00

ID

108068

Comment

shonda, knw you're pissed and everyone is. and I know you were working closely with Cyrus. Plus you are asking some very poignant questions that perhaps we all should have asked in the beginning.......... "When will the refunds begin? Why only $10.00? The big question is why continue to insult the intelligence of the committee, as well as, Mississippi? Also what was the urgency in having the event. Why have such an event after only three months of planning? Why not take the time neceesary to ensure the best outcome? Another question...why weren't there other men on the committee? You may wonder how or why this may matter...it matters more than you think. " ......hopefully we have eclipsed the obstacle to folks participating next year. and hopefully you will stay on board.but Cyrus is gone now rest assured. hopefully you'll find out where your refund can be picked up.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2006-11-01T18:38:41-06:00

ID

108069

Comment

blaque butterfly, before all this mess came about, I congratulated you on your award, but now I think that may have offended you. I didn't know all the circumstances involved, and I apologize if I offended you in any way. I thought the only problem was just not having dinner; I didn't know it was this bad. Jackie and Val, would it be possible to provide PDFs showing documentation of how money was spent, etc.? I don't know how much information you have since it seems that there was a lot you weren't aware of, but anything would help at this point. Whatever you got to give folks some closure.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-11-01T18:51:10-06:00

ID

108070

Comment

we have no documents or anything. we requested all those items to be brought to the meeting monday but mr. webb did not show up.

Author

MartyG

Date

2006-11-01T20:03:46-06:00

ID

108071

Comment

*sigh* Cyrus, what the hell?

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-11-01T20:05:06-06:00

ID

108072

Comment

we have no documents or anything. we requested all those items to be brought to the meeting monday but mr. webb did not show up. This is even worse than I thought. C.A., what's going on?

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-11-01T20:12:53-06:00

ID

108073

Comment

Hi Guys.... You have to understand, I am one who doesn't respond to a situation when I'm pissed off. I take time to collect my thoughts and then I share them. So, when I typed to u all earlier...I wasn't typing out of anger. I was typing in response to the hurt that I am feeling right now. I'm not being sappy, but, it just let's you know that u can't always judge a book by its cover. A good example of what I'm talking about is when a criminal goes and puts on a shirt and tie before a hearing....This is to fool the jury into thinking they are worthy of possibly being innocent. But, everyone, even his attorney knows that they are guilty as HECK....are you guys following me? I'm appreciative of the votes and the congrats....but the way things were handled, just isn't acceptable. I feel that the winners deserve better awards than what they were given. David Banner said the night of the awards, that he had come all the way from NY, for the event. I was like, man...I was really embarrassed. David Banner and Kamikaze were given freaking certificates...not the fancy kind with calligraphy, but homemade. Things were misspelled on one of mine. All of this was a result of a man wanting to do everything himself. If only he had allowed people to help him. Being a mature adult is recognizing that it is ok to not know everything and to allow others to help you when you need it. Sorry, that u guys have been disappointed by your discoveries this evening....But, that's the way this cookie is crumbling.

Author

blaque butterfly

Date

2006-11-01T20:37:05-06:00

ID

108074

Comment

blaque, that cookie didn't just crumble - it was obliterated. I hope next year's committee can make a fresh batch.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-11-01T21:02:27-06:00

ID

108075

Comment

Good morning, people. I want to say that AIDS Action in Mississippi nor Grace House receive any proceeds from this event. We don't want anything from Cyrus but a public apology and accountablity of the funds that were spent and monies raised.

Author

val

Date

2006-11-02T09:00:16-06:00

ID

108076

Comment

Val, please let us know if you plan to raise more money for those two charities.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-11-02T11:12:12-06:00

ID

108077

Comment

val, marilyn emailed me and told me that and even after I made cyrus know that it was in his best interest to step aside, i also wish he would come clean. But ya'll do realize that coming clean means telling the truth, which means admitting or showing guilt which I dont think we will get. i hope we do, but as we say we may have to "charge it to the game" its too much like right for him to show up somewhere and admit he kept some money somewhere. B.B. i'm not mad at the certificate, per se' Im mad and disappointed for the folks who'd NEVER won an award of any type and have been grindin. I've won awards and will win more befor im done, but I couldnt stand by and let MS be compromised like that. No one knows the stereotypes that Banner and i fight nationally everyday. People still hold us in low regard. Even here, I heard people ask "Why are Banner and Kamikaze getting an award?" and "why are rappers being recognized?" etc. so to ffight that and then have it done to you by your own is crushing. Thats why Ive stepped in, to preserve that integrity. and it will get better. Cyrus wasnt trying to do it all alone by NOT giving val and jackie info, it wasnt a case of him of him biting off more thatn he could chew. it was a case of something dubious going on and he couldnt let anyone else in on it. THATS WHAT IT WAS. but we will survive this. and that resignation is probably all the public apology we may get. But i hear that the CL is diggin deeper into some of his past dealings and have talkd to several people about a talent competition that he had a while back in which he did the SAME EXACT THING!!! we'll see.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2006-11-02T12:21:09-06:00

ID

108078

Comment

L.W., I'll let you know. Thanks

Author

val

Date

2006-11-02T13:15:44-06:00

ID

108079

Comment

I have been reading several of the comments on this thread (and on another) and would like to speak as someone who did not CA Webb before this incident. I went to the Passion for Fashion Event Friday night after seeing a story in the Clarion Ledger about the Project Runway designers. I LOVE that show so I called my friend who is a stylist and we made haste to attend only to find local designers and CA Webb giving patron the bad news: that there would not be a show. I am a freelancer (for the CL and several mags; and a former reporter/editor) so I began talking to some of the local designers and spoke personally to CA Webb and was not please at him at all. One of the comments that got my goat was "Hey, I'm young." This disturbed me greatly coming from someone who was supposed to be the chair of a major event. See, I too am young (25years old) and I have served in several event planning, editorial, real world capacities so I'm young doesn't really fly to high with me! I asked him a lot of searing questions such as why didn't he hire a PR firm, who did he go through to get the contacts and he did not provide great answers. I did not trust him then and do not trust him now. I am thankful that I did have the opportunity to meet the local designers who I hope on doing a story on in the future. But, as for Mr. CA Webb, as someone currently working at a PR firm now, I really hope for his sake he makes a better statement to the press or hires someone who can. Also, I really hope that there are MS BEST AWARDS next year because it really was a great concept.

Author

pmccorkle

Date

2006-11-02T16:36:23-06:00

ID

108080

Comment

I have one concern: the article in todays Clarion Ledger says that the information was forwarded to them by Kamikaze. Now, I thank him for doing that: but why, oh why, didn't C.A. do it himself?

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2006-11-02T17:02:26-06:00

ID

108081

Comment

Planning an event? Need outstanding, forthright creative ideas that will make your event a success? Contact Shondra Macklin (Blaque Butterfly) your one-stop creative shop! I will help assist by being the creative director for your event. I will help plan the decorative layout, I have the ability to visualize and bring to life YOUR vision, and even design one-of-a-kind decorations/dinnerware for the event. If interested....for future reference....you may contact me at [email][email protected][/email] or request to view my profile at www.myspace.com/blaqbutterfly04 P.S. I'm only interested in being apart of committees composed of honest, forthright individuals. The true success of an event lies within proper planning, time allotted for mistakes/mishaps, and a HECK of a team (we must have the ability to turn all negatives into positives...that's one of the keys to survival).

Author

blaque butterfly

Date

2006-11-02T17:11:49-06:00

ID

108082

Comment

The article LH refers to is here. One trouble bit that I didn't know: The Project Runway contestants contend Cyrus A. Webb agreed to pay them $2,500 in appearance fees for attending Mississippi's Best Awards event. When a check never came, the Project Runway contestants say Webb continued to use their names in promotional materials and placed blame on them for failing to appear at the event. Also, although he sold tickets to a dinner, Webb never booked the caterer or a venue for dinner guests. More than 200 people attended the dinner. Linda McCarthy, general manager of the Mississippi TelCom Center, said Webb didn't officially book the facility until 11:30 a.m. Saturday, the day of the awards show. Webb paid $2,000 cash for the theater, which has fixed seating and no room for eating. McCarthy said Webb made no attempt to book a room that rents for $2,400 and accommodates dinner. What this means: He knew the morning of the event--at the very earliest--that there would not be food, and as far as I know did absolutely nothing here on his blog, or anywhere else, to let prospective guests know that the food would not be there, despite the fact that they'd be paying for it. In the article, Cyrus also says that proceeds will go to AIDS Action in Mississippi, Grace House, and Building Bridges. Since (as far as I know) not a penny has gone to any of those charities as of yet, I find this problematic. This smells bad. Very bad. Cyrus, I know you're reading this. We need answers. NOW. Peace, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-11-02T17:52:58-06:00

ID

108083

Comment

Incidentally, the C-L article says that more than 200 people attended the dinner. If they each paid $50, that's a bare minimum of $10,000. The room cost $2,000 to book. Where's the other $8,000? Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-11-02T17:54:18-06:00

ID

108084

Comment

He knew the morning of the event at the very latest, I mean, not at the very earliest. He could have actually known much earlier. Since he apparently never booked a caterer, I'm guessing he did. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-11-02T17:55:31-06:00

ID

108085

Comment

Tom, I know that presenters were comped two tickets. Or I was at least. So we can't assume that everyone paid that amount. However, doesn't make it right for anyone, especially those who paid. I wish I had known earlier. Wouldn't have spent money on the hair. Would have gone to Rocky Horror instead. I also turned down two party invites. Plus price of sitter. So. It's not an accurate number to assume that all paid, but it still doesn't make it any less of a sting. There were two people at the door checking names and taking tickets. Who has that paperwork?

Author

emilyb

Date

2006-11-02T18:18:33-06:00

ID

108086

Comment

Good point; I have absolutely no idea how many people might have gotten free tickets. The C-L did say "more than 200," though; if the number was 230 and there were 12 presenters plus award recipients, then I'm guessing we'd still be talking in the >$10,000 range. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-11-02T18:56:25-06:00

ID

108087

Comment

Wow!!!!! I didn't know any of this was going on. And I was very proud of the honor of being selected one of MS Best Kept Secrets. Even tho I live in Memphis, everywhere I go and everything I do screams MS. My manager's tried to talk me out of even going to the event, (even tho I bought two tics.), because every since they met Cyrus they have always had a bad feeling about him. But I have always given him a chance because he gave me a chance to perform and get my name out in the Jackson area. I know all of this has been said before, but I was very disappointed by the events that went on with the MBA's. Every since knowing that I would be getting the Awards (One of them I didn't even get that night) I had been on cloud 9. This was finally my time. The thing that would finally get me over the hump and noticed on maybe a national level. Mr. Cotton, if you think you don't get any radio play, allow me to introduce myself.(LOL) But thanks Cyrus, although I am still very grateful and honored for the piece of paper I got, the negative things that have come out of all of this kind of puts a damper on the joy I had coming into the event. The good thing out of this is now hopefully my fan base will increase in my home state. The grind will continue. I will always support anything positive in the M. I look forward to next year and if there is anything I can do to help feel free to call on me. MS standup we will get past all of this. It's the new face in the R&B game. D. Scott

Author

Duane Scott

Date

2006-11-02T19:22:52-06:00

ID

108088

Comment

Geesh, hadn't even considered what the actual winners might be going through. Guess that's another element in itself. Hmmm!

Author

Queen601

Date

2006-11-03T10:34:07-06:00