Jackson Free Press

Enough is enough. I can't sit idly by and continue to watch this childish display. A black cloud still hangs over our city. Even more prominent in election years, it slowly permeates through every facet of our society until it seemingly poisons the most rational of men and women. Our generation reaches for greatness while some of those before us try to have us succumb to tradition. The old adage "the more things change, the more they stay the same" rings true, and it's a nauseating stench - one I will continue to fight to extinguish. As Jackson pushes closer to becoming the metropolis we all know it can be, as I struggle to raise kids in a city better than the one I came into, as I attempt to continue the legacy my great mother set for me and her students, the legacy of acceptance, oneness, and love for everyone, I want to honor what she taught me by shaming the devil, and the devil, Jackson, is in these details.

Wyatt Emmerich, thank you. Thank you for further perpetuating the long held belief that the white residents of this city vote in one monolithic bloc. Through the power of your publication, you had the opportunity to move us forward. Instead, you let down the many young, white professional Jacksonians that I call friends by playing into the same politics of fear that they have tried to destroy. Every theory my community has ever had, you made valid. True or not. Your column was irresponsible and your thinking archaic, not just as a publisher, but as a Jacksonian. Though I have lived in every part of the city, I was raised mostly on the same "north side" that you declared needed to show up and vote for particular candidates, and I am offended at the thought that certain votes are more "vital" than others. Your paper is a mainstay here and has the ability to do great good. You have the chance to be a uniter of people and bridge the schism that exists between blacks and whites, but you've failed us in that regard.

Rep. Jim Evans, thank you. Thank you for solidifying for me the reality that a new generation of African American leaders needs to emerge in Jackson if we are ever going to succeed. You do not speak for all of the black folks in Jackson, nor do we share that same outdated attitude, and the rational thinkers amongst us must shun your words. Your comments do nothing but foster more dissent amongst those of us here who know that only through the passion of Jackson's warriors, black and white, can we progress. Rep. Evans, you are a great man. I have nothing but the utmost respect for you and what you have accomplished. Our conversations have always been good ones, and I've felt that my drive has impressed you. You are an elected official and a man who should serve as a role model to today's blossoming leaders. But tonight, as I pour out my heart, you have disappointed me. That may mean nothing to you, but your words were divisive and disrespectful. Most of what I learned as a journalist can be attributed to Charles Tisdale, and the Mr. T I knew would have made sure that I stood up and spoke out against something I vehemently disagreed with, friend or foe. Our generation is not encumbered with those same racial shackles you clearly are still dealing with. We acknowledge them but no longer use them as a crutch. I work every day to change the perception of young, educated, black males in Jackson while your words (coon, particularly) set us back decades. They were simply wrong.

We are at a crossroads, Jackson. This election makes me realize more than ever that if we don't recognize and call out racism, innuendo, or outright ignorance where it stands TODAY, we will never prosper. White Jacksonians, if there is no "conspiracy" at play here, then now is the time to prove that there isn't one. Send letters to the editor, emails, or phone calls whenever the aura of elitism raises its ugly head. Your vote is only "just" as important as ours, not "more". Have your own thoughts. Use your own mind. Make your own choice.

Black Jacksonians, stop blaming our underachieving on someone else. No one here is preventing any of us from excelling. If we, the 75% of this great city, have allowed 25% to "control" us, our property, or our quality of life, then it is US who needs to be chastised. Period. We cannot grow without our white comrades and they cannot grow without us. Be mindful of those who continue to try to keep Jackson divided, even in 2009. They too could be out for their own gain, political or financial.

I'm of the opinion that our downtown must be magnificent. I put my money where my mouth is to make that a reality. But I am also Northgate, I am Cromwell Street, I am Christian Brotherhood, I am First Avenue off Prentiss. I am and have lived in all those places, and I have comrades who are still there. They are looking to me to be that lighthouse to guide them to equal successes. Whether it be music, development, or writing, I have the duty to make available to everyone all the riches this city has to offer. To that end, every nook and cranny of this city MUST be saved not just downtown. I stand ready to work with everyone who speaks out whether it be Othor Cain, Donna Ladd, Alice Tisdale, Jeff Good, or our next mayor. We all want the same thing: a better city for everyone. But the childish antics must stop. The vitriol must stop. The leaflets, emails, and backbiting must stop. What example are YOU prepared to set? Personally, I believe Henry Kirksey would indeed be turning over in his grave. Not because of DJP, but because Jacksonians are making a complete spectacle of themselves this election cycle. Some of you should be ashamed.

Previous Comments

ID

146728

Comment

Kaze strikes a balance.

Author

NewJackson

Date

2009-05-04T01:27:42-06:00

ID

146729

Comment

Amen & AMEN!!

Author

Jeff Good

Date

2009-05-04T07:03:58-06:00

ID

146730

Comment

PREACH, KAZE! Good stuff here.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2009-05-04T07:18:24-06:00

ID

146733

Comment

Well said, ENOUGH said -Kim

Author

ashlee

Date

2009-05-04T07:50:44-06:00

ID

146735

Comment

Beautifully said. I pray people listen and DO SOMETHING.

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2009-05-04T09:21:43-06:00

ID

146740

Comment

Brad- I am usually not a fan of yours, but I really agree with most of what you wrote in this article. Mr. Evans should be ashamed, and Wyatt Emmerich was also wrong for choosing division over unity. It's going to take so much more than Ward 1 to turn Jackson around. I can't agree that you are changing the perception of young, educated, black males. I actually think you are perpetuating the stereotype, but we can save that for another discussion. For today, we are on the same accord with the spectacle that this election has become.

Author

News Junkie

Date

2009-05-04T10:15:45-06:00

ID

146741

Comment

Well, first off News Junkie, clearly you dont know me. And I welcome that discussion. "Perpetuating a streotype?" huh? lol You can email me at [email protected] and you can lay into me all ya want. 2nd, I dont speak my mind to gain "fans" but glad we can agree on something. Its time to start calling this out where it stands

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2009-05-04T10:42:03-06:00

ID

146742

Comment

As I said on a different thread where we're discussing Evans and Emmerich, I believe everyone who is serious about progress in Jackson should call out these extremists every time they do this stuff. I've caught huge flack from Emmerich's N-JAM support base because I called him out a few years back for giving an award to the column that said that blacks should give thanks every day for slavery (and other simply execreble stuff). Where was the outrage then for that? Where was the outrage four years ago when Melton supporters we dubbed the Mill Street Posse were saying the exact same kind of things Evans is saying now? (And with due respect to Mr. Tisdale, he led the way on that kind of language the last few years.) To be credible, we have to call out both sides when they say this kind of stuff, and make accusations without evidence. I've gotten in trouble with a local black blogger who used to write for us because I've called him out for lumping all white people into the WPS and defaming people without evidence. But, as Kaze, says we have to hold everyone to high standards. As for Emmerich, it's remarkable to me that he refuses to endorse because it's bad for business, and then turns around tells people to split their households and vote for Crisler. Does he think we're idiots? Apparently. Not to mention that one of his columns is e-mailing national media (and local) trying to get us to be anti-Mexican due to the swine flu. Gross. Where does he find these people?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2009-05-04T10:42:49-06:00

ID

146744

Comment

And here's Othor Cain's response. He couldnt get it to post here actually so he's allowed me to post it for you guys viewing....... "I had written a very wonderful response to this Kaz..but I did it on the Jackson Free Press site and for a minute there I forgot that I was banned....which also validates the need for open and honest dialogue. I just don't think it's as simple as sweeping it under the rug...nor do I think just by writing and saying stop that it will go away. This isn't childish and it does not just rear its ugly head during an election cycle. For many, this is real...even if you don't subscribe to it or those that do are labeled 'cave' or conspiracy theorist. This is real. This was happening long before Rep. Jim Evans. I will repeat what he wrote was wrong especially in terms of how it was written...but we need to move beyond the messenger and get to the heart of the message..these issues are real! Did it just become wrong because another black voice joined the fray of the discussion? Where was this outspokenness from the white community and others when Wyatt published very mean articles before? Did I miss that? Again, Jim should not hold an elected office for so many reasons..but how far off is he? Too many this is their reality! How does this set us back? It doesn't..you are still thriving and progressing as you do everyday as am I... What has happened here is an opportunity for open, serious and honest dialogue. Let's take advantage of that. Our neighborhoods are deteriorating as I witnessed in south Jackson on Saturday...I want to be excited about what is happening downtown but when I see the poverty-- the blight--the ills that are plaguing the rest of this city it is hard for me to get excited. When an officer tells me that they pulled two officers from precinct one (south Jackson) and moved them to precinct five (downtown) and these officers in precinct one are working two and three beats... crime is at an all time high in south Jackson...this includes home and business burglaries how can one not understand that there is an image/perception problem in this city. That there is a racial divide! I think what has happened here is an opportunity for us to do more than just talk or write that we are wanting to make a difference....let's be about making that difference. Let's create a forum where we can foster healthy lively debate about these issues. Leaving our attitudes and preconceived notions at the door. I stand ready to make that happen. I will submit..until we eradicate the fears and misunderstandings , these issues will never go away. Appealing to one segment of the community and getting their AMEN does not make the problem go away.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2009-05-04T10:45:25-06:00

ID

146745

Comment

And I'm with you that the burden is on white Jacksonians to stop the kinds of privileged games that feed the "conspiracy theory" hype. And it's up to black Jacksonians to not brand every black candidate who gets white support as a "puppet" of the conspiracy. The truth is that powerful groups often decide who they think is most malleable and get behind them. It's up to the candidate to show that they're not beholden to those groups, but showing us they can be independent of their strongest and richest supporters. (Like on questions about Two Lakes to name one; hint, hint.) If they don't, it really looks like they are going to just do those supporters' bidding when they get there, and we don't need that. We need a mayor who can look at all the information and then make unpopular decisions (like, say, support One Lake, or put energy and resources into a Convention Center rather than a baseball arena). Those are tough decisions, and some may not play out as well as hoped, but we need a leader who is not allowing developers or anyone else to run roughshod over them. A good way to show they won't is by being the kind of candidate who calls out both sides on the kinds of rhetoric Kaze is talking about. What kills me is that neither extreme is sneaking around to do and say this kind of stuff. I mean, Wyatt openly gave that dude an award and said it under that column. He openly called for the split-game in North Jackson. Jim Evans openly compared admirable black men in Jackson "coons." This divisiveness only benefits those doing the dividing ... and perhaps Melton, divider-in-chief.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2009-05-04T10:48:28-06:00

ID

146746

Comment

Honestly I never read the Northside Sun. It was always a lightweight social club type paper.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2009-05-04T10:48:51-06:00

ID

146748

Comment

I'll let this one pass, Kaze, but people are suspended here for a reason, and Othor's for a serious reason that had nothing to do with "open and honest dialogue." So in the future, please have them talk to me if he wants a second chance to post here. I'd be happy to talk to him about the user agreement and not posting false accusations about people here. If he agrees to follow the user agreement like other people here, we can start over, and I'll allow him to post again.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2009-05-04T10:53:53-06:00

ID

146749

Comment

And I agree wholeheartedly with Othor. My words were not written just to get "Amens" in an echo chamber. They were written to start a more intense, substantive dialogue. Which Othor has agreed to start. and when he names the place and time we should all be invited to the table for frank, real, intense discussions. It isnt going to be pretty but as I always said when we did eventually have that "race talk". It wasnt going to be for the faint of heart. Id like to hear from you Jeff Lucas or Jeff, or Lady Havoc, to what Evans said. dismiss the messenger for a moment(who we know was using an old school ploy) and tlak about WHAT he was saying. why have we gotten to the point where Black folks feel this in jxn? And are we prepared to attack it when we encounter it?

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2009-05-04T10:56:17-06:00

ID

146750

Comment

I hadn't picked up a copy of the Sun for months until last week after I heard about Wyatt's "non-endorsement" on behalf of Crisler. I was surprised to see that it shrunk to smaller paper size, too. And I wasn't surprised to see that he is charging candidates to "announce" their candidacy in his paper. It's remarkable how he turns journalistic standards on their ear for a buck.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2009-05-04T10:56:22-06:00

ID

146752

Comment

I will say that Othor is taking a different tone, and I'm happy to see it. Much of his recent rhetoric has watered down the fact that we all still have to be vigilant about a shrinking-but-over-confident group of "power" folks from the past (many of whom live in the suburbs) who still think they can run Jackson. They helped put Melton there, they helped put Robert Smith there, now they want to help put Crisler in office—and they will expect stuff in return. (And, folks, I'm not talking about every white Crisler supporter here, so breathe.) Where I differ with Othor is by tarring Crisler himself automatically with that association, because I don't believe he is controlling those folks. However, he has courted them for support and money, and I have criticized him because he should be in control of his own campaign and the message it is sending. In other words, I don't think it helps at all to tar any black candidate who is willing to work with white people, and even developers such as yourself, Kaze, to make Jackson a better place. That's self-defeating. What is much smarter is get educated on issues (such as Two Lakes, for instance) and then hold candidates accountable for whether or not they are thinking independently or in lockstep with those supporters. Downtown development, for instance. It is truly ignorant to say that every developer downtown has the exact same goals. Many of them mean well, but they can be shortsighted (I would argue on the construction of the Convention Center hotel, for instance, but money is deafening). It is absolutely true that we need to have a real community conversation about how the development of downtown is not going to send out spasms of gentrification into surrounding neighborhoods, and how to make sure it is not controlled by a handful of white folks, and how to get good development throughout the city. (Part of this is building trust, so that someone like Kenneth Stokes doesn't just stop things that are good for his ward because he and Melton, etc., don't control it.) This is a conversation we are trying to start now, with some success (although the election has slowed us down a little). Simple talk without research and real facts, though, is cheap. And there is plenty of criticism to go around without making stuff up, for God's sake. If Othor would take time to get his facts straight and stop the generalizing and often-false assumptions about people, then he could be an important voice for all Jacksonians. And I say that with due respect. And obviously I agree with his point that this didn't start with Jim Evans, or with black people. I was making that point this weekend on the other thread I linked above. That is, if you're white and suddenly outraged about Evans' race-baiting comments, but you haven't spoken up about those in Wyatt's paper or by other area politicians or talk-radio types, then it really kinda looks like you have tunnel vision and just want to point fingers at the "other." Oh, and vice versa. I think your post above, Kaze, encourages the dialogue to move forward, and hopefully encourage each of us to call out the offensive stuff when we see it. It won't always help you win popularity contests, and it will get some people to tell lies on you, but it is the right thing to do. Oh, and the biggest irony I see with the outrage about these kinds of comments in the Advocate against Crisler is that four years ago, they were there on Melton's behalf -- and many of the people screaming now supported Melton then, and didn't say a word.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2009-05-04T11:03:12-06:00

ID

146754

Comment

Ok, I'm in. For real... no jokes this time. This subject IS serious and needs a serious attempt at resolution. Those who divide do so because they: 1) Have something to gain from dividing 2) Feel they have something they need to protect and dividing is the most expeditious way to pull up the drawbridge 3) Are scared and/or uncomfortable sharing intimately and truthfully with folks outside their comfort zone This thread will not solve this problem... it is as old as mankind. What we can do is acknowledge and agree to make this an initiative for our community REGARDLESS of who gets elected in the next 6 weeks. I would hope that the Mayor and Council elect (whoever) would be open to the idea of starting a deep dialogue along these lines... facilitated by someone with the ability to do so (a la Bill Cooley for instance) and make the space for all to gain insight and trust. This process might yield fruit... coaltions form, work started, resources shared. I have long thought that the city needs to tap the Fondren Renaissance Foundation and Greater Belhaven Improvement Foundation in a formal way and ask that these two successful community organizations share the keys with other neighborhood groups. Why can't these groups do it solo? Lack of trust. Lack of relationships. Lack of motivation to start something that would entail much work, yet perhaps not bear fruit. So, we need a bridge builder... someone in a formal position who would be able to facilitate and manage the information sharing process. We are talking mentoring here.... on a organization to organization level. Just one of a dozen progressive ideas that could, should and need to move us forward. I could go on... but I trust my point is clear. Plus, if I go any further, I might start cussin'... and oh, lawdy we don't need that! :)

Author

Jeff Good

Date

2009-05-04T11:35:36-06:00

ID

146781

Comment

Kaze and all, thinking on this, one thing I'd really like to see us get out into the public sphere is a conversation about lifting the standards of honesty in our community. Let's start a campaign of sorts to get people to challenge more myths and rumors, before just passing them on. The JFP has been doing this in many ways for almost seven years, but we really need to get the community to think about how they only hurt themselves when they don't demand evidence for rhetoric. In other words, let's work together to raise the truth standard and empower people to feel like they deserve to ask more questions. Maybe we need some sort of local snopes.com to help us break up urban legends! Wouldn't this be a pain in the ass of the people who try to profit and gain popularity by spreading lies!?! And let's get as many people as possible on board the train to adopt these standards for themselves and encourage others to do the same, whether on blogs or in living rooms. I'm really liking this idea. I hope others want to come on board. Lies are a serious problem in this community; let's make a real effort to raise the standards and show people how to check things out for themselves. I can imagine an entire panel about this. That's part of me that thinks that as good as a racial-reconciliation panel could be, it's use is limited (as Tom Head pointed out in a different place). What we really need is to take the things that come out in those panels, on sites like this one and others, in the Truth commission meetings and so on, and use them to discuss community issues and problems. The people involved who are willing to talk with each other and be respectful can model the higher standards we're talking about. So, as we've been discussing in the think tank, we have a real community conversation about the possible perils of downtown development, including all the racial dynamics involved and feared. People aren't coming there just to talk about race, but that topic is invited to the table (it's usually NOT invited, especially by that's-all-in-the-pat whites). What do others think? We should ge a conversation going about this publicly.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2009-05-05T07:47:55-06:00

ID

146786

Comment

Jeff- I really thought about your post last night. I totally agree that there needs to be some sort of opportunity for people to come together and work through Jackson's problems. The one thing that really jumped out at me was the reminder that many Jackson white people really don't understand the dynamics of the city. The Jim Evans types don't want to hear from Bill Cooley just like they don't want to hear from you (or me for that matter). They look at Woodlea blacks just like they look at NE Jackson whites. I know there are exceptions to that statement, but I hope you understand that there is a lot of distrust among black people in Jackson of other black people- especially those who are seen as successful and wealthy. Many people respect Bill Cooley and know him to be an honorable man (I am one of those people), but I'm not sure that the average family in Jackson would care what he has to say. Black people are not all the same, and there is no one black leader. In order to build a bridge, it would first take those willing people of different backgrounds, different neighborhoods, different experiences, and different races to come together. If we could start there, hopefully they could eventually bring others in. I just wanted to reiterate that all people of one race don't have the same backgrounds, experiences, neighborhoods, or concerns. I think that’s the one thing that has so many black people upset about this campaign. There’s a fear that whoever the new mayor will be will pander to the upper class (blacks and whites) and continue to neglect the others. What’s best for some blacks is not always what’s best for others.

Author

News Junkie

Date

2009-05-05T09:06:36-06:00

ID

146791

Comment

News Junkie: Thank you for sharing with me and helping me continue to grow in understanding. Everything you said is spot on.... something we all need to know, and something that we all need to show. Thank you for that gift. Now, if only you were a carb junkie or sugar cookie junkie... Broad Street would benefit from such a moniker.... :)

Author

Jeff Good

Date

2009-05-05T11:40:40-06:00

ID

146795

Comment

I just wanted to reiterate that all people of one race don't have the same backgrounds, experiences, neighborhoods, or concerns. I think that’s the one thing that has so many black people upset about this campaign. There’s a fear that whoever the new mayor will be will pander to the upper class (blacks and whites) and continue to neglect the others. What’s best for some blacks is not always what’s best for others. Agreed. What insightful comments, News Junkie. And it should be such an obvious statement, but it's not. This is so obvious from our readership: they are of all races, and all whites are not alike or look up to the same leaders, and neither do all blacks. There will always be people who think they have the pulse, but just thinking that is a huge mistake. How do you suggest we gather people from across the spectrum? I hope you will be at this table, too. All people with the goal of ending divisiveness are welcome.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2009-05-05T12:52:25-06:00

ID

146810

Comment

You'd have to convince people you're not out to punish. We have enough hate in this State. I'd bet fear of being punished for being white or conservative is number one in some minds. The recent election probably didn't help.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2009-05-05T16:10:16-06:00

ID

146834

Comment

What did Jim Evans say (or write)? Where can I find it?

Author

Kacy

Date

2009-05-05T21:37:47-06:00

ID

146835

Comment

In the Jackson Advocate. He pretty much referred to John Horhn and Marshand Crisler as slaves.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2009-05-05T21:44:50-06:00

ID

146854

Comment

I don't suppose anyone's got a copy of this article? I'd rather not waste change on buying a copy of the paper.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2009-05-06T07:13:03-06:00

ID

146904

Comment

Donna- Call me a southern girl, but I think that one way to start would be through the churches. I know it sounds old fashioned, but most people in Jackson (black and white) go to church. You'd have to reach out to more than just Christ and Anderson United Methodist or First and New Hope Baptist. You'd have to bring in even the small churches in the areas that have been forgotten. Most people look at their church as their community, even if they don't live near the church. Church also seems to be a place that reaches across generations. Plus, more than ever, Jackson needs a lot of prayer! :) I'll try to think of other ideas.

Author

News Junkie

Date

2009-05-06T13:01:56-06:00

ID

146939

Comment

Kamikaze, you make good sense as always. Where can I find what Evans AND Emmerich wrote? As an expatriate I miss some things. We didn't do the white flight thing from south Jackson, and would be there still but we got transferred (to New Mexico of all places). Donna- I understand my daughter Kristin is interning there now!

Author

Michele

Date

2009-05-07T01:41:00-06:00