Jackson Free Press

As I sit down to write this editor's note, I can barely make out the blurry words on my computer screen. It's been 24 hours since the Saints claimed a victorious Super Bowl win, and I'm still tearing up.

I am not a football fan, which has always been a disappointment to my father—a former University of Southern Mississippi linebacker. But this game was about more than football; it was about the unity of an entire city, perseverance and pure love.

At Markey's Bar in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans, I watched grown men weep and strangers embrace when the Saints brought it home.

In the French Quarter, the streets flooded with people who danced on top of cars, high-fived each other, blasted car horns and cheered "Who Dat." I continued to hear horns blaring and cheers well into the early hours of the morning when I woke up.

When I talked to New Orleans natives that night, many of them expressed how outsiders often view their city as corrupt, dirty and second-rate. The force of the Saints gave them something to hope for and renewed pride for their hometown. They've endured their share of hard times and misfortunes and for many, this win symbolized overcoming those obstacles.

The next morning, on my early trek home, I started thinking about Jackson—the city I have grown to love and call home.

Comparing Jackson and New Orleans can be a stretch, but I found similar themes in our attitudes. Often, Jacksonians are confronted by other's stereotypes that Jackson is a crime haven and a place many fear based on speculation.

As if to combat those stereotypes, I find myself constantly gushing to many of my out-of-town friends about the spirit and soul of this city—something I feel sets Jackson apart from other places. When my friends do come for a visit, I am proud to take them to authentic places like The Cherokee Inn or Two Sisters Kitchen and introduce them to the people who make this city worth living in.

What I especially like about our capital city is the variety of progressive and positive conversations taking place. A few months ago, during a Jackson Free Press Think Tank meeting, several idealistic citizens expressed the desire to find a unifying theme among residents that transcends race, class and generations. A few thought it could be the blues; others said food or the idea of having just one sports team. Perhaps we are already united by our soul and love for our city.

Like New Orleans, Jackson isn't perfect. We've had our share of poverty, government corruption, crime and infrastructure issues (can you say water?), but we are united by hope that we can dream big and make this city even better.

Since I started working at the Free Press last August, I have learned the importance of investing in the community and seeing the rewards. Donna Ladd and Todd Stauffer are constantly thinking of ways that our publication can give back and get involved. Unlike many business models, this isn't a concept in theory only—it's ingrained into everything we do.

When we receive e-mails or letters expressing gratitude in our work or acknowledging the impact of a story, it puts our work into perspective.

Last month, at the "Best of Jackson" party, I saw our hard work and the work of others in the community come to fruition. From JFP staffers—like designer Kristin Breneman who worked crazy-long hours with a smile on her face—to local business owners—like Jeff Good whom I've watched joyfully run take-out orders to customer's cars in the rain֖"Best Of" really embodied the tone of Jackson and recognized the people and places that make living here so great.

I don't think it necessarily has to take a sports victory win for our city to unite, but I think we can learn from our neighbors and steal some of that spirit.

On my early trek home Monday morning, my tire blew out on Interstate 55. The unfortunate event jolted me back to reality, and I remembered that even in the sweetest moments, life is always throwing us curve balls and setbacks.

I also learned that I don't own a spare tire or a valid AAA membership. As I sat in my car feeling mired in despair, an off-duty fireman pulled up beside me and offered to help.

Without asking for anything in return, he took me to get a new tire and replaced the flat. On the way to the service station we gushed about the Saints win, Tracy Porter's amazing interception and reflected on the entire season. I realized that the impact of the Saint's win stretches farther than the city limits. If only for a brief moment, I hope this newfound attitude of perseverance, hope and optimism extends into our daily lives.

The people who go out of their way to make life better for others inspire me. With Valentine's Day approaching, we should celebrate our love—not only for each other, but our love for our city. Let's strive to see the bigger picture, especially when pettiness comes between us. I've learned that it's our setbacks that make success and victory sweet.

Previous Comments

ID

155885

Comment

Outstanding job Lacey. I am on board as you know. I am looking for nothing but brighter things for Jackson this year. Keep it up!

Author

Langston Moore

Date

2010-02-10T12:20:21-06:00

ID

155889

Comment

Once again, I have been inspired by the creative and progressive thinking of JFP writers. You continue to give me hope in what thoughtful and positive people can accomplish.

Author

Duann Kier Sywanyk

Date

2010-02-10T14:37:45-06:00