Jackson Free Press

Natalie Brooke Long: Brother Keith Tonkel at Wells UMC! He's done so much for this city and has fought for all equality among us, and he's a fantastic preacher who never turns anyone away from his congregation.

Ellen Ann Fentress: Bill Minor. He has reported the unvarnished truth—Mississippi's good and bad—since 1947, and he's still at it.

Dana Hood: Pastor Keith Tonkel for a lifetime of community dedication and service.

Laura Lillard: Janet Madden is my hero! For the last 11 years she has worked tirelessly as the shelter director for Community Animal Rescue and Adoption (CARA) without receiving a penny in compensation. She is responsible for saving thousands of lives.


Malcolm Johnson: Kenneth I. Stokes because he always stands up for citizen of Hinds County. He wants reports for taxpayers.


Madamxtra Wells-kelly: Phyllis Robinson! Because she works diligently to provide a venue that births voice in Mississippians from all walks of life. Thanks, Peaches...SMILE*

Thomas Roots: Thomas Roots because I'm awesome.

Edward Peter Cole II: hard race between Wanda Collier Wilson, Jackson CVB, and Jeff E. Good.

Janice Hogan: Elizabeth Matthews, founder of Magnolia Speech School, for the blessings she gave so many over the years, and Ann Sullivan, who carried on her mission. May God grant many blessings to these incredible women of faith, hope and inspiration for parents nationwide seeking help for their children.

Chico Harris: In Oxford, Lee "Coach" Morgan because he is the second-funniest guy I know.

Deborah Blakeney: Pippa Jackson and her fight for the animals.

James Parker: Jed Oppenheim, for his tireless efforts to promote youth justice in the capital city.


Eddie Outlaw: Lori Garrott. She's a "boots on" kinda broad working for women's health, for inner-city children in crisis, she stands with her gays, and she makes me want to be a better man.

Sharla Bachelder: Cristen Hemmins, the most visible face of the movement to defeat Mississippi's now-notorious Personhood Amendment, Prop 26.

Stacey Aldridge: Atlee Parks Breland & Stacey Branson Spiehler for all their work with Parents Against MS 26!

See and add more at: jfp.ms/localheroes