Body+Soul
The Darker Side of Social Media
Young people are much more impressionable than adults, and in many unfortunate scenarios, allow their peers to impact their self-image.
Civil Rights
Kneeling for America: My Dad Fought, Lost Much for Athletes’ Right to Protest Racism
I believe that today my Daddy would stand, or kneel in spirit, with the NFL players who are pushing back on Trump’s treatment of them as chattel entertainment, calling for …
City & County
Finding My People in Mississippi
"Over the last nine years, so many people welcomed this transplant into their hearts and homes. They adopted me as their people."
JFP
The JFP at 15: Raising Hell, Having Fun
The Jackson Free Press' official birthday is Sept. 22, my late badass mother's birthday. She was illiterate, but loved to tell stories and encouraged me to say whatever I needed …
City & County
Editorial: A State Takeover is Not the Solution for JPS
The looming state takeover of Jackson Public Schools is full of myriad problems, from the State' of Mississippi's less-than-stellar track record of previous takeovers to a lack of transparency and …
City & County
Doing It Ourselves in (and for) Jackson
Several people I know have recently referred to Jackson as a do-it-yourself city. But maybe it's more of a D.I.O. city—do-it-ourselves.
City & County
Celebrating 15 Years in the DIY City
The Jackson Free Press is 15 years old. It's still sinking in a little. No, it doesn't seem like "yesterday" to me when we started the JFP—because it's been a …
Education
Kids Need Solutions, Not Just Numbers
The numbers in the Mississippi KIDS COUNT factbook should compel us to drive change at every level because Mississippi's children don't need numbers—they need solutions.
City & County
The People of Jackson Deserve Strong Transparency
We understand the need to increase revenue, but everyone must have a chance to be heard in the process.
Domestic Violence
Stinker Quote of the Week: 'Disservice'
Rolling back protections for survivors does nothing but push women back into a culture of silence, surviving sexual assault with no protections or avenues to justice at their universities.
Civil Rights
In Times Like These
Rev. Cletus: "Welcome to another Rev. Cletus Car Sales Church radio broadcast. This is your car-sales pastor proclaiming the good news that God is in the blessing business in times …
Crime
Flashing a Kid’s Mugshot Is No Way to Prevent Crime
Disseminating mugshots of minors should be rare due to the harm that it can cause to that kid and society to treat children as adult criminals, especially before they even …
Civil Rights
Simeon Wright: Unsung Civil-Rights Hero
"Fighting for justice is a long-term commitment, and it's our faith in hope and the people around us that sustains you."
National
The Joel Osteen Transaction
Obtaining wealth through teaching the word of Jesus clash with each other. This clash is so violent that I ask how one who has gained so much wealth by teaching …
Business
The Dollars and Sense Needed to Fund Infrastructure
You can't have your cake and eat it, too, as the old proverb goes. Similarly, you can't cut taxes and increase them, too.
Civil Rights
A Flag For Us All
If, as a state, we insist that symbols that were selected precisely for their oppressive, coercive charge remain, we send a message to the rest of the nation and world …
Editor's Note
Reflections in a Dark, Watery World
Unplugging doesn't actually require you to do something crazy like get in a float tank. It could be something as simple as choosing to put your phone up when you …
Civil Rights
Fighting an Old War
While Russia and Confederate statues deserve media coverage, they are also easy targets that don't challenge the corporate state.
Crime
Prison Beds Not Based on Reading Scores, But ...
Educational deficiencies, especially when coupled with poverty or trauma, do increase the risk of crime later. It's important, though, to break down the various pieces of the puzzle to find …
Civil Rights
Dear Confederates, Leave My Heritage Alone!
Mississippi's history is one of beauty and blood; music and malevolence; literature and lamentation. We can't ignore the ugly parts; those stains don't wash out. But we sure as hell …
