www.mississippilink.com VOL. 23, NO. 52 OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2017 50¢ JPS remains hopeful, continues Nissan Canton host its focus on academic th achievement 15 annual Family Fun Day By Dr. Freddrick Murray Interim Superintendent JPS A cloud of uncertainty hangs over Jackson Public Schools, the second largest school dis- trict in the state of Mississippi with nearly 27,000 students. While the district is hopeful, it is pensive as it awaits a decision from Governor Phil Bryant regarding a state of emergency declaration that would allow a take- over by the Mississippi Department of Educa- tion (MDE). COMMENTARY During JPS’s meeting with the Accreditation Commission September 13, MDE offi cials in- dicated that preliminary 2016-17 results show that JPS will be classifi ed as an “F” district regardless of revised cut scores. JPS was also classifi ed as an “F” district in the 2015-16 school year. According to state law, any public school in a district that is labeled an “F” for two consecutive school years, could become part of the Mississippi Achievement School District. The State Board of Education is expected to approve fi nal accountability letter grades for schools and districts October 19. The governor has stated that the state’s accountability rating will likely play a role in his decision. There are many variables that have plagued Jackson Public Schools for many years such as Nissan employees and family arrive for Family Fun Day on the grounds of the plant in Canton, Miss. PHOTOS COURTESY OF NISSAN the impacts of poverty, decreases in funding, and a nationwide shortage of certifi ed teach- ers. Former leadership decisions that led to the By Othor Cain said Parul Bajaj, manager, Corpo- rides for all ages, carnival games, gi- For every dunk made, Nissan do- elimination of professional development and Editor rate Communications Nissan Group ant infl atable slides, bounce houses, nated $100 to the Boys and Girls other instructional supports for teachers over For the last 15 years, the fi rst of of North America. “This event ac- popcorn, cotton candy, ice cream, Club of Central Mississippi. A grand the past several years have taken a tremendous which happened before the plant complishes the same purpose but tons of other food and a 5K run. total of $10,000 from this event was toll on the district’s ability to succeed. How- even began production (2002), the for free for all of our employees and This year, the event attracted a awarded to the Boys and Girls Club. ever, I am confi dent the systems, processes and Nissan plant in Canton has hosted their family members.” record breaking crowd of nearly “We’ve partnered with the Boys procedures we have put in place will turn our an annual Family Fun Day. The day Every year in October on the 8,000 people showing up to partake and Girls Club of Central MS since district around. is fi lled with food, fun and freebies grounds of the plant, which is trans- in the fun. It was also the fi rst year 2002 (before the plant opened) and Despite the impending “F” rating, Jackson as a means of celebrating employ- formed into a state fair type of event, that a dunking booth featuring Steve were thrilled to make an additional Public Schools has many successes. According ees and their families. employees, their families, commu- Marsh, vice president, Manufactur- donation to them at this year’s Fam- to data published by MDE from the 2016-17 “I love this event so much, be- nity partners and surrounding com- ing, Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant, ily Day,” Bajaj said. cause I know how costly it can be munity members gather for this fun Nissan North America, Inc., and all JPS Nissan to take your family to the state fair,” fi lled day that includes amusement of his directors. Continued on page 3 Continued on page 3 Out of the shadows: Overt racism fl ourishes in the American south in the Trump era By Stacy M. Brown The Gallup poll marked the third NNPA Newswire Contributor straight year that worries about race re- Race relations in the United States, lations have increased by a signifi cant especially in the South, are plagued by margin, a surge that experts have said troubling examples of the challenges likely stems from the racial tensions that face the nation, as Americans work and public discourse sparked by high- toward achieving the dream that Dr. profi le incidents of police shooting un- Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of, more armed black men. than 50 years ago. These high-profi le incidents, often Forty-two percent of Americans said sensationalized by mainstream media, that they personally worry a “great overshadow the more pervasive forms Myrlie Evers, a civil rights activist and the wid- deal” about race relations in the Unit- of racism that exist in local politics, ow of Medgar Evers, said that she was in a state ed States, up seven percentage points businesses and schools. of despair, hurt and anger following the tragedy from 2016 and a record high in the A longtime prominent Florence, in Charlottesville, Va. In this photo Myrlie Evers, UNITETHERIGHTRALLY Alt-right members preparing to enter Emancipation Gallup’s 17-year trend, according to speaks during the special tribute to the life and Racism Park holding Nazi, Confederate and Gadsden “Don’t Tread on Me” fl ags in Gallup News. legacy of Dick Gregory in Landover, Md. Continued on page 3 Charlottesville, Va. PHOTO BY ANTHONY CRIDER/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS PHOTO BY FREDDIE ALLEN/AMG/NNPA Hope Credit Union Book Review: Share this issue with a friend branch opens at Same Family, by mailing it to: Provine High School Di erent Inside Colors Page 6 Page 18 LOCAL 2 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2017 www.mississippilink.com IN MEMORIAM Dr. John David Rigsby September 11, 1930 - October 10, 2017 The Mississippi Link Newswire where he was class valedictorian and LeFlore County, Rankin County and Alumni Association. He was a life Dr. John David Rigsby entered into class president. He matriculated at Al- Jackson Public Schools District. Dr. member of the National Association for eternal rest October 10, 2017. A cel- corn State University where he served Rigsby served as an administrator in the Advancement of Colored People. ebration of the life of Dr. Rigsby was as class president and president of the the Jackson Public Schools as an as- He was also a life member of Kappa held October 13 at New Hope Baptist Student Government Association. He sistant principal, principal, personnel Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and a mem- Church in Jackson, Miss. The fam- graduated Magna Cum Laude with a director, assistant superintendent of Ju- ber of Phi Delta Kappa Education Fra- ily hour was held October 12 where degree in Biology. Dr. Rigsby received nior High Schools and assistant super- ternity and 100 Black Men of America, the Connecting Links of the LeFluer’s his Master of Science Degree in Cur- intendent of General Services. He also Inc. He received many recognitions and Bluff Chapter of the Links, Inc. and the riculum and Instruction from Indi- served as an educational consultant to honors for his leadership in various or- Canton-Madison and Jackson Alumni ana University. He earned the Doctor many school districts, and as an adjunct ganizations. He served as a mentor to Rigsby Chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Frater- of Philosophy Degree in Educational professor at Alcorn State University. numerous students and teachers. nity, Inc. conducted their memorial cer- Administration from the University of He was a member of New Hope Bap- Dr. Rigsby is survived by his wife, Rigsby, of Knoxville, Tenn., and Ken- emonies. Southern Mississippi. tist Church in Jackson where he served the former Esther C. Martin and four neth W. Rigsby of Nashville. His grand- Dr. Rigsby was born September 11, He proudly served in the United as a deacon, chairman of the Trustee sons: Reginald D. Rigsby, M.D., and children are: Erin B. Rigsby, Esq., of 1930 to John and Minnie Rigsby in States Army and was honorably dis- Board, church treasurer, church clerk his wife, Linda Dixon Rigsby, Esq., New Orleans, La., Morgan D. Rigsby Forest, Miss. His parents predeceased charged. and Sunday School superintendent. of Madison, Miss.; Delbert K. Rigsby, and Markesa B. Rigsby of Nashville him. He was a graduate of Scott Coun- He was a distinguished educator. Dr. Rigsby served as president of Esq., of Mitchellville, Md.; Dr. Mark D. and Reginald D. Rigsby, II of Jackson, ty Training School in Forest, Miss., He served as a science teacher in the the Alcorn State University National Rigsby and his wife, Virginia Priestley Miss. www.mississippilink.com OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2017 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 3 Nissan JPS Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 “I can’t thank Nissan enough for its support of the san was making contributions to the club. We are grate- school year, JPS experienced a slight and professional development, and Boys and Girls Club of Central Mississippi,” said Pen- ful to have such strong and community minded sup- increase across grade levels in both hired mentors to support teachers with ney Ainsworth, president/CEO of the Boys and Girls porters like Nissan, our children are better because of mathematics and English/Language less than three years of classroom ex- Club. “Since 2002, before the plant even opened, Nis- their support.” Arts. The largest total point increase is perience. It is clear that JPS is cor- in mathematics with 16.5 points more recting areas where improvements are than the previous school year and necessary.