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VOL. 25, NO. 47 SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, 2019 50¢ Report: States with history Mississippi Round UP of voter discrimination The Associated Press have far fewer polling Offi cials: Man used fully automatic guns to wound deputies places since ‘Shelby’ A Mississippi man is accused weapon” resulting in a “barrage hol, Tobacco, Firearms and Ex- tional Firearms Act. The state of possessing two fully auto- of gunfi re” Thursday. Sheriff’s plosives offi cials say the use of Bureau of Investigation is inves- matic weapons in a shootout that spokesman Heath Hall con- such weapons in the commission tigating. Supreme Court ruling wounded two deputies last week. fi rmed the guns were “full” au- of a crime is extremely unusual. Egbert is jailed for now on Madison County District At- tomatic. Illegally possessing or using a charges including kidnapping torney John Bramlett said Edgar The Clarion Ledger reports fully automatic gun carries stiff and attempted murder of law en- Egbert used a “fully automatic state and federal Bureau of Alco- federal penalties under The Na- forcement. Driver dies and 8 children are injured as school bus crashes A school bus driver is dead and eight children have injuries after a school bus rolled over in northern Mississippi. The Mississippi Highway Patrol tells news outlets that the bus driver died in the Tuesday morning incident, with the bus ending up on its side in a ditch. Offi cials tell WMC-TV that the Voters wait to vote at Byram City Hall during the midterm elections 63-year-old driver, Chester Cole, Tuesday, November 6, 2018. ERIC J. SHELTON, MISSISSIPPI TODAY/ REPORT likely suffered a medical emergency. FOR AMERICA Benton County Coroner Larry Hobson said Cole appeared to clutch his chest By Bobby Harrison changes in states like Missis- and slumped over in his seat before the Mississippi Today crash. sippi that have a history of voter The number of locations to Eight injured children were taken discrimination. The Supreme vote in states and jurisdictions to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Court left open the possibility of with a history of minority voter in Memphis, Tennessee. The hospital Congress restoring the need for suppression has been reduced said four are in serious condition and federal approval if the preclear- by at least 1,173 since 2013, ac- four others are being released Tuesday. ance was based on updated data. cording to a study by the Lead- Troopers say no other vehicles were Wrecker crews inspect the damage to a Benton County School bus that was involved in wreck along The Voting Rights Advance- ership Conference Education involved in the wreck on U.S. High- U.S. Highway 72 near Walnut, Miss., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019, that resulted in the death of the driver ment Act would update the orig- Fund. inal Voting Rights Act to require way 72 west of Walnut. and sent several students to the hospital. THOMAS WELLS/THE NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI DAILY JOURNAL VIA AP The reduction comes, the federal approval for jurisdic- report fi nds, after the U.S. Su- tions with more recent history of preme Court in June 2013 struck discrimination. Under the bill, Mississippi man gets 11 years for his part in cross burning down a portion of the Voting states with 15 or more voting Rights Act of 1964 that required rights violations within the past A white Mississippi man re- Revette expressed remorse vette and Williamson or others other men burned a cross more those jurisdictions to obtain fed- 25 years or 10 or more if one of ceived an 11-year prison sen- at his sentencing hearing, the will return and harm the family. than 6 feet (1.8 meters) high in eral Department of Justice ap- the violations was enacted by a tence Tuesday for his part in Hattiesburg American report- Cross burnings have his- the front yard of an interracial proval to make changes to their state would be covered. Under burning a cross near the home ed. torically been used by racist couple’s home in Port Richey, elections. the proposal Mississippi still of an African-American fam- “I want everyone to know groups such as the Ku Klux Florida, in 2012. The Education Fund deter- would be covered. ily. I’m not proud of what hap- Klan to rally supporters and Other cross burnings in the mined the number of closed “Next to the ballot itself, the Louie Bernard Revette, 38, pened,” Revette said. “I hate terrorize black people in the past decade have occurred in polling places by surveying 757 most identifi able element of our was sentenced by U.S. District what I did. I can’t even believe South and elsewhere. Richmond Hill, Georgia; Mi- of the 861 counties covered by democracy’s voting process is Judge Keith Starrett in Hatties- I did that. I never done anything “Those who instill fear and nor Hill, Tennessee; Woodland, the Voting Right Act. The study the polling place. It should – burg, the Justice Department like that before in my life.” terror into our neighbors and Pennsylvania; Salado, Arkan- did not compile information and it must – be accessible to said. Seminary is a town of about our fellow citizens because of sas; and Bennington Township, from the counties where it could all. When it is not, the barriers to Revette pleaded guilty in 300 residents, located about 70 the color of their skin will face Ohio, among other places, ac- not garner accurate information. participation can be high. Mov- April to one count each of in- miles (115 kilometers) south of the full weight and force of the cording to Justice Department The segment of the national ing or closing a polling place terference with housing rights, Jackson. law from the U.S. attorney’s records. report that focused on Missis- – particularly without notice or which is a federal civil rights Revette’s accomplice, Gra- offi ce,” Mike Hurst, U.S. At- Eric Dreiband, an assistant sippi found the number of poll input from communities – dis- violation, and of using fi re dur- ham Williamson, pleaded torney for south Mississippi, attorney general in the Civil closures at 98, which closely rupts our democracy,” said the ing the commission of a federal guilty to the same two charges said in a Justice Department Rights Division, said in the coincided with the totals found report, titled Democracy Divert- felony. in August and is scheduled to statement Tuesday. “There is statement Tuesday that Revette by Mississippi Today in 2018 ed, which was released Tuesday. Revette acknowledged re- be sentenced in November. absolutely no place in our soci- “terrorized members of a com- before the November mid-term Leigh Chapman, program cruiting someone to help him None of the victim’s rela- ety or our country for this type munity simply because of their elections. director for voting rights at the build a cross to burn near the tives were in court Tuesday, of behavior, and we will do all race and where they lived.” The Education Fund, a re- Education Fund, said the clo- home of a teenager in a pre- but the newspaper reported that that we can to prevent these “The Department of Justice search arm of the Leadership sures of the voting locations dominantly black area of Sem- the victim’s grandmother, Rose racist acts and bring to justice will not tolerate these acts of Conference on Civil and Hu- come at a time voter turnout is inary Oct. 24, 2017. He also Marie Shears, told the U.S. at- those who are intent on com- hate, and we will continue man Rights, based on its re- increasing, potentially leading acknowledged building the torney’s offi ce that the cross mitting these crimes.” to prosecute hate crimes like port, is urging for congressional to long lines at polling places. cross to threaten, frighten and burning revived fear and terror In 2017, a man pleaded these to the fullest extent of the passage of the Voting Rights “Long lines can lead to voter intimidate people because of of the past. She told prosecu- guilty to federal charges after law,” Dreiband said. Advancement Act to, among disenfranchisement,” she said other things, restore the need their race. tors that she is afraid that Re- prosecutors said he and three Voting for federal approval of elections Continued on page 3 Flying While Black: Stop the U.S. Congress from raising air travel taxes

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. COMMENTARY one more expense to that list. fees on top of what is already cally enforced but federally amount they want. President and CEO NNPA On Capitol Hill, some law- required. Lawmakers who sup- authorized fee that every pas- Some have proposed rais- Working fami- car payment, trip to the grocery makers are championing what port the increase insist that the senger must pay at U.S. com- ing the PFC to $8.50, nearly lies in the Afri- store, stop at the gas station, is essentially a regressive tax on money will be spent on infra- mercial airports. Nearly every doubling the current tax. That c a n - A m e r i c a n or utility bill that shows up in airline passengers that would structure improvement projects airport in America charges it. would add a signifi cant cost for community and the mail is a reminder of how raise the cost of fl ying – pain- at airports. But, if our commu- The fee is currently set at $4.50 all American families. Under beyond have a expensive it is to afford basic fully, on working families. If nities can no longer afford to per person per leg of a trip. that proposal, a family of four hard-enough time needs. Now, lawmakers in the successful, the tax hike would fl y, this becomes a moot point. Legislation has been introduced on a connecting fl ight would keeping up with daily expens- U.S. Congress have introduced burden African-American trav- The tax, known as the pas- that would remove that cap, al- Flying es. Every mortgage payment, legislation that threatens to add elers with signifi cant additional senger facility charge, is a lo- lowing airports to charge any Continued on page 3

FedEx launches More Share this issue with a friend new HBCU to Life by mailing it to: employment

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Page 2 Page 17 LOCAL

2 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, 2019 www.mississippilink.com FedEx launches new HBCU employment program at MVSU

The grand opening event included a ribbon cutting and the following speakers from FXL and MVSU: Jerryl Briggs, president of MVSU; Shannon Brown, senior vice president of Air, Ground, Freight and Services/chief diversity offi cer of FedEx Express; Bethany Rocheleau, vice president of U.S. Brokerage, FedEx Trade Networks; La Shon Brooks, chief of staff and legislative liaison, MVSU

The Mississippi Link Newswire offi ce on the Mississippi Valley team members, customers, sup- college, with the potential to be unique program where the social operations. Through this initia- Recently, FedEx Logistics State University campus. pliers and communities. hired full-time with FXL upon benefi t is just as important as the tive, FedEx is connecting people (FXL) launched a program to The program’s mission is to Students are offered part-time graduation. economic. We are creating a with possibilities,” Bethany Ro- establish a satellite Express connect people and possibilities employment with the ECO or- “The FedEx Logistics HBCU pipeline of diverse talent for our cheleau, VP of U.S. Brokerage, Clearance Operations (ECO) to deliver a better future for all ganization while they are in employment program is a world-class customs brokerage FedEx Trade Networks. www.mississippilink.com SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 3

Voting Continued from page 1 Backlash sinks during a recent telephone interview. “Some people are Hosemann, whose office oversees state election laws, not able to stand in long lines.” said when the Supreme Court ruling was released. “Mis- The report found 750 polling places closed in Texas sissippi citizens have earned the right to determine our magazine cover deemed since the Supreme Court ruling, 320 in Arizona and 214 voting processes.” in Georgia. When the ruling was made Hosemann was in the The national report conceded that there are legitimate process of enacting a law requiring citizens to display racist by many reasons to close polling places, such as population loss, a government-issued photo identification to vote. The but said it appears in some instances no legitimate rea- ruling meant federal approval was not needed to enact By Erica R. Williams sons were provided for closing polling places. the law. Special to The New Tri-State Defender In many instances, Chapman said officials cited non Under the original Voting Rights Act of 1964, all elec- compliance with American with Disabilities Act guide- tion changes in nine states, predominantly located in the Memphis magazine has pulled lines as the reason for closing polling places. But she South and jurisdictions in six other states, had to obtain its September issue after receiving said national standards provide temporary modifications federal approval of election changes. The proposed new backlash for what some have called to make polling places compliant with ADA guidelines, law would cover 11 states. a racist cover. such as temporary ramps. According to the report, the original Voting Rights The magazine featured carica- In addition, in Mississippi the law allows for poll Act had an overwhelming impact on increasing African- tures of three mayoral candidates workers to deliver a ballot to a vehicle in the parking American voter participation. In Mississippi, for in- – Shelby County Commissioner lot for a voter who might have difficulties accessing a stance, 5 percent of black citizens were registered prior Tami Sawyer, incumbent Mayor Jim polling place because of physical limitations. In law, it is to the enactment of the Voting Rights Act. The state of Strickland and former Mayor Dr. referred to as curbside voting. Mississippi, before the Voting Rights Act, used a litany Willie W. Herenton. Sawyer When the Supreme Court struck down the section of of methods to prevent blacks from voting, such as poll But it’s the illustration of District the Voting Rights Act requiring preclearance of election taxes and outright intimidation. 7 Commissioner Sawyer that gar- era cartoons historically used to de- changes, Mississippi’s Republican leadership praised Mississippi voters can find out where to cast their bal- nered the most criticism. mean and demoralize African Amer- the ruling. lot in the upcoming November election using the Secre- After the cover was released, sev- icans) printed in the September issue “This chapter is closed,” Secretary of State Delbert tary of State’s polling place locator. eral people on social media pointed of Memphis magazine is both insult- fingers at the local magazine’s char- ing and hurtful and represents a false acterization of Sawyer, calling it rac- view of how I am seen by my com- ist and offensive. Recently the com- munity.” Flying pany issued an apology in a column Sawyer also took issue with the posted on their website titled, “We article that accompanied the illustra- Continued from page 1 Failed Memphis.” tion, calling it an attempt to support pay nearly $150 in this tax alone – a tax that is layered Fund is expected to reach nearly $8 billion by the end “Being a print publication, a cer- her opponent. on top of the price of the ticket itself. Such a substantial of 2019. tain number of copies already exist “The writing by Jackson Baker, increase could be the deciding factor between that fam- And this summer alone, the Federal Aviation Admin- in the world. We have, however, and imagery used to support, ad- ily taking this vacation or staying home. istration has awarded hundreds of millions in renova- halted newsstand distribution of the vances racial narratives, reflects Fortunately, largely due to the recent surge of low- tion grants to airports across America earmarked for September issue to as many retail clear bias against women and black cost flights from many airlines, air travel has become infrastructure improvements. It’s also worth keeping locations as possible,” said Anna people, and is simply irresponsible. a more obtainable luxury, remaining largely affordable in mind that air travel and tourism are now at or near- Traverse, chief executive officer of The article is an obvious attempt to for working people, whether in rural America, the sub- ing all-time highs, meaning that airports are collecting Contemporary Media, the parent elevate the stature of the incumbent urbs or the inner cities. While still a relatively expen- more in PFC taxes than they know what to do with. company of Memphis magazine. mayor. While I am portrayed as out- sive proposition, air travel to get away on a vacation, By contrast, the income of working Americans has “I took the step as soon as Ms. landish, militant, confrontational or to visit far-away family and friends, without the been stagnant for years. Considering that airports are Sawyer and I spoke Friday after- and combative, my opponent is por- proposed new tax, is still within reach for many indi- more profitable now than ever before, it is disappoint- noon,” Traverse wrote. “By now, trayed as thoughtful and cautious. viduals on tight family budgets. The near-doubling of ing that they, with the backing of politicians in Wash- we all know what the cover looked We will not stand for the continued the PFC tax will likely place air travel out of reach for ington, are now coming to average Americans and ask- like and what effects it has had, the willful misrepresentation of and at- many. And the reason for this hike is absurd. ing them to shoulder the cost. image has been removed from this tacks on my womanhood and candi- The argument for the hike is that the additional America’s airports are well-positioned to continue to website and will never go back up.” dacy.” money will pay for much-needed infrastructure im- fund infrastructure improvement projects without need- Before the apology, and almost While caricatures are often used in provement projects at airports nationwide. But here is lessly reaching into the pockets of America’s working immediately after the cover was re- political satire and are meant to ex- the problem: America’s airports don’t need the extra families and robbing them of one of the few affordable leased, Sawyer issued a statement aggerate the subject’s features, many money. Airport revenues are already growing strongly. luxuries available to them. Congress must stand up for regarding the depiction. drawings featuring black women Since the year 2000, airports have enjoyed revenue in- working people and refuse this tax increase. “I’m shocked, disappointed, and have sparked controversy as critics creases of 87 percent, without the cost of flights ris- Economic progress in America should empower Af- disgusted by the egregious mis- argue that they feed into negative ing meaningfully. This growth drastically outpaces the rican Americans and others. We in the Black Press of characterization of my personhood stereotypes. actual cost of flying, even after factoring for inflation. America will not be silent on this issue. and continued inaccurate reporting Former first lady Michelle Obama In addition, over the last decade, more than $165 Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is president and CEO of the by Contemporary Media and other has been the subject of caricatures billion in federal aid has been directed to airports for National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Memphis news outlets on my back- where she was often portrayed as improvement projects at America’s largest 30 airports representing the Black Press of America. He can be ground, activism and values. The Read more online at alone. More than that, the so-called Aviation Trust reached at [email protected]. caricature (reminiscent of Jim Crow www.themississippilink.com 4 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, 2019 www.mississippilink.com www.mississippilink.com SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 5 Gwendolyn Bishop Chambliss Endowed Scholarship at JSU

Mississippi Link Newswire of Speech and Dramatic Arts/ bliss, Jr. (who preceded her orders. Gwendolyn Bishop Cham- Communicative Disorders. in death) and devoted mother You may donate to this bliss transitioned to her heav- She was a tireless servant of to two children Karen Cham- fund via PayPal (https:// enly home August 22, 2019, God, an elder in the United bliss Clark (Ralph, Sr.) and www.paypal.com/paypalme2/ in Jackson, MS. She was the Christian Church (Disciples Carneal E. Chambliss, III (De- GBCScholarship?locale. oldest child of the late Edward of Christ) in Jackson, MS, an methous). x=en_US) or by sending S. Bishop Sr. and the late Eva engaged member and leader of The Gwendolyn B. Cham- checks payable to Jackson Hunter Bishop of Corinth, MS. many local, state and national bliss Endowed Scholarship State University Develop- Chambliss was a clini- organizations, and a kind and Fund has been established to ment Foundation (Memo line: cal speech pathologist and a caring friend to many. support undergraduate Jack- Gwendolyn B. Chambliss En- beloved educator at Jackson Chambliss was the loving son State University students dowed Scholarship), P.O. Box State University Department wife of Carneal E. Cham- studying Communicative Dis- 16613, Jackson, MS 39236. 6 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, 2019 www.mississippilink.com Bond work completed at Green Forest Hill High Elementary and Jim Hill High School selected

Mississippi Link Newswire Jackson Public Schools has recently completed for ACT prep construction of a new parking lot at Green Ele- mentary School and park- ing lot improvements at pilot program Jim Hill High School as part of the 2018 JPS Bond Construction Program. The parking lot work completed at Green El- ementary involved con- verting an unused basket- ball court to a 27-space parking lot. The project was completed by R & L Green Elementary School Parking Lot Unlimited, Inc. in August 2019. At Jim Hill, this project was Phase I of planned parking lot improvements and involved pothole re- pairs in the most dam- aged areas. Phase II of this project will be com- pleted in summer 2020. It will include a new con- crete pad for the cafeteria loading dock area and resurfacing other dam- aged areas. Phase I park- ing lot improvement work was completed by R & L Unlimited, Inc. in August Jim Hill High School Parking Lot Mississippi Link Newswire 2019. in developing the courses. The Approximately 250 high program includes tips and strat- school juniors at Forest Hill egies, online review modules, High School will be part of student workbooks and more. The Mississippi Link [USPS 017224] is published weekly by an ACT pilot program next Built on her expertise, this pro- TM The Mississippi Link, Inc. Offi ces located at 2659 Livings- spring. Forest Hill was one of gram tackles time management ton Road, Jackson, MS 39213. Mailing address is P.O. Box 22 Mississippi high schools se- during test-taking with engag- lected at random to participate e Mississippi Link 11307, Jackson, MS 39283-1307 or e-mail us at: editor@ ing, on-demand content. in Jumpstart Test Prep’s Read- mississippilink.com; Please visit our website at: www.missis- Last school year, 15 Missis- ing and Science Review Pilot sippi high schools completed Volume 25 • Number 47 sippilink.com. Phone: (601) 896-0084, Fax 896-0091, out of Program. Jumpstart Test Prep’s math state 1-800-748-9747. Periodical Postage Rate Paid at Jack- September 12 - 18, 2019 The program will prepare review course. Jumpstart re- son, MS. students for the state-mandated ported that nearly half of the © copyright 2019. All rights reserved. ACT exam to be administered participants with prior ACT Deadline: The deadline for submitting items to be considered during the spring 2020 semes- attempts had an average Math for publication is Tuesday at 10 a.m. ter. Prep classes will begin score improvement of 2.24 Publisher...... Jackie Hampton at all of the selected Missis- points. Editor...... Othor Cain Subscriptions are $32 per year; $64 for two years or $96 for sippi high schools during the The pilot program is funded Copy Editor...... Minnie Garrett three years. two weeks leading up to the through a $150,000 allocation Graphics...... Marcus Johnson scheduled test day. Currently, from the Mississippi Legisla- Postmaster: the testing window is between Photographers...... Kevin Robinson & Jay Johnson ture and will support nearly Send all address changes to The Mississippi Link, February 25 and March 5, 3,000 juniors statewide. Contributing Writers...... Janice K. Neal-Vincent P.O. Box 11307, Jackson, MS 39283-1307. 2020. The goal of the 2019-2020 Ayesha K. Mustafaa The Jumpstart Test Prep state-sponsored pilot is to help Advertising: For all advertising information, science and reading review the selected high schools im- please call (601) 896-0084. courses were developed by prove ACT composite science Mississippi STAR teacher and and reading sub-score averag- The Mississippi Link accepts no responsibility for unsolicited Hall of Fame inductee Dot Mc- es and gain feedback and im- Member: materials and in general does not return them to sender. Clendon. Her 40-plus years of provement results from schools Manuscripts and photographs submitted for publication are experience and success as a tu- awarded the review course pi- welcome by The Mississippi Link, but no responsibility can tor and educator were tapped lot. be taken for sources considered to be authoritative, because the publication cannot guarantee their accuracy. Reproduc- tion or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content, is prohibited.

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www.mississippilink.com SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 7 Millsaps College DeVos hands dedicates new Windgate for-profi t colleges $11.1 billion Visual Arts Center over 10 years

The Mississippi Link Newswire change is as negative as it is costly. Most consumers would likely “After the collapse of Corinthian agree that consumers should get College and ITT Tech, two of the what they pay for. If a product or largest for-profi t education compa- service fails to deliver its promises, nies in the country, the Obama Ad- refunds are in order. ministration created the Borrower Dedication of the Windgate Visual Arts Center That kind of thinking guided the Defense rule to protect students and Obama Administration’s decision to taxpayers from deceptive practices address false promises made to stu- that could jeopardize the future of dent loan borrowers. thousands of students and our econo- A rule known as the “borrower my,” said Ashley Harrington, a CRL defense to repayment,” came on the senior policy counsel, and a primary heels of successive for-profi t college negotiator during the Education De- closures that left thousands of stu- partment’s negotiated rule-making dents stranded educationally and fi - process. nancially. The federal rule provided With DeVos’ new rule, both the a way for snookered students and automatic discharge of federal loans borrowers to apply for and secure that took effect after a school closed loan forgiveness. Its premise was and another provision that allowed that both borrowers and taxpayers group claim relief are now elimi- were assured that the Department of nated. Anyone seeking redress on The Windgate Visual Arts Center located on the west side of the Millsaps campus Education was looking out for them. student loans must also bear the full But with a new administration and burden of documenting their alleged The Mississippi Link Newswire education secretary, rules that made “harm” before a claim can be re- from individual donors, including a location chosen in part because it re- sense and brought taxpayers fi nan- viewed. A new era in the visual arts at Mill- Maurice and Cathy Hall (The Hall opens access to the campus from West cial fairness have been repealed and The new rule also removes states saps College offi cially began with the Gallery) and Michael McRee (The Mi- Street. A new entrance on Wesley Av- replaced with other rules that favor from opportunities to defend their dedication of the Windgate Visual chael T. McRee Wing for Studio Arts). enue offers students and visitors alike for-profi t colleges, loan servicers and own constituents. State laws, many Arts Center, a facility designed to ex- “The support of these incredibly an easier way to enter the campus, and other business interests. enacted before the 2016 Obama-era pand and enhance studio art and art generous donors, combined with other recognizes the history found to the Just as many people were about to rule took effect, provided another history offerings for students at the gifts from people who care deeply for west of campus. begin their Labor Day holiday, the route to legal redress. But with college. Donors and community lead- Millsaps and for the arts, has resulted “The Windgate Visual Arts Center federal Department of Education an- the new DeVos rule, no state-level ers joined Robert W. Pearigen, presi- in this exciting day in the history of offers our students the fi nest studios nounced it was changing a key rule claims can be pursued. dent of Millsaps, and art faculty to this college,” said Pearigen. “We are for everything from woodworking to that provided a pathway to federal “That’s problematic for us,” added celebrate the building. grateful for their belief in, and back- painting to digital art, and it offers our loan forgiveness. Instead, a new rule Harrington. “The federal standard A $2.5 million challenge grant from ing of, the value of the arts and what community a new venue for partner- puts in place a process that will be should be the fl oor, not the ceiling, the Arkansas-based Windgate Foun- it means as part of a student’s educa- ships that can strengthen the arts be- cumbersome, lengthy and nearly im- for relief.” dation was the initial driving force be- tional experience.” yond our campus,” Pearigen said. “It possible for consumers to success- Over the next decade, the Educa- hind the building. A major gift from Construction on the 5,000 square is literally a blank canvas on which fully secure relief. tion Department projects an $11 bil- the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable foot building began in November 2017. we will create a beautiful future for Commenting on the rule that will lion cost-savings from denying loan Trust (for the William R. Kenan Jr. The Visual Arts Center is located on our students and Jackson for years to now apply to all federal student loans forgiveness. But for student loan Lobby) helped spur additional gifts the west side of the Millsaps campus, come.” made on or after July 1, 2020, Secre- borrowers, denying $11 billion in tary Betsy DeVos said, “We believe loan forgiveness adds an unwieldy this fi nal rule corrects the wrongs and costly burden for an education of the 2016 rule through common and earnings that were never real- sense and carefully crafted reforms ized. Hinds CC a perfect place that hold colleges and universities “The new ‘borrower defense rule’ accountable and treat students and does anything but defend students,” taxpayers fairly.” said James Kvaal, president of The Excuse me Secretary DeVos, the Institute for College Access & Suc- to take next step rule was promulgated due to the cess (TICAS). “In fact it makes it thousands of wrongs resulting from almost impossible for students who less than truthful recruitment prac- are lied to, defrauded, or otherwise tices, false advertising and targeting abused, by their colleges to get a in healthcare careers of vulnerable populations: low-in- fresh start. …By leaving students on come, fi rst-generation college stu- the hook for colleges’ illegal actions, dents who were often people of col- today’s rule sends a clear message The Mississippi Link Newswire Drive complex, the event allows pro- cellent employment opportunities for or, and veterans seeking new skills that there will be little or no con- As a basketball player in high school spective students and others to tour our students,” said Nursing and Allied in a return to civilian life. For-profi t sequences for returning to the mis- and part of his college life thus far, the campus’ learning labs, speak with Health Dean Kathy Elliott. “Graduates colleges largely remain fi nancially representations and deceptions that Clayton Tate saw both kinds of “PT.” faculty, explore the college’s 12 health- of our programs are employed at rates of solvent by their heavy dependence characterized the for-profi t college “I was in PT a lot when I played,” related and two short-term programs 90 to 100 percent within a year of grad- upon taxpayer-funded student loans. boom.” Tate said, referring to the verbal short- and get the latest on requirements and uation and consistently meet national For Black America, the effects of A similar reaction came from hand for physical therapy, which went deadlines. benchmarks for licensure/registry pass predatory student lending at for-prof- Abby Shafroth, an attorney with the along with the other PT – playing time “Guests spoke with our faculty one- rates.” it colleges comes with severe conse- National Consumer Law Center, and – he got while dishing assists as a guard on-one to learn about our programs The event draws potential students quences. According to research by like Harrington, participated in the for Terry High School and Hinds Com- of study and the promising careers in across a wide spectrum of ages and the Center for Responsible Lending department’s rulemaking meetings. munity College. healthcare that Hinds’ graduates ob- professional experience. Growing up in (CRL): “There are over 170,000 pending Tate, now 25, is looking for an assist tain,” said Kathryn Cole, district direc- medical families is the background on • Only 21% of all for-profi t stu- applications with many borrowers from the college’s skilled instructors as tor of Enrollment Services. which Jadria Martin, of Clinton, and dents in four-year programs graduate held in limbo for years,” continued he begins his studies toward a career in Programs showcased included Asso- Jalen Ford, of Raymond, are drawing as within six years Shafroth. healthcare, possibly in the fi eld of physi- ciate Degree Nursing (RN), Dental As- they consider nursing careers. • Four years after graduation, “The new rules refl ect an ongoing cal therapy. sisting Technology, Diagnostic Medi- “My grandmother was a registered black students with a bachelor’s de- shift to protect the multi-billion-dol- “When I played, I would see how a cal Sonography, Emergency Medical nurse and my mom came to school for gree owe almost double the debt lar for-profi t education industry at medical staff would care for people,” Science, Health Care Assistant, Health it. I like seeing and learning about the their white classmates owe the expense of students and taxpay- he said, as he joined about 125 other Information Technology, Medical Lab- human body,” Martin said as she and • While for-profi t college enroll- ers and come amid concerns about current students, prospective students, oratory Technology, Physical Therapist Ford checked out the Associate Degree ment represents 8.6% of all college confl icts of interest raised about the parents and others at the fall 2019 Nurs- Assistant, Practical Nursing, Radiolog- Nursing lab. students, these schools generate over rule of former for-profi t executives ing Allied Health Showcase held Sept. 5 ic Technology, Respiratory Care Tech- Ford’s mother is an LPN, which he 34% of all students who default on hired by the Department.” at the Jackson Campus-Nursing/Allied nology, Surgical Technology, and two says helped shaped his admiration for their loans. Rather than saving taxpayer dol- Health Center. “It will help me in the short-term programs, Nursing Assistant the healthcare industry. While this new rule may make lars, it seems that this new rule is future that I, too, like to help people and and Phlebotomy. “I’m following in my mother’s foot- sense to DeVos, education advocates guaranteeing a taxpayer-funded rev- exercise to stay in shape.” “We are excited to offer nursing and steps,” he said. “I like helping others get had an opposite reaction, quickly and enue stream for the benefi t of for- Held each semester at the Chadwick allied health programs that provide ex- well.” emphatically detailing how the rule profi t colleges -- not students. 8 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, 2019 www.mississippilink.com JSU students visit Spain, embrace universal health system free to natives, immigrants

By Rachel James-Terry jsumsnews.com Five JSU students in the School of Public Health (SPH) spent two weeks in Spain to learn why the European na- tion is considered the healthiest on the planet, and one reason is that all busi- nesses shut down in the middle of each workday for a two-hour siesta to allow employees to go home to relax. This was quite a shock to Jessica D. James, a Jackson State University graduate student in the master of public health program. She was among par- ticipants in the pilot program. The routine siesta, however, was A JSU team from the School of Public Health prepares for departure to Spain in the Dallas Fort-Worth strange in a good way for her. “It was International Airport. They are led by Nelson Atehortua, assistant professor in the Department of crazy because we would try to grab Behavioral and Environmental Health in JSU’s School of Public Health. Graduate students are lunch from somewhere, and we were Jessica James, left, Catrina Brazzle, Torri Walton-Franklin, Christal Lewis and Stella Patino. wondering why everything was closing up. People would say, ‘This is siesta time.’ I was like ‘this is real.’ ” James especially noted that no one can abuse siesta by shopping or per- forming personal errands because, with everything closed, it forces people to “use your time wisely.” She said, “There’s no rat race here.” James and four other students were accompanied by Nelson Atehortua, an assistant professor in the Depart- ment of Behavioral and Environmental Health. He arranged the trip with the help of JSU Global, an initiative devot- ed to internationalizing Mississippi’s only urban university. It helps immerse A map of Motril, Spain, shows its proximity to the Strait of Gilbratar. Also, students frolic on Guests are surrounded by flowers and beautiful landscape at Hotel Zerbinetta in Dillar, students into diverse cultures. the Motril Beach on the Mediterranean Sea. Spain. Atehortua, a native of Colombia, South America, is a two-year SPH as- sistant professor. He attributes Spain’s successes to its well-operated free uni- versal health care system. “Spain is, in fact, the healthiest coun- try in the world. The pace at which it has added years of life expectancy – if it continues – will be the longest for all men and women in the world and will surpass Japan. Credit its culture and way of life,” Atehortua said. “Even crime is very low. There’s no sense of insecurity or threat.” To illustrate safety, he said, “We had a chance to go hiking, no bother; visit the city, no bother; use metro, no both- er; no xenophia. People were friendly to all Americans.” Atehortua organized the trip so that Surrounded by beautiful countryside and the allure of tranquil- Mississippi students could compare The JSU delegation was served a plethora of healthy Mediterranean foods. ity, James said Spain qualifies as a destination location. the Magnolia state to Spain’s health system. While abroad, they visited the U.S. embassy and the U.S. officer in charge of health. “When you check all indicators of health, Mississippi ranks the lowest in 95 percent of them,” said Atehortua. Also, while in Spain, they visited primary care clinics, a regional hospital and a high-tech hospital. JSU students witnessed a live procedure performed by the chief of a cardiovascular center and surgeons, who described every de- tail. Atehortua noted that Spain shares the Among those greeting the JSU team was Aureliano Martin, known as “Uncle Joe” He is a professor at Mediterranean diet with other countries the University of Granada in Spain. Joining him was Ivan Herrera, middle, who represents IAVANTE, a such as Greece and Italy. He said their foundation in Granada that trains experts to assess health. Lewis, left, James and Brazzle experience Spanish utopia. foods are traditional and organic and that the people consume a lot of olive important to Spain. ing inquired about wanting a tummy Incidentally, James said the JSU about public health. Mississippi has the oil, vegetables and fruit. He and the Another benefit to living in Spain is tuck, she was told by a Spanish doc- group ate pork every day but never suf- biggest problem with public health in JSU group ate a lot of salads and sea- that its universal coverage is very or- tor that once she submitted the proper fered headaches or any signs of high the nation, so this is the place to be. It’s food. Natives do eat pork and poultry ganized, and “its health system places paperwork it could be performed free blood pressure. to be there. a motivation for me to try to prepare and they generally steer clear of pro- strong emphasis on disease prevention of charge. “It was so funny. I was just “Mental health is the biggest per- students so they can go out and im- cessed foods. and health promotion,” Atehortua said. amazed,” James said. spective in Spain. Even when compli- prove the system.” “To be clear, there are plenty of “Whenever you need health care ser- “Health in Spain is more affordable. cations do arrive, they don’t take things As an example, he cited the Missis- fast-food places, but they don’t serve vice it is available within 15-20 min- They take health far more seriously, so harshly. They go through it, deal sippi Delta, which has severe limita- “trash” food,” Atehortua said. “You’re utes.” and they’re not so demanding with ev- with it and quickly move on to the next tions for accessing public health and not eating chemicals. The burgers in He said health care providers habitu- eryday life tasks,” James explained. thing,” James said. health care services. local restaurants don’t look like a Mc- ally track and monitor patients for ap- The trip to Spain was James’ fourth Because of the fulfilling journey, “If our students can come to the field Donald’s burger. They’re prepared pointments and periodic checkups with international excursion and her second James is already making plans for next and work with a vision in mind that completely different.” He also raved medical doctors, nurses, dentists, etc. through JSU Global. She definitely year’s trip to Spain. JSU’s second trip things can be different and successful, about Spain’s good, inexpensive wine “And, if you can’t get to the emergency could see herself living in Spain. will expand, with the group crossing then that will be a motivating factor for but said, “They don’t drink a lot of room yourself, they will send an am- “It was very spiritual because of the over the Strait of Gibraltar and observ- them to do better in whatever field that wine in a single serving. They do one bulance.” This includes transportation large number of olive and palm trees. ing the “rock.” Then, the team will choose,” Atehortua said. or two cups while eating. This is good to and from rural areas, too. “They will The structures and lands evoked feel- push into Morocco to witness the liv- “These fields could involve chronic, because it helps preserve cardiovascu- get to you,” Atehortua said. ings of peace and of a period that pre- ing conditions of people in that north non-communicable diseases such as lar health.” Because of Spain’s commitment to dated Christ,” she said. African nation and to understand why obesity, diabetes, cancer prevention, Like James, Atehortua also sees the its people, “they trust public health and “Everything was nice and clean – people cross the Mediterranean Sea for hypertension or nutrition. They know advantages of routine siestas. “The the health care system. Universal cov- even the water flowing out of pipes and a better life. things can be done in a better way. people there may have longer working erage is for everyone and provides pre- the ground. People would say, ‘You can Atehortua said the trip to Spain That’s the type of vision I try to in- hours, but they have a break in the mid- ventive and therapeutic services, even get a glass and drink that.’ The air was was enlightening for everyone. When tegrate into these programs – to have dle of the day.” He said the rest helps for immigrants.” fresh. The pork was clean because the people ask why he’s in Mississippi he an impact on future colleagues in the relieve tension because mental health is In fact, when JSU student James jok- animals don’t eat slop; they eat acorns.” explains it like this: “I’m passionate field,” he concluded. STATE

www.mississippilink.com SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 9

Free contractor license Congressman Bennie G. readiness workshop to be Thompson D-MS 2nd District

held Oct. 3 in Southaven $9,345 to Midtown Partners, Inc. The Mississippi Link Newswire quirements, test structure and Community Bank’s Shelby Recently United States vice grant competition in- Contractors interested in obtaining a Certifi cate of Re- County Division. Representative Bennie G. cludes funding for both Sep- becoming licensed or obtain- sponsibility. The Contractor Readiness Thompson (D-MS) and the tember 11 Day of Service and ing their Certifi cate of Re- Attendees will learn about Workshop is sponsored by the Corporation for National and Remembrance and Martin Lu- sponsibility are encouraged the application process, Mississippi Development Au- Community Service (CNCS) ther King Jr. Day of Service. day of service in communi- to register for the Mississippi business/management law, thority and Community Bank. awarded $9,345 through the The purpose of the Mar- ties, to encourage those who Development Authority’s NASCLA exams and commer- The workshop is free, but National Days of Service tin Luther King Jr. Day of serve on this holiday to make Contractor License Readiness cial and residential contracts. registration is required. grant program to Midtown Service grant funding is to a long-term commitment to Workshop. The workshop will In addition, attendees will be To register, visit www. Partners, Inc. based in Jack- mobilize more Americans to community service and to be held Thursday, Oct. 3, from introduced to valuable con- mscpc.com, select “Events son, MS. observe the Martin Luther bring people together to focus 8 a.m. – noon at Community tent from Community Bank’s Calendar” and then “October The National Days of Ser- King Jr. federal holiday as a on service to others. Bank located at 6910 Airways Smart Banking for Small 3.” Blvd. in Southaven. Businesses training program. For more information, con- The workshop will provide The workshop will be fa- tact Michelle Bernard with the knowledge necessary to cilitated by Anthony Griffi n, MDA’s Minority and Small understanding the contract owner and general contractor Business Development Di- $591,181 to the Mississippi Department licensure application and of The Griffi n Group, LLC; vision at (601) 359-6678 or testing process, eligibility re- and Ford Moore, president of [email protected]. of Environmental Quality

United States Representa- Quality (MDEQ) through the tivities toward repair, removal, tive Bennie G. Thompson Rehabilitation of High Hazard or structural/nonstructural (D-MS) recently announced Potential Dams (HHPD) pro- rehabilitation of eligible high the Federal Emergency Man- gram. hazard potential dams. agement Agency has awarded The HHPD funds will pro- For additional information $591,181 to the Mississippi vide assistance for planning contact MEDQ at (601) 961- Department of Environmental and other pre-construction ac- 5171.

MDEQ awards $296,000 to 12 school districts for new school buses

The Mississippi Link Newswire purchase of new school bus- trict – $30,000 (two buses) The Mississippi Depart- es with cleaner emissions to Monroe County School Dis- ment of Environmental Qual- transport students to and from trict – $15,000 (one bus) ity (MDEQ) has awarded school,” said Gov. Phil Bryant. Nettleton School District – $296,992 to 12 school districts “Thousands of Mississippi $15,000 (one bus) to assist in the purchase of students begin and end their North Pike School District – new school buses. The grants, days with a trip on a school bus, $15,000 (one bus) funded under the Diesel Emis- so helping school districts pro- Oxford School District – sions Reduction Act (DERA), vide newer, cleaner buses is an $15,000 (one bus) were provided to the school ongoing priority for the Missis- Pontotoc City School District districts by MDEQ’s Air Di- sippi Department of Environ- – $15,000 (one bus) vision toward the purchase of mental Quality. School buses West Jasper School District – new diesel-powered buses with are the safest and most effi cient $43,496 (three buses) more stringent pollution con- way to transport students, but Winona-Montogomery Con- trols to replace older buses thus we want to ensure that it is a solidated School District – reducing emissions of particu- healthy trip,” said Gary Rikard, $15,000 (one bus). late matter, hydrocarbons and MDEQ executive director. MDEQ encourages school carbon monoxide. The districts receiving grants districts to adopt anti-idling Since 2009, the MDEQ Die- were: policies and the implementa- sel School Bus Replacement Enterprise School District tion of such a policy is a re- Program has awarded more (Clarke County) – $15,000 (one quirement for the districts that than $1.38 million to 40 school bus) received funds for buses this districts for the purchase of 87 Harrison County School Dis- year. school buses. trict – $30,000 (two buses) Stricter emissions standards “I am very pleased that the Itawamba County School for diesel engines, including Mississippi Department of District – $30,000 (two buses) school buses, were implement- Environmental Quality has Lee County School District – ed by the U.S. Environmental awarded this money to the 12 $58,496 (four buses) Protection Agency (EPA) in school districts to aid in the Marshall County School Dis- 2007. Mississippi Lottery Corporation selects advertising and marketing fi rm

The Mississippi Link Newswire us grow the company and reach excited to help support an orga- The Mississippi Lottery Cor- our audiences through exciting nization that will have a posi- poration (MLC) recently hired avenues.” tive impact on Mississippi’s SUBSCRIBE TODAY! an innovative and creative ad- MWB will manage media infrastructure and education vertising and marketing fi rm purchases, assist in branding system.” to bolster the lottery’s reach and create digital, video and The Mississippi Lottery Cor- throughout the state. audio advertising to assist the poration was created in 2018 Maris West and Baker MLC’s drive of sales through upon passage of the Alyce G. The Mississippi Link (MWB) is a Jackson-based fi rm the use of traditional and non- Clarke Mississippi Lottery with a broad portfolio of artis- traditional outlets. They will Law, Senate Bill 2001. Gover- tic capabilities, branding expe- work directly with the MLC nor Phil Bryant appointed the For more information please call: rience, strategic knowledge and Director of Marketing in deci- fi ve-member Board of Direc- advertising experience. sion making. tors October 19, 2018, with the “We are ready for them to “MWB is honored to have goal of having the fi rst lottery 601-896-0084 become a partner with us in been chosen to be the adver- tickets on sale during the fourth this historic venture of start- tising/marketing partner of the quarter of 2019. The MLC is a or e-mail: ing Mississippi’s lottery,” said Mississippi Lottery Corpora- legislatively created corpora- MLC President Tom Shaheen. tion to help launch our state’s tion. [email protected] “With their skillset, I am con- fi rst lottery,” said MWB Presi- Visit online at www.mslot- fi dent they will be able to help dent/CEO Tim Mask. “We are teryhome.com. NATIONAL

10 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, 2019 www.mississippilink.com

Black homeownership Bahamas facing long road plummets to ‘crisis’ level, new to recovery but cleaving NAREB president promises strategies for increase to hope amidst devastation

By Barrington M. Salmon TriceEdneyWire.com Chris Laville remembers looking out of the window of his apartment, thinking it might not turn out too bad. “It was early in the morning. It had rained and there was a light breeze,” Laville recalled in an interview with the Trice Edney News Wire. “I woke Donnell Williams being sworn in as new president of NAREB at the orga- saying we could ride this out nization’s annual convention July 28-Aug.2, 2019. not knowing what a Category 5 storm was.” By Hazel Trice Edney panic whites is larger now than it Over the next day and a half, TriceEdneyWire.com was in 1934, the year of the enact- Laville, his wife and nine co- The new “commander and chief” ment of FHA (Federal Housing Ad- workers learned much more of Black Homeownership in Amer- ministration) and the start of mod- about Dorian than he ever ica has released a new strategy ern housing fi nance system. wants to again. Elbow Key, for raising the numbers that have SHIBA places the plummeting where they lived, bore the plummeted to percentages below levels of black homeownership brunt of Hurricane Dorian, the the time of the Fair Housing Act of squarely at the feet of loan denials, strongest storm ever to hit the 1968. But accomplishing that fete largely because of debt to income Caribbean archipelago of 700 Homes in the Bahamas turned to wreckage by Hurricane Dorian. PHOTO: Courtesy/CNN could prove more than daunting as ratio and credit scoring. islands. the 2019 State of Housing in Black “For black applicants, overall de- Laville, the 40-year-old head ground. Good thing she didn’t America (SHIBA) report – released nial rates for home purchase loans chef of the Sea Spray Resort, go.” this week – reveals the situation to were double those of non-Hispanic now says if he ever again hears As he and his family rode be at crisis level, according to lead- white applicants – 18 percent versus a hurricane’s coming, he’ll be out the storm with no electric- ers in black homeownership. 9 percent, unchanged from 2016,” on the fi rst fl ight out. Dorian ity but with adequate food and “Someone needs to proclaim and the report states. It adds, “The black made landfall and then sat for water, Seymour said the hur- declare a cease and desist on the de- denial rate for conventional loans is almost two days, lashing the ricane sounded like airplane clining rates of black homeowner- down signifi cantly [from] its high islands with 185 mile an hour engines revving on the tarmac. ship. Someone needs to bring some of 36 percent (versus 19 percent) at winds and gusts of up to 220 While the sound didn’t bother programs and highlight this epi- the height of the foreclosure crisis miles an hour. him, he said it really bothered demic, this crisis in our communi- in 2008. He said he’s never been his wife. ty…I pray that I am up to the task,” The report continues, “Debt-to- more afraid in his life and has Corinne Laville, Chris’ aunt, says Donnell Williams in a recent income ratio was the most com- been left deeply traumatized. said she’s most concerned interview following his swearing in mon reason for denial reported for “… I met everybody run- A family returns to the High Rock community, one of the towns about the trauma people have as the 31st president of the National black applicants – at 31 percent ning as the storm took off the worst hit in Grand Bahama. PHOTO: VIDEO SCREENSHOT/SKY NEWS experienced and how that will Association of Real Estate Brokers compared to 20 percent for non- roof,” he said. “I grabbed some affect them going forward. (NAREB), the 72-year-old orga- Hispanic white applicants. Credit things as the roof fl ew off my ed to rise astronomically as res- so they all set off to fi nd an- This hurricane offers yet an- nization founded to secure “equal history was the second most preva- room. I looked and saw the ve- cue teams fi nally reach islands other safe space. other opportunity for the gov- housing opportunities, regardless lent reason for denials among both randa was gone, the stairs were and communities that have “I ran to the boss’s house and ernment and Bahamians to of race, creed or color.” black applicants (25 percent) and gone and the railing took off. been cut off by fl ood waters. At saw a boat parked in the room self-correct, she said. A member of NAREB for 16 non-Hispanic white applicants (20 The only thing I could do was least 70,000 are homeless, ac- where he was,” Laville said. “I swear, if we don’t change years, Williams, owner of Destiny percent).” jump.” cording to reports. His boss joined the group our thinking … this is an op- Realty and the largest independent Williams says he believes he has Laville said he caught his The hurricane dropped 30 which went to another house. portunity to really do this black real estate broker in the state a winning strategy that will take up wife Indira who jumped out inches of rain and triggered “We bent down low and right,” said Laville. “In Free- of New Jersey, describes himself arms against the key hindrances. of the building and waited for a storm surge as high as 23 reached the house, by the grace port people are taking care as “boots on the ground,” a pos- He was set to release that strategy the rest of the group to do the feet, leaving more than 13,000 of God,” said Laville. “Amaz- of one another. But in Abaco, ture from which he is able to see up this week in a press conference and same. As they sought shelter, homes damaged or destroyed, ingly, the door opened with a Haitians have replaced white close and personal the hindrances conversation with national leaders. they were buffeted by fi erce the Red Cross and government gentle kick. As soon as we got Abaconians as cheap labor and the obstacles to black home- Among the key programs and winds and driving rain and offi cials said. A video, which in, the wind slammed the door while they stay on their yachts. ownership – and how to fi x them. initiatives, according to a NAREB sand. was shared widely, taken by a behind us.” We have to look at Haitian-Ba- The SHIBA report, researched release this week: Elsewhere on Abaco and member of Parliament inside Laville said this particular hamian situation.” primarily by the Urban Institute • House Then The Car – A cam- Grand Bahama islands, Dorian his home, shows dark water house was on stilts. Laville said a few thousand and released annually by NAREB, paign targeted to the 1.7 million – which traveled at a glacial lapping against a second-sto- “Actually the building Haitians live in two shanty in order to “shed light on the pub- American millennials and genera- pace of one mile per hour – ry window 15-20 feet off the moved four or fi ve inches,” towns, one called the Mudd, lic policies, private sector practices tion X populations who make over tore through buildings, shred- ground. he said, referring to the wind’s where the structures aren’t and other systemic disparities pre- $100k per year and who are home ded objects in its path, tossed Prime Minister Hubert Min- power. “When the eye passed built to code and likely were venting black Americans from pur- buyer ready but are currently rent- boats and other marine vessels nis said in a press conference over, I went to look for food not able to withstand the pow- chasing a home of their choice,” ing. onto land, obliterated homes that although the storm target- and snacks because we ran out erful hurricane. reports this week that “all gains • Realtist Opportunities For Sea- and businesses and killed resi- ed only a small section of the of food and water. We slept “We need to set standards on in black homeownership that had soned Individuals (ROSI) – An ini- dents. Bahamas, it still infl icted “gen- with our clothes and shoes on the islands,” she said. “And ev- been achieved between 1968 and tiative that addresses the wholistic Laville said 40 units on the erational devastation.” because we were afraid that erything is too Nassau-centric- 2004, had been erased by 2018.” needs (buying/selling real estate, resort are gone and he lost a co- According to CNN, Joy Ji- something else might happen ity. That has to stop.” The following are just some of life insurance, retirement, health worker and a friend who was a brilu, director-general of the while we slept.” She said humor has been the chief fi ndings: insurance, etc.) of people over 40 ferry boat pilot. Elsewhere, Ba- Bahamas Tourism and Avia- Although he didn’t think one way for Bahamians to • The homeownership rate for years of age, or parents of any age. hamians are trying to compre- tion ministry, estimates that of the wound to his hand, or cope. For example, people black households stood at 40.6 per- • Civic Engagement – Program hend obliterated communities, “… hundreds, up to thousands, his having stepped on a nail, said Dorian couldn’t leave the cent in the second quarter of 2019 that identifi es and cultivates a host washed out roads and neigh- of people are still missing.” Laville said his wife was con- Bahamas because it was too – a full percentage point lower of “Allies” that expand beyond es- borhoods sitting under water. Bahamas’ Health Minister cerned enough to encourage dark, referring to the constant than 2018’s second-quarter rate of tablished networks of partners and Dr. Paul Hunt, a pediatri- Dr. Duane Sands told Guard- him to go to the Hopetown Fire electrical blackouts caused by 41.6 percentage points. The current faith-based communities. These cian and allergy specialist, who ian Radio 96.9 FM, that body Station. Surprisingly he said, load-sharing. homeownership rate for blacks is “Allies” would include Black has lived in the Bahamas since bags, additional morticians and he received 12 stitches and was “And a Bajan newscaster currently below the 1968 level of Chambers of Commerce, Greek or- 1990, said he’s heartbroken. refrigerated coolers to store put on an emergency fl ight to said on air that the Bahamas 40.9 percent at the time of the pas- ganizations, minority professional He’s fortunate, he said, be- bodies are being transported to Nassau to receive additional is a vacation destination and sage of the Fair Housing Act. organizations and more. cause he and his family were in Abaco and other affected areas. medical care. Dorian came for vacation,” • Homeownership for non-His- “This is a moment in our history Nassau when the storm hit and Four morticians in Abaco are “It was a minor cut, but they Laville said with a hearty panic whites stands at 73.1 percent, to demand a cease and desist in the his home is not damaged. His embalming remains because opened it up and stitched the chuckle. down from its high of 76 percent in denial of equal access to mortgage thoughts, he said, are on those offi cials have run out of cool- tendons,” he said. “My wife Hunt said the Bahamas will 2004. credit and homeownership for the who’re coping with loss and ers. couldn’t come with me. I’m rebuild. • Blacks have experienced the nation’s black Americans,” Wil- struggling to come to terms “The public needs to prepare still worried about her because “Our beloved island of most substantial loss of homeown- liams concludes in a letter as part of with the shocking devastation. for unimaginable information she’s there with people but still Grand Bahama took a pound- ership since 2004, declining more his “Message from the President” “I’m just numb. The gut- about the death toll and the by herself. She was at the ferry ing and there is a lot of hurt- than 8.5 percentage points, or 17 in the SHIBA report. “After you wrenching thing is my patients. human suffering,” Sands said. station ‘til 4:45 p.m. and didn’t ing,” he wrote on Facebook. percent, as compared to the less have read our report and are armed I have a patient who I looked “Make no bones about it, the get on. I’m not feeling good, “My heart goes out to the fami- than 4 percent decline for non-His- with both an understanding of the after since he was two and I numbers will be far higher. It is it’s not a good feeling at all.” lies of those with loved ones panic whites. In other words, blacks barriers faced, and solutions re- just heard that a storm surge going to be signifi cantly higher After Dorian’s arrival, Kev- who have lost their lives, sev- have lost more than four times the quired, I encourage you to support swept away him and two of his than that. And it’s just a mat- in Seymour said, he spent the eral of whom were well known share of homeownership as non- NAREB’s efforts. Whether you are children,” said Hunt, a husband ter of retrieving those bodies, worst 48 hours of his life. to me. The destruction in Ab- Hispanic whites since 2004. a policymaker, regulator, mortgage and father of three. “He’s lost making sure we understand “My second daughter Ke- aco was catastrophic and gut • Half of all blacks born between lender, real estate professional, and presumed dead. Save for how they died. It seems like ayshawn lives in Abaco. We wrenching…I will be returning 1956 and 1965 were homeown- housing or civil rights advocate, the surge, this wouldn’t have we are splitting hairs, but not lost track of her for two days. to Freeport shortly to do my ers by the age of 50. Blacks born faith-based leader, trade association been a big thing. The surge everyone who died, died in the They got fl ooded out and had part in trying to alleviate some between 1966 and 1975 have a executive, non-profi t organization doesn’t happen over time, it storm.” to fi nd refuge somewhere of the suffering and help in the homeownership rate of just above representative, housing counselor, can occur in two or three min- Back at Elbow Key, Laville else,” said, Seymour, director rebuilding of our island. We in 40 percent and are thus unlikely to black head of household or student, utes.” said the group took refuge in a of health, safety and the envi- Grand Bahama have faced and achieve a 50 percent homeowner- there is a place for you on our team. Hunt spoke to a niece who laundry room after breaking a ronment for the Grand Bahama conquered many obstacles that ship rate by their 50th birthdays. NAREB’s work is guided by three works at CNN who told him window to get in. While gain- Power Company. “Not know- have been placed in our path. Black millennials, if current trends words: Educate, Empower and the government just sent 200 ing entrance, he gashed his ing – that was painful. It was We will not be undone by Hur- continue, may fail to achieve a Mobilize. With these three words body bags to Abaco. hand but ignored it as everyone the worst two days of my life. ricane Dorian and we all will homeownership rate of 40 percent as our guide, NAREB is confi dent Offi cial reports indicate that tumbled inside. It wasn’t long I last spoke to her on Sunday emerge from this collective by the age of 50. it will succeed in increasing black 43 people have been confi rmed before the fl oor above them be- and told her she needed to go to experience stronger, wiser and • The gap in homeownership homeownership and wealth in dead but that number is expect- gan to fall into the storeroom Marsh Harbor which is higher more united.” rates between blacks and non-His- America.” www.mississippilink.com SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 11

PRESERVED There is joy Vision for in the Lord your life

By Pastor Simeon R. Green III to focus on in our Scripture are happy about it. That kind Isaiah said, “Therefore with Special to The Mississippi Link By Shewanda Riley text: “Blessed is the people of happiness only lasts for a joy shall ye draw water out given vision. The verbs “write,” Columnist We read in that know the joyful sound: little while, but the joy that I of the wells of salvation.” Joy and “make” explain what we Psalm 89:15-18 they shall walk, O Lord, in am talking about far exceeds becomes a dipper or a means “All vision be- should do when we get a vision these words: the light of thy countenance.” anything that we can ever of supply. gins with light.” from God. “Blessed is I am glad for the knowledge experience in this temporal, He said out of the wells. I’ve seen this We need to write down the vi- the people that of the joyful sound, and I am physical world. I am talking The word “wells” is plural. phrase in my eye sion in some way. This includes know the joy- thankful that we can know about a joy that comes from This implies that many, many doctor’s offi ce writing in a journal or creating a ful sound: they the joyful sound. Heaven, a joy that comes times God is going to deliver every year for the vision board with images that re- shall walk, O Lord, in the I like to be joyful, do you? from knowing Christ. This us out of problems and trials. last 15 years and mind us of what God has shown light of thy countenance. In I would much rather be happy joy settles down deep in the He will bring salvation and honestly never paid much atten- us. Making it plain means that thy name shall they rejoice all than to be sad. I would much soul of mankind. It lifts him victory to us in every battle. tion to it. Yet, a few years ago we have to spend time in prayer the day: and in thy righteous- rather be happy in my soul and strengthens him in the In every situation of life, we when I looked at these words as and get a complete understand- ness shall they be exalted. than to carry a heavy weight midst of his affl iction and in can draw water, the Holy I waited to pick up my new con- ing of God’s vision. Having a For thou art the glory of their of burdens and troubles. the midst of trouble. When Spirit, the supplier of the tact lenses, I thought, “That’s so clearer understanding of God’s strength: and in thy favour There is joy in the Lord, and our heart is breaking, when power of God, right from the true and not just for our natural vision makes it easier to share our horn shall be exalted. For we can have joy even in the there is sadness all around wells of deliverance that God sight but also our spiritual sight.” the vision with others. In addi- the Lord is our defence; and midst of trouble. us, we can have a joy that the brings to our soul. The child If our eyes lose the ability to tion, sharing our Godly vision the Holy One of Israel is our This joy that I am talking world doesn’t know. of God is not left alone. process light correctly, images with others allows us to build King.” about is not just a feeling. Joy is an important ingre- Rev. Simeon R. Green III is become blurry, fuzzy or, in the a network for support and ac- Psalm 89 is a beautiful It is not something that we dient in the life of a Chris- pastor of Joynes Road Church worst case, we lose our sight al- countability as we wait for it chapter to read concern- can experience in a physical tian. First of all, we will nev- of God, 31 Joynes Road, together. Similarly, our ability to come to pass, no matter how ing the mercies of the Lord manner. This joy is not from er know what it is to really be Hampton VA 23669. He is a to have vision for our lives is long it takes. and how He poured out His getting something that we saved until we know that joy- member of the National Asso- directly impacted by how much Even though it is not the be- favor on the children of Is- have wanted for years and ful sound. Joy is important. ciation of Evangelism Church light (or God’s revelation) we al- ginning of the calendar year, rael. Verse 15 is what I want we fi nally have it, so now we In Isaiah 12:3 the prophet of God, Anderson, Ind. low in our own lives. last week I celebrated a birthday For some of us, the prob- which had me thinking about lem is that we don’t have a vi- developing a vision for the next sion for our lives or if we have year of my life. Unlike a New a vision, we don’t allow enough Year’s resolution which often Moving the Masses Toward the Mission of the Master light (Godly revelation) to make has to be repeated every year the vision clear. Moreover, if we because the changes aren’t sus- live in darkness (often caused tained, my New Year’s vision by sin), it is hard to have a clear states what I believe in faith Godly vision for our lives. God will do that will perma- How do we develop a Godly nently change my life. Over the vision for our lives? Read the years, what I’ve learned is that Bible, pray to God, believe in God will often give a vision so faith, praise and worship Him incredibly transformative that and be obedient to God’s word. only He could make it happen. 1750 The more time we spend doing And when it happens, you’ll SUNDAY each of these, the greater rev- know that it was God. Worship Services elation and sharper Godly vision Shewanda Riley is a Fort www.nhcms.org we will receive. Worth, Texas based author of 10:00 a.m. Habakkuk 2:2-3 then says that “Love Hangover: Moving from Sunday School 8:45 a.m. we should “Write down the rev- Pain to Purpose After a Rela- MONDAY elation and make it plain on tab- tionship Ends” and “Writing to Intercessory Prayer 9:00 a.m. lets so that a herald may run with the Beat of God’s Heart: A Book WEDNESDAY it. For the revelation awaits an of Prayers for Writers.” Email Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. appointed time….” These bibli- preservedbypurpose@gmail. cal verses also provide insight com or follow her on Twitter @ Classes: Children • Youth • Adult - 7:00p.m. Michael T. Williams on how to take care of our God- shewanda. Pastor New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Pastor, Dr. F. R. Lenoir Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship - 10:30 a.m. Live Radio Broadcast WOAD AM 1300 - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

“A Church Preparing for a Home Not Built by Man” New Bethel M. B. Church • 450 Culberston Ave. • Jackson, MS 39209 601-969-3481/969-3482 • Fax # 601-969-1957 • E-Mail: [email protected] OPINION

12 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, 2019 www.mississippilink.com Healing the Attitudes about gun safety wounds are changing, but senate

By E. Faye Williams Trice Edney Newswire leadership is mired in the past The chaotic and catastrophic condi- tions we are seeing at an alarming rate By Marc H. Morial the senate to vote on bills, passed by gun because he failed a background selling handgun ammunition and across the world have even the most Trice Edney Newswire the House of Representatives, that check in 2014 was Seth Ator of “short-barrel rifl e ammunition,” optimistic people around us very “The biggest would expand background checks Odessa, Texas. Ator had been com- such as the .223 caliber and 5.56 concerned. Mass shootings appear to movement and shift to private sales and extend to at least mitted to a psychiatric institution caliber, that can also be used on be ordinary now. Just recently, there that we’ve seen in 10 days the amount of time fi rearms in 2006 because he was deemed a assault-style weapons. Walmart and were the tragedies in El Paso (TX), this culture is sim- dealers must wait for a response danger to himself and/or others. Be- Kroger also have requested that cus- Dayton (OH) and Odessa (TX) in rapid succession ply because of the from the background check system cause of a loophole in the law – a tomers not openly carry fi rearms in before we had a chance to recover from the trag- victims. When vic- before the sale can proceed. loophole that would be closed by their stores. edy before the last one. What just happened in the tims and survivors A ban on military-style assault the House-passed Bipartisan Back- These decisions mark a signifi - Bahamas is hard to imagine – and yet, tragedy of a are coming to the legislative bod- weapons effect from September ground Checks Act – Ator was able cant turning point in the effort to monumental proportion just happened. Add to that ies and they’re telling their stories 1994 through 2004 was associated to purchase an AR-15 style rifl e protect Americans from gun vio- the horrendous way #45 behaves daily both at home and they’re appealing, we’ve seen with a 25 percent drop in gun mas- through a private sale. lence. Senate leaders have, instead, and abroad, and acts like none of it matters to him. movement. We’ve seen movement. sacres and a 40 percent drop in fa- Ator used that rifl e to shoot nearly chosen to continue along the path of As the song by Marvin Gaye goes, “It makes you And so it’s a matter of changing one talities. 30 people in Odessa and Midland, cowardice. want to holler and throw up both your hand.” Unfor- mind and one heart at a time. You About two-thirds of American Texas killing seven and wounding As the House passage of the tunately, that is not the solution. change the culture, and the policy support a ban on military-style as- 22. background bill and the Walmart In some way, we’ve all been wounded. Some of change comes right on the heels of sault weapons. There were six other mass shoot- and Kroger decisions demonstrate, us have been wounded by the circumstance of our that.” – Congresswoman Lucy Mc- But a bill to restrict the sale of ings in the United States, leaving the fi rearm industry is losing its ancestors’ enslavement. It’s too diffi cult for me to Bath, mother of 17-year-old Jordan military-style assault weapons re- fi ve more dead and another 20 in- stranglehold on our political and think about people like Harriet Tubman having to Davis, shot to death in an argument mains mired in the Senate Judiciary jured. There have been 287 mass legislative institutions. But not fast stand there and take the lash of an evil system called about loud music. Committee. shootings in of 2019 – more than a enough. As long as McConnell slavery; of Fannie Lou Hamer having to leave her The facts on gun safety are clear. One of the people who should shooting per day. There have been refuses to consider the common- family and her home just because she wanted to Since 1994, background checks have failed a background check to 10,018 deaths and 20,061 injuries sense gun safety laws passed by vote; of Dr. Martin Luther King facing the threat of have blocked over 3.5 million gun buy a handgun was Dylann Roof of from gun violence this year, and the House, it’s clear his loyalties lie murder and ultimately being murdered; and about sales to felons, domestic abusers, Columbia, South Carolina. Because that’s not even including suicides by with the gun lobby and not with the Malcolm, Evers, and many others being murdered and other people who aren’t al- the check was not completed within fi rearms, which claim about 23,000 American people. for trying to do good. lowed to have guns under existing three days, Roof was able to buy a lives each year. We must do everything we can to Add to that all the mothers who’ve buried their law. gun. Stopping gun violence is now the urge the Senate to do its job. Call children much too soon for senseless reasons. Our About 90 percent of Americans A few months later, Roof shot and third-most important issue for vot- 202 224-3121 to speak to your sen- brains have been battered with mass shootings in support background checks for all killed nine people at Emanuel Afri- ers, after health care and immigra- ators and let them know they were churches and synagogues, and in schools where some fi rearms sales. can Methodist Episcopal Church tion, according to a recent poll. elected to defend your safety and children have become traumatized by the thought of But Senate Majority Leader in Charleston. One of the people The ongoing epidemic of gun your family, not the profi ts of the going to schools. We’ve seen babies separated from Mitch McConnell refuses to allow who was prevented from buying a violence prompted Walmart to stop gun industry.” their parents, and a recent report indicates how these children have been damaged – maybe even wounded for life unless we come up with a way to heal the wounds. Can we afford to just let it go and hope that things In the wake of Hurricane Dorian: Climate will get better? I submit that we cannot. We must look for ways to heal our wounds. My eyes are al- ways open to do just that. On a recent trip to Co- change and infrastructure issues lumbus, Ohio, I met a group of wonderful people who’ve come up with ways to heal the wounds of our circumstances. As president of the National Con- By Julianne Malveaux destruction it has left in its wake is It’s a bipartisan challenge since Congress is just back from its six- NNPA News Wire Columnist gress of Black Women, I’ve invited the principals of at least partly due to climatic desta- whether you are a Democrat or Re- week break. Perhaps they will ap- this process to come to Washington, DC during the Hurricane Dorian bilization. This is why 195 nations publican, you ride on our nation’s proach our challenges with renewed upcoming Congressional Black Caucus Foundation has drowned the signed the Paris Accord, the 2016 highways and drive across vulner- enthusiasm. From my perspective, conference to begin the discussion of what we can Bahamas and dev- agreement to contain greenhouse able bridges. The American Society the three top things they must deal do as a group of people who’ve been wounded in astated the coasts gas emissions. Many applauded of Civil Engineers (asce.org) rates with are gun control, infrastructure, this country for over 400 years, and with the current of North and South President Barack Obama’s support our infrastructure a D+, hardly a and climate change. These need occupants in the White House, it seems there is no Carolina. There are of this accord. We have been dis- passing grade. It points to defi cien- to be bipartisan issues, issues that hope and no hope of hope, so the healing falls on you trillions of dollars mayed that the current “President” cies on everything from our bridges the majority of the population will and me collectively with the help of professionals worth of damages and communities has indicated his intent to withdraw and roads to our water supply, and be positively impacted by. But the who’ve offered us help. will take years to rebuild. The fury from the agreement, and has already daily headlines suggest their D+ rudderless, leaderless Oval Offi ce Keep your ears open for the names Dr. Linda My- of this hurricane, some say, is un- supported public policy to under- grade may be generous. prefers to engage in a rhetorical ers, Dr. Monica Clement and Dr. Jordan Argus. In precedented, with winds measured mine it. Flint, Michigan has yet again sideshow that diverts from the fl ail- the meantime, you may do one of 2 things: Go to at 130 miles per hour at their fi erc- The willingness of US leaders made national news headlines after ing economy (even with low unem- www.wpfwfm.org. click on Archives, scroll down est. Dozens of lives have been lost to ignore the scourge of climate its water supply has been again pol- ployment rates), the white suprema- to Wednesday, September 4, 2019, 10 a.m. for my in the Bahamas, and many others change is challenging. It is also luted. It is easy to focus on Flint, but cist gun crisis and infrastructure program called “Wake Up and Stay Woke.” Click here in the United States. challenging to watch democratic too many other municipalities also ineffectuality. on Play and you’ll be able to hear an interview with As the winds die down, the ques- presidential candidates fl ail around have water challenges, and the pub- Hurricane Dorian reminds us that some of the leaders involved in the process called tions rise up. Could this hurricane, the issue, as they did in the recent lic health effects in Flint reverberate legislative malfeasance is unac- “Healing the Wounds of Circumstance.” I guaran- and its devastation have been pre- CNN debates. To be sure, there was all over the country. ceptable. To ignore climate change, tee you’ll want to hear more about the program. In vented? What role does climate great rhetoric and good ideas, but We have long known of the ad- infrastructure and gun control is to the meantime, there are things we can do to begin change play in the destruction this from my perspective, no robust ap- verse effects of lead paint on chil- ignore the issues that are critical to the process of healing. We can form healing circles, hurricane has caused? Are extreme proach to better managing our envi- dren, yet too many of our schools the lives of our nation’s citizens. always do the right thing, look out for one another, and unexpected weather patterns ronment. still are riddled with lead paint. And I’m not surprised that 45 ignores refuse to meet hate with hate, anger with anger, jeal- our new reality? What does it mean Hurricane Dorian reminds us of the beat goes on. The worst thing these issues, but what about the ousy with jealousy or fear with fear. Finally, never for our quality of life and our econ- the urgency of dealing with climate is that little has improved between Congress, including those who rep- spend money where we’re not respected. Always omy? change policy. It also reminds us of 2013 and 2017 when the last re- resent areas that Dorian devastated? “throw the ball in the right goal” lest we contribute One doesn’t have to be a climate the underinvestment our nation has port was released. The “President” Julianne Malveaux is an author to our own losses. scientist to believe that climate made to our infrastructure. Better knows it, but doesn’t care to use his and economist. Her latest project Dr. E. Faye Williams is president of the National change is affecting our weather. But infrastructure would mitigate some political capital to spark a bipartisan MALVEAUX! On UDCTV is avail- Congress of Black Women, 202 678-6788 www.na- there is a large body of scientifi c of the destruction of this hurricane, agreement, but instead prefers to able on youtube.com. For booking, tionalcongressbw.org.. She also hosts “Wake Up and research to prove it. The ferocity of and our 45th President promised to keep up the combative mess around wholesale inquiries or for more info Stay Woke” on WPFW FM 89.3. Hurricane Dorian and the massive address infrastructure. He has not. immigration and jingoism. visit www.juliannemalveaux.com After Labor Day commit to raising full-time workers out of poverty

By Marc H. Morial Pullman Strike that year that left plummeted by more than 30 per- the House in July, would set the percent. pay the postage for his personal Trice Edney Newswire 30 railroad workers dead. cent since 1968. Over the same federal minimum wage at $15 This is the longest the United opinions – tell you that a wage The origins And it is that strike – its ori- period, adjusted for infl ation, the by 2025. As many as 33 million States has ever gone without of $11 a week is going to have a of Labor Day in gins, and public perception of the median home value has nearly Americans – nearly two-fi fths of adjusting the federal minimum disastrous effect on all American the United States workers – that holds valuable les- doubled and rents have skyrock- African Americans and one-third wage since it fi rst was estab- industry.” are murky. Vari- sons for the present day. eted by nearly 70%. of Latinos – could see a raise, ac- lished in 1938. In a Fireside Chat Income inequality has returned ous labor leaders The most obvious parallel is One in nine U.S. workers are cording to the Economic Policy the night before signing the Fair to a level last seen in the days be- are credited with declining wages and the rising paid wages that can leave them in Institute. Labor Standards Act, which es- fore the Great Depression. The suggesting the cost of housing. In 1893, Pull- poverty, even when working full Adjusting the minimum wage tablished the federal minimum top 1% owns about 40% of total celebration to the Central Labor man workers lived in the com- time. About one in seven black also boosts the economy. Re- wage, President Franklin Roo- household wealth, according to a Union. The fi rst Labor Day pa- pany town of Pullman, Illinois, workers and one in fi ve Latino search shows that after even sevelt said, “Do not let any ca- study published earlier this year. rade took place in 1882 in New and lived in company-owned workers were paid poverty wages minimum wage adjustment of lamity-howling executive with an There is no shortage of “calam- York. Nearly two dozen states housing. During a recession, the in 2017, compared with about just $1, spending in households income of $1,000 a day, [$18,000 ity-howling executives” opposed declared Labor Day holidays be- company cut the workers’ wages, one in 12 white workers. with minimum wage workers in- in today’s dollars] who has been to adjusting the minimum wage, tween 1887 to 1894. but the rents and other costs of Legislation that would boost creased, on average, at least $700 turning his employees over to but their arguments ring hollow. Undisputed is that the federal living controlled by the company the federal minimum wage for the per quarter. In the year since San the Government relief rolls in Cities that increased their mini- recognition of Labor Day, in 1894 remained the same. fi rst time in a decade languishes Francisco set a minimum wage order to preserve his company’s mum wages did not experience by President Grover Cleveland, Today, the purchasing power in the U.S. Senate. The Raise of $15, the unemployment rate undistributed reserves, tell you – dramatic job losses. was precipitated by the bloody of the federal minimum wage has the Wage Act of 2019, passed by dropped from 2.5 percent to 1.9 using his stockholders’ money to

Editorials and Letters to the Editor may be e-mailed to [email protected] or mailed to 2659 Livingston Road, Jackson, MS 39213. The views and opinions expressed on the Op/Ed pages are not necessarily the views and opinions of The Mississippi Link. The Mississippi Link also reserves the right to edit all material for length and accuracy. HEALTH

www.mississippilink.com SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 13 Forrest General Hospital Forrest General Hospital hires to offer advance care planning seminars new chief nursing offi cer The Mississippi Link Newswire ward to leading our nursing The Mississippi Link Newswire The course will promote person- Forrest General Hospital staff as they provide the Forrest General Hospital is host- centered advance care planning is pleased to announce the highest level of patient care ing free educational sessions to conversations through exploration hiring of a new chief nursing as envisioned by our presi- answer questions and provide in- of understanding of advance care offi cer. Phyllis Chambers- dent, Andy Woodard,” said formation about advance care plan- planning, past experiences and Berry, DNP, RN, NE-BC, Dr. Chambers-Berry. ning. living well. Participants will learn assumed the duties of CNO Dr. Chambers-Berry has Advance care planning is a pro- about the three important steps effective September 1, 2019. a wide range of honors and cess of communication to help involved in advance care plan- Dr. Chambers-Berry most accomplishments including individuals understand, refl ect ning and will be given resources to recently served as Director serving as president of the upon, and discuss goals for future guide them through the process of of Emergency and Nurs- Mississippi Nurses Associa- healthcare decisions in the con- completing an advanced directive. ing Staff Services at Baptist tion of Marshall, Tate, and text of their values and beliefs. These classes will take place in Memorial Hospital Desoto De Soto Counties from 2018 When this process is done well, it the Hickory Room at Forrest Gen- in Southaven, Mississippi. till her relocation to Hat- has the power to produce a written eral Hospital. This meeting room is In that position, Dr. Cham- tiesburg September 1 and plan, called an advanced directive, located in the corridor next to the bers-Berry was involved being voted Top 100 Nurses which accurately represents the cafeteria. The next seminar will with supervising a 92 per- in Memphis-Shelby County individual’s preferences and thor- take place Wednesday, September son staff, managing the daily 2015. She was also nominat- oughly prepares others to make 18, at 12 p.m. operations of an emergency ed for the prestigious Night- healthcare decisions consistent For more information about the department, which cares for ingale Nurse of Distinction with these preferences. Advance advance care planning seminar, 67,000 patients annually, Award. care planning is appropriate for visit forrestgeneral.com or call overseeing a multimillion Dr. Chambers-Berry any adult. 601-288-4445. dollar budget, and strategic earned a Masters of Science nursing oversight for a 25- in Nursing from Loyola bed emergency expansion Berry University New Orleans and project. went received a Doctorate of Additionally, Dr. Cham- Desoto and was responsible “I am excited to be a part Nursing Practice also from Forrest General Hospital bers-Berry oversaw nursing for bed fl ow daily opera- of the Forrest General Hos- Loyola University New Or- offers seminars to educate support services at Baptist tions. pital family, and I look for- leans in 2016. the public on high quality, affordable healthcare options Vaping: Whose Series of free educational sessions to provide the community with valuable information on side is the FDA on? the Medicare and related programs By Glenn Ellis Federal offi cials are now confi rm- to develop and enforce regulations on the TriceEdneyWire.com ing 193 potential cases of lung ailments industry. Essentially, any vaping product The Mississippi Link Newswire age-based commissions, so the ad- Most recently, we are linked to e-cigarettes reported by 22 or e-cig that was released after February Forrest General Hospital is host- vice we give is always with the cus- fi nding out that vaping states. The most publicized was the recent 15, 2007 fell under the exact same lengthy ing free educational sessions to an- tomer’s best interests in mind,” said and e-cigarettes are caus- young student-athlete in Wisconsin, who and expensive FDA approval process as swer questions and provide infor- Stephen Ryan, director of insurance ing health problems in the suffered from severe lung damage from regular tobacco cigarettes. mation about Medicare. operations at Forrest General. healthy lungs of young vaping. Even when vapor is nicotine-free, It doesn’t help matters to know that in Information will be shared about The next meetings will be at 10 people. it may carry other heart health risks. The 2010, the United States Court of Appeals Medicare, Medicare Supplemental a.m. at the following locations: Initially touted as a heating element in e-cigarettes emits tiny for the D.C. Circuit rules against the Food Plans, Medicare Advantage Plans, Wednesday, September 11 at sure-fi re way to create a generation of particles, sometimes including metals, and Drug Administration that absent ther- Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, Highland Community Hospital in tobacco-free adults, we are now fi nding which can lodge themselves deep into the apeutic marketing claims, the FDA can- and how to enroll in the plan of your Picayune that they are not the panacea they were in- lungs and get absorbed into the body’s not ban e-cigarettes as unapproved drug choice. Thursday, September 12 at Oak tended to be. Electronic cigarettes are less circulatory system. delivery devices. This decision provides “The Care Management Organi- Grove Public Library – 4958 Old harmful than traditional cigarettes, but As of August 27, there were 215 cases the legal framework for the very survival zation provides a unique and needed Hwy 11, Hattiesburg they aren’t safe. There’s evidence they of severe respiratory disease in 25 states of the e-cigarette and vapor industries. free health insurance consultations Thursday, September 19 at Jones can damage the lungs, and they’re also a since late June, the Centers for Disease Seems we’ve been down this road be- to anyone living in Forrest Gener- County Library – 530 Commerce path to nicotine addiction. Last year the Control and Prevention (CDC) reported fore: The Federal Agency (FDA) charged al’s 19 county service area, wheth- Street, Laurel percentage of teenagers using nicotine recently. All patients reported using e- with protecting us as consumers, failed us. er you do business with us or not. Tuesday, September 24 at CMO grew at the fastest rate ever recorded for cigarette products. But while offi cials We saw what happened with FDA over- With the Annual Enrollment Period – 106 Madison Plaza, Suite A, Hat- an addictive substance, according to a believe their illness is associated with sight on allowing tobacco products, opi- around the corner, the Care Man- tiesburg survey funded by the National Institute vaping, they haven’t been able to single oids, and now with electronic cigarettes. agement Organization is dedicated Thursday, September 26 at Mar- on Drug Abuse. out which ingredient or device may be I believe that this is the tip of the ice- to assisting anyone in the Pine Belt ion General Hospital in Columbia In fact, studies have found that young causing the problem. berg or an even larger problem. A new fi nd and enroll in the best Medicare For more information or to re- people who use them are more likely to My issue is with the FDA, not the CDC. study found that more than a third of drugs Benefi t Option, or Affordable Care serve a place at the event, call become consumers of tobacco products The CDC monitors and tracks diseases failed to complete the approval process. Act Marketplace Plans. As a divi- 601-288-8115 or 1-800-844-4445. than those who have never used them. and outbreaks; the FDA is charged with This means there are lot of drugs on the sion of Forrest General Hospital Participants may also fi nd more in- I should say a little about vaping, and the responsibility of “protecting the pub- market that haven’t been fully approved. and Hattiesburg Clinic, our agents formation online by visiting forres- what it is, for those who don’t know. In lic health by ensuring the safety, effi cacy The time has long passed when we can are not allowed to make percent- thealth.org/insurance. 2014, The Oxford English Dictionary and security of human and veterinary assume that as consumers, we are pro- made “vape” the word of the year! drugs...”. tected from products entering the market Vaping is the act of inhaling and ex- They are supposed to have our backs. that can cause us harm. We must hold haling the aerosol, often referred to as Until 2016, e-cigarettes were freely the FDA, and all regulatory bodies to a vapor, which is produced by an e-ciga- able to enter the market without any pre- higher standard of accountability. If not, rette or similar device. The term is used market approval by the FDA. we pay with our lives and the lives of our Molina Healthcare because e-cigarettes do not produce to- At the time electronic cigarettes were children. bacco smoke, but rather an aerosol, often fi rst available on the market, Obama-era Remember, I’m not a doctor. I just seeking nominations mistaken for water vapor, that actually Health and Human Services Secretary sound like one. Take good care of your- consists of fi ne particles. Many of these Sylvia Burwell said in a news release, self and live the best life possible. particles contain varying amounts of “Today’s announcement is an important The information included in this col- to receive $3,000 awards toxic chemicals, which have been linked step in the fi ght for a tobacco-free gen- umn is for educational purposes only. It is to cancer, as well as respiratory and heart eration – it will help us catch up with not intended nor implied to be a substitute disease. changes in the marketplace, put into place for professional medical advice. The Mississippi Link Newswire grant to donate to a nonprofi t of his Vaping has grown in popularity with rules that protect our kids and give adults Glenn Ellis, was Research Bioethics Molina Healthcare of Mississippi or her choice and a trophy. the rise of e-cigarettes, which were in- information they need to make informed Fellow at Harvard Medical School and is seeking nominees from across the We are inviting the community to troduced to the mass market in the U.S. decisions.” I don’t think so, Ms. Burwell! author of Which Doctor?, and Informa- state for its fi rst ever Community nominate volunteers who work to in 2007. Vaping devices include not just To their credit, the CDC has been tion is the Best Medicine. Ellis is an ac- Champions Awards. improve the quality of life in their e-cigarettes, but also vape pens and ad- warning about the identifi ed and potential tive media contributor on Health Equity Molina’s Community Champions neighborhoods. The heroes will be vanced personal vaporizers. dangers of e-cigarettes and vaping since and Medical Ethics. Awards program honors and brings celebrated at an awards ceremony More than 200 people across the US these devices fi rst appeared around 2007. For more good health information lis- together people whose leadership, luncheon Thursday, October 24, in have come down with a mysterious ill- In May of 2016, the FDA informed the ten to Glenn, on radio in Philadelphia; volunteerism and public advocacy Jackson. ness that appears to be linked to vaping public that its authority would be extend- Boston; Shreveport; Chicago; Los An- embody the spirit of service. The deadline is Friday, Septem- – the latest wake-up call to the potentially ed to cover electronic cigarettes and e- geles; and Birmingham., or visit: www. Winners each receive a $3,000 ber 13. serious health risks of using e-cigarettes. liquids, which meant that they were able glennellis.com GET YOUR CURRENT NEWS AND WATCH AP VIDEOS ONLINE AT: www.mississippilink.com CLASSIFIED

14 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, 2019 www.mississippilink.com

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DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION BUREAU OF BUILDING, GROUNDS AND REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed and electronic bids will be received at the Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management, 501 North West Street, Suite 1401 B, Jackson, Mississippi, 39201, until 2:00:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 10/15/2019, for:

RE: GS# 108-285 Cook Library Renovation (Phase 2) University of Southern Mississippi RFx #: 3160003153 at which time they will be publicly opened and read. Contract documents may be obtained from: Professional: Wier Boerner Allin Architecture, PLLC Office Address: 2727 Old Canton Road, Suite 200 Jackson, Mississippi 39216 Phone: 601-321-9107 Email: [email protected]

A deposit of $150.00 is required. Bid preparation will be in accordance with Instructions to Bidders bound in the project manual. The Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management reserves the right to waive irregularities and to reject any or all bids. NOTE: Telephones and desks will not be available for bidders use at the bid site.

Calvin R. Sibley, Bureau Director Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management Space 9/12/2019, 9/19/2019

LEGAL

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION BUREAU OF BUILDING, GROUNDS AND REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed and electronic bids will be received at the Bureau of Building, Grounds for Rent and Real Property Management, 501 North West Street, Suite 1401 B, Jackson, Mississippi, 39201, until 2:00:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 10/15/2019, for:

RE: GS# 645-007 Simpson Dam Repairs (Simpson County Lake Dam Repairs) Division of Fisheries (Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks) RFx # 3160003143 at which time they will be publicly opened and read. Contract documents may be obtained from:

Professional: Dungan Engineering, P.A. Address: 1574 Highway 98 East Columbia, Mississippi 39429 Phone: 601-731-2600 Email: [email protected]

A deposit of $100.00 is required. Bid preparation will be in accordance with Instructions to Bidders bound in the project manual. The Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management reserves the right to waive Garrett irregularities and to reject any or all bids. NOTE: Telephones and desks will not be available for bidders use at the bid site.

Calvin R. Sibley, Bureau Director Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management

9/12/2019, 9/19/2019 LEGAL Enterprises Notice of Sale Abandoned Vehicle

Notice of Sale is hereby given in accordance with the Mississippi Statutes governing the sale of abandoned motor vehicles that the following vehicle will be sold for repair and storage charges and for cost of this sale. 1989 CADI BRO Vin #1G6DW51Y4KR737379 Registered to Alexander Kenny Mississippi Title Loans, Financial, Lien Holder Date of Sale: September 26, 2019 Building Place of Sale: Archie Towing Services; 6700 Medgar Evers Blvd., Jackson, MS 39213 Sellers reserve the right to bid on the above property and to reject any and all bids. Time: 10:00 A.M. 9/5/19, 9/12/19, 09/19/19

LEGAL (Near Jackson Medical Mall)

2659 Livingston Road Jackson, MS 39213

2500 Square Feet

Call: 601-209-9199

9/12/19, 09/19/19 www.mississippilink.com SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 15

PICK UP HE ISSISSIPPI INK T AMT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS L:

JACKSON SPORTS MEDICINE VOWELL’S MARKET PLACE BULLY’S RESTAURANT Fortifi cation and I-55 5777 Terry Road 3118 Livingston Road MURPHY USA CITY HALL CASH & CARRY 6394 Ridgewood Rd (North Jackson) Terry Road Capitol Street and Monument Street REVELL ACE HARDWARE CLINTON CITY HALL Terry Rd (South Jackson) DOLLAR GENERAL 219 S President St WALGREENS 807 Berkshire St - Clinton, MS GARRETT OFFICE COMPLEX 380 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave TERRY 2659 Livingston Road CANTON DOLLAR GENERAL A & I SERVICE STATION 3957 Northview Dr (North Jackson) 716 Roby Street - Canton, MS at Exit 78 DOLLAR GENERAL B & B CITY HALL 2030 N Siwell Rd 702 West North Street - Canton, MS West Cunningham Avenue DOLLAR GENERAL BOUTIQUE STORE RAYMOND 4331 Highway 80W 3355 North Liberty - Canton, MS HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE DOLLAR GENERAL BULLY’S STORE WELCOME CENTER 5990 Medgar Evers Blvd Church Street - Canton, MS 505 E. Main Street DOLLAR GENERAL COMMUNITY MART SUNFLOWER GROCERY 1214 Capitol St (Downtown Jackson) 743 Ruby Street - Canton, MS 122 Old Port Gibson Street, DOLLAR GENERAL FRYER LANE GROCERY Raymond, MS 304 Briarwood Dr Martin Luther King Drive - Canton, MS DOLLAR GENERAL LOVE FOOD MART HAMLIN FLORAL DESIGN 120 E. Main Street, 2855 McDowell Rd 285 Peace Street - Canton, MS DOLLAR GENERAL Raymond, MS JOE’S SANDWICH & GROCERY RAYMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY 104 Terry Rd 507 Church Street - Canton, MS J & A FUEL STORES 126 W. Court Street, Raymond, MS K & K ONE STOP RAYMOND CITY HALL 3249 Medgar Evers Blvd. 110 West Fulton Street - Canton, MS LIBERTY BANK AND TRUST 110 Courtyard Square, Raymond LACY’S INSURANCE RAYMOND COURTHOUSE 2325 Livingston Rd. 421 Peace Street - Canton, MS MCDADE’S MARKET SOUL SET BARBER SHOP UTICA Northside Drive 257 Peace Street - Canton, MS HUBBARD’S TRUCK STOP MCDADE’S MARKET #2 TRAILER PARK GROCERY Mississippi Hwy 18 653 Duling Avenue 22 Westside Drive - Canton, MS PITT STOP PICADILLY CAFETERIA 101 Hwy 18 & 27 Jackson Medical Mall BYRAM BOLTON 350 W Woodrow Wilson Avenue DOLLAR GENERAL BOLTON LIBRARY SHELL FOOD MART 125 Swinging Bridge Dr. BOLTON CITY HALL 5492 Watkins Drive HAVIOR’S AUTO CARE 5495 I-55 South Frontage Road 16 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, 2019 www.mississippilink.com 2020 Kia Soul

By Frank S. Washington was without creature comforts or safety Car Reviewer equipment. Kia starting rolling out its models for This 2020 Soul had blind spot collision 2020 recently and there were two new warning. The rear view camera had cross lines. We had the 2020 Soul X-Line; a traffic alert; it had lane change assist, more or less basic model. But basic does front fog lights and a leather-wrapped not mean what it used to years ago. steering wheel, roof trim and exterior First, the Soul mystique was present. body cladding. There were also 18-inch The test vehicle had that squared look alloy wheels. with that slightly slanted roof that makes And it had stop start to save fuel. The the Soul look as though it was cutting EPA rating was 27 mpg in the city, 33 through the wind. mpg on the highway and 30 mpg com- Under the hood was a 2.0-liter four- bined. Power windows were not auto- cylinder engine that made 147 horse- matic. Only the driver’s window went power and 132 pound-feet of torque. It down with one touch but it didn’t come was mated to what Kia called an Intel- up. The button had to be held. ligent Variable Transmission, the auto- This Soul had cloth seats, they were maker’s in-house version of a continu- big and soft. There was a touch infotain- ously variable transmission. ment screen but no navigation system This combination gave the car plenty or satellite radio. However, Kia did an of power. It was smart, snappy and it had admirable job of giving this Soul enter- a little oomph. What’s more, we were tainment options. It could stream music hard pressed to tell that the transmission from a smartphone including Pandora was a CVT of sorts. The Soul X-Line was because it did have Bluetooth as well as a pleasure to drive. It featured body clad- voice controls. Plug the phone in with a ding; overfenders for a chunkier look, chord and Apple CarPlay and Android offroad-inspired accents, unique 18-inch Auto were available. And navigation via alloy wheels, roof rail inspired accents, either service became doable. optional two-tone paint (ours was white) There were two drive modes: normal and fog lights. and sport. The instruments were ana- In some sense, it was a throwback. logue with a relatively small TFT screen This Soul had an actual key. There was a between the odometer and the speedom- fob to lock and unlock the door, but there eter. The former had the fuel gauge at the was no push button on the door nor to bottom and the later had the temperature start or stop the car. We had to put the key gauge at the bottom. in the ignition and turn the switch to start Underneath the infotainment screen it. But once we did, there was a certain there were two 12V sockets and a USB verve to this Soul X-Line no matter the jack between them. That was a little trim line. surprising since the car is aimed at the Handling was surprisingly agile. Steer- young or the young at heart. There were ing was very responsive to driver input, no connections for external equipment in as a colleague used to say. Soul handling the back seats either. mirrored that of a Go-Kart. It took just However, there was a bunch of room a little turn of the steering wheel for the in the backseats. The Soul had plenty car to go in another direction. Cornering of head room and legroom in the back. was excellent and lane changes were ef- With a virtually flat floor, we think three fortless. people could sit in relative comfort in the The ride was firm without being harsh. back where the seats were firm but not The suspension took minor lumps and hard. bumps out of the road. And the car was more precisely the beep of the horn that was the blare of the horn. The reason for escape that blare. We’re sure that was not And though it doesn’t look like it, the quiet; road noise was left outside and at signaled the alarm system had been en- the decibel level of this feature escapes the intent. Soul is and has always been a hatchback. times we could not hear the engine at all. gage. You know that beep you hear af- us. But it was intimidating enough, es- Still, the interior of the Soul X-Line There was a sizable 23.8 cu. ft. of storage The only complaint we had during the ter a second push of the lock button on pecially in a close-space, that we didn’t was comforting, even though this was a space. For $22,960, the 2020 Kia Soul week-long test drive was the alarm. Or, the FOB. On the Soul it wasn’t a bleep it engage the system because we wanted to basic car. However, that does not mean it X-Line was not a bad buy. www.mississippilink.com SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 17 BOOK REVIEW: “MORE TO LIFE” BYRESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY C.2019, DAFINA BOOKS $15.95 / $21.95 CANADA • 272 PAGES

By Terri Schlichenmeyer giving gifts. Two wonderful chil- and her parents shooed her away Island woman who told her that story of your very existence? “less”) are really too over-the- Columnist dren. A beautiful home, fi ne fur- from it. Her husband and chil- she needed to walk her own pur- If so, then you’ll love having top. Suffi ce it to say that there’s “Keep this to yourself!” nishings, a full closet, a new car. dren called it “a hobby.” When pose, words that struck her to “More to Life”… more or less. a Big Event inside this tale that That’s the way big dreams And yet, during an Islands Aja said she wanted to open an the core. Finally, Aja knew what More, because author Re- abruptly alters the entire course start: don’t tell anyone, because birthday vacation with her art gallery, her friends didn’t take made her feel so unsettled, and Shonda Tate Billingsley offers of the story, adding unnecessary telling makes them more deli- three best friends – paid for by her seriously, either. she went home to face her future. fans another novel that reads as drama to a situation that was ar- cate. Sharing makes it hurt more Charles, of course – forty-fi ve- So, like the good wife she But was it with – or without though she’s spent a month spy- guably better and more relatable when what you want doesn’t year-old Aja realized that she was expected to be, she put her – Charles? Aja’s best friends ing on their lives and calendars, without embellishment. happen. As in the new book never had what her soul needed. own needs aside to take care of thought she was crazy to give and anyone who’s ever lost a Still, if a dream is like a but- “More to Life” by ReShonda Once, she’d showed promise Charles and the children. She up a good man for the unknown. dream or shelved one indefi nite- terfl y in your hands, or if you’ve Tate Billingsley, it’s even worse as a painter and it was her pas- painted when she could, which And the house and the lifestyle, ly will feel a kinship with Aja. ever moved to seize a what-if, when your dreams are ignored. sion. She was good at it but, as was rare because her time was too? Insane. Ah, but just thinking That character, as well as the rest then this book will read like a di- Even by her own admission, she realized at the island resort, spent looking for lost socks and about a quiet art gallery and an of Billingsley’s cast, feels famil- ary for you. Aja James had everything a nobody listened when she said lost golf clubs and doing what easel made Aja smile. iar, almost personal, and mostly Start “More to Life” and you woman could want: a handsome she wanted to paint forever. Her her family demanded of her. Could she really do it? likeable, although the situations won’t be able to keep it to your- husband, Charles, who loved high school guidance counselor And then Aja met a strange Dreams deferred. Is that the they’re placed in (here’s the self.

WRTM-FM SMOOTH 100.5 FM, IS JACKSON’S URBAN RHYTHM AND BLUES STATION PLAYING FAMILIAR FAVORITES FROM THE 70’S, 80’S AND 90’S. TUNE IN TO HEAR JUST THE RIGHT MIX OF BLUES AND TODAY’S BIGGEST HITS. 18 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, 2019 www.mississippilink.com Citizens for the VOTE YES School Bond Referendum off to a great start

The Mississippi Link Newswire home values and car owner- best!” Citizens for the VOTE YES ship, including the following: Between now and Election School Bond Referendum • For homes with $30,000 Day November 5, the Steering hosted a kick-off meeting for tax roll value, the tax increase Committee and school employ- volunteers and selected com- will be approximately 23¢ per ees will get the word out that munity leaders, August 30, in day there is no increase in taxes for the Agape @Harvester Restau- • For homes with $65,000 renters/non-homeowners, resi- rant 20735 Highway 12, Lex- tax roll value, the tax increase dents age 65-and-older with ington, MS, to galvanize sup- will be approximately 34¢ per home value less than $75,000, port for the first-ever passage day or disabled persons. Moreover, of the county’s school bond. • For homes with $100,000 80% of the residents who see a Nearly 50 people turned out tax roll value, the tax increase change to their taxes will expe- ready to learn about the bond will be approximately 45¢ per rience an average cost of only and to volunteer their energy day. 27¢ per day – which translates and support to the crucial sub- These calculations include to less than $100 per year. committees campaigning for the assumption of ownership Whatley led everyone an historic passage of a school of a vehicle valued at $15,000. through a timeline of tasks for bond – something not seen in For most county residents, the the next two months before Holmes County for more than average increase is 27¢ per day. sending them to work with 50 years. Superintendent of Schools their group chairs on finance, Steering Committee Co- James L. Henderson followed media, community leaders, chairs Holmes County Circuit the attorney with a presenta- schools, youth, speakers bu- Clerk Earline Wright Hart and tion describing the potential reau and get out the vote sub- Straight Talk radio host Zelpha three new schools: PreK–8 committees. The room vibrat- Montgomery Whatley gave in- elementary school in Durant ed with the buzz of energetic spirational speeches to the at- serving up to 900 students; discussion and ideas of how to tendees encouraging them to a 9th grade center for 350- proceed. Superintendent of Holmes County Schools James L. Henderson and Attorney Ben Piazza use their influence to convince 400 students; and a 10th-12th It was clear that everyone their fellow citizens to vote for grade high school serving 650- present felt the excitement of the referendum. 700 students. He repeated the bringing new schools to the Attorney Jim Young of the urgent and historic statement, county to improve the future Young Law Group brought “No school bond measure has of the area’s children. the information everyone had received community approval For more information con- been awaiting: the cost to in the past 50 years, according tact Deborah Antoine, media homeowners for the up to $18.4 to our research. It’s time to in- spokesperson, by email at dan- million bond. Young presented vest in the future of our chil- [email protected], or call multiple calculations based on dren. Our children deserve the 662 854-3447.

Citizens for the Vote Yes School Bond Referendum co-chairs Zelpha Whatley and Arlene Wright Hart

Get Out the Vote committee (left to right): Ed McGaw, Greg Potee, Robert Bowers, HCCSD BOE President Anthony Anderson, Joann Rucker, BOE Vice-President Louise Winters, Larry Dennis, Linda Campbell, William Primer

Get Out the Vote committee (left to right): Louise Winters, Greg Potee, William Primer, Linda Campbell, Joann Rucker, Larry Dennis, Eugenia Franklin

Youth committee (left to right): Shem Whigham, HCCHS student Harvey Ellington, Antwayn Patrick, Kavitha Gandham

Community Leaders committee (left to right): James Jones, BOE member Elder William Dean, BOE Secretary April Jones, Jason Sargent, Cruger Mayor Arrica Weatherall McGaw reacts with enthusiasm www.mississippilink.com SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 19 Hinds County School District Weekly Update ENGAGING-EMPOWERING-ENSURING-EXCELLENCE Terry High School Spirit Program Highlights

Raymond High School Spirit Program Highlights 20 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, 2019 www.mississippilink.com