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VOL. 26, NO. 18 FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2020 50¢

Alcorn State University Statement Holmes County 6th-graders on off-campus shooting experience HOPE; ASU mourns the passing of students other grades targeted

James Carr and Tahir Fitzhugh Special to The Mississippi Link The Community Students Alcorn State University Learning Center (CSLC), in Public Relations partnership with the Holmes Statement from the Offi ce of County Consolidated School Alcorn Public Relations District and other key part- Overnight Monday, Feb. 17, ners, is implementing HOPE Alcorn State University was noti- (Health Optimization and Pre- fi ed by local authorities that four vention Education). of our students were involved in The CSLC HOPE program a shooting that occurred at a non- offers a healthy relationship life goals. university event venue 13 miles evidenced-based curriculum to With informed parental con- north of campus off Highway 61 the students of Holmes County sent, sixth-graders at S.V. Mar- in Claiborne County. titled Love Notes, Life and shall and Williams-Sullivan Three of the students were Work by Dibble’s Institute. A middle schools were the fi rst transported to the Claiborne program of the U.S. Depart- to complete the 13-lesson ses- County Medical Center in Port ment of Health and Human sions last semester just prior to Gibson. We are deeply saddened Services Offi ce of Population the holidays. to report that two students have Affairs (OPA), TPP19, HOPE “My son really benefi t- passed as a result of critical in- targets youth in 6th-12th ted from HOPE,” said parent, juries suffered in the shooting. grades. Christie Davis. “He said it was One student is being treated at It helps students to better ‘good’ and he really enjoyed the hospital and is listed in stable Carr Fitzhugh understand themselves – their Ms. Saffold.” Aisha Saffold is condition. past experiences and how they one of several CSLC HOPE Claiborne County and state instituted a lockdown on all cam- selors available to any students, tends our heartfelt prayers to the shape current life, their person- facilitators trained in the Dib- law enforcement authorities in- puses. The lockdown has been faculty or staff impacted by this families and loved ones of the ality style, and their qualities ble’s Love Notes EBP 3.0 cur- dicate one of the alleged perpe- lifted and the university is open tragic and traumatic event. We students we lost and humbly ask and strengths as well as growth riculum. trators is still at large. Although for normal business operations. also ask the public and media for the university community’s challenges. The curriculum en- “I think HOPE is very much campus safety was not compro- The university’s Division of to respect student privacy at this thoughts and prayers for the full courages youth to explore and needed in our community,” mised, out of an abundance of Student Affairs Offi ce of Coun- time. clarify their values, relation- Alcorn Holmes caution, Alcorn Campus Police seling Services will have coun- Alcorn State University ex- ship expectations and to set Continued on page 10 Continued on page 3 Princeton’s Eddie Glaude Jr. to keynote MVSU’s MLK Black History Convocation, Feb. 27

The Mississippi Link Newswire the black and blue in America. Mississippi Valley State Uni- His most well-known books versity will celebrate Black His- “Democracy in Black: How tory Month with its annual Dr. Race Still Enslaves the American Martin Luther King Jr. Black Soul” and “In a Shade of Blue: History Convocation. Pragmatism and the Politics of This year’s event, themed “Af- Black America” take a compre- rican Americans and the Vote,” hensive look at black commu- will be held Thursday, Feb. 27, nities and reveal complexities, in the Carver A. Randle Auditori- vulnerabilities, and opportuni- um, located in the William Butts ties for hope – Hope that is, in Social Science Building. one of his favorite quotes from The keynote speaker will W.E.B Du Bois, “Not hopeless, be Mississippi native Eddie S. but a bit unhopeful.” Glaude Jr, chair of the Depart- Glaude’s other “muses “in- ment of African-American Stud- clude James Baldwin, Malcolm ies and the James S. McDonnell X, and Bobby “Blue” Bland. In Distinguished University Profes- addition to his readings of early sor of African-American Studies American philosophers and con- at Princeton University. temporary political scientists, Organizer Dameon Shaw, who Glaude Glaude turns to African-Ameri- serves as the interim vice presi- can literature in his writing and dent for University Advancement are excited to have Dr. Glaude In addition to serving as the teaching for insight into African- at MVSU, said he’s excited to visit and discuss the important chair, Glaude is a university pro- American political life, religious have Glaude visit MVSU’s cam- topic of African Americans and fessor in Princeton’s Department thought, gender and class. pus. the vote. I’ve had the pleasure of of African-American Studies – a Known to be a convener “Black History Month is a spe- hearing Dr. Glaude speak previ- program he fi rst became involved of conversations and debates, cial time when we honor the leg- ously, and I believe this will be with shaping as a doctoral candi- Glaude takes care to engage fel- acy and sacrifi ces of those who a very informative and impactful date in Religion at Princeton. Glaude came before us,” said Shaw. “We Black History Convocation.” He is a scholar who speaks to Continued on page 3

Rev. William Barber’s Olympic Pride, Share this issue with a friend Poor People’s Assembly American by mailing it to: and Moral March in June Prejudice Inside will be “generationally

transformative” Page 12 Page 17 IN MEMORIAM

2 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2020 www.mississippilink.com Eric DeVaughn “Ricky” Stringfellow August 31, 1960 - Februrary 5, 2020

Eric DeVaughn Stringfellow, “Ricky,” as he editor and was a member of the newspaper’s was known to his family, was born August 31, Editorial Board and started his own column. 1960 in Meridian, MS to Clint and Delores He was the founding chairman of Tougaloo Stringfellow. He departed this life Wednes- College’s Department of Mass Communica- day, February 5, 2020, following a brief ill- tions. He served as executive director of Uni- ness. versity Communications at JSU and interim Stringfellow was a member of New Hori- chair of JSU’s Department of Mass Com- zon Church International in Jackson, MS. munications. In 2018 he moved to Hawkins, Stringfellow received his education in the Texas to serve as director of Mass Commu- Jackson Public School system, graduating nications at Jarvis Christian College. from Provine High School in 1978. While at Stringfellow is past president of the Jack- Provine, he played quarterback on the football son Association of Black Journalists, the 100 team, served as a member on the basketball Black Men of Jackson, former board member team as well as many other clubs and organi- of Mission Mississippi, Baby Steps and the zations. He was named “Mr. Provine.” After Tiger Fund. He was a member of the Marga- graduating from Provine, he attended Jackson ret Walker Alexander Research Center and a State University where he was a member of board member of JSU Sports Hall of Fame. the JSU football team. He received both his Stringfellow was the recipient of the Mary undergraduate and master’s degree from Jack- Church Terrell Literacy Club Award for Jour- son State University. He was a life member nalism, Alpha Phi Alpha’s Community Ser- of the JSU National Alumni Association, Inc. vice Award, Phi Beta Sigma’s Community Stringfellow had a career in media that Service Award for Journalism, the Mississippi spanned decades. He began his journalism ca- Black Chamber of Commerce’s Charles Tis- reer at The Commercial News in Danville, Ill., dale Award for Journalism and the 2008 Mis- where he served as an intern and a gen-eral as- sissippi Humanities Council Teacher of the signment reporter. During his fi rst stint at The Year for Tougaloo College. Clarion-Ledger he served as general assign- Stringfellow leaves to cherish his memories ment reporter, county government reporter his devoted parents Clintorice and Delores and City Hall reporter before leaving for The Stringfellow, son Courtney (Kianca); grand- (Cleveland) Plain Dealer. He served Ohio’s son Braxton; four sisters, Deborah, Felicia largest newspaper as a general assignment re- Wilson (Dewayne), Brenda Williams (Bobby) porter and later covered state courts and fed- and Yolanda; one brother Clintorice Jr.; fi ve eral courts. He also served as president of the nephews, three nieces and a host of great- Cleveland Chapter of the JSU National Alum- nieces, great-nephews and other relatives and ni Association and president of the Cleveland friends. Association. Services were held at New Horizon Church After returning to The Clarion-Ledger, he International in Jackson, MS, February 13, served as night editor, political editor, public 2020. www.mississippilink.com FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2020 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 3

Alcorn Continued from page 1 60 years ago: recovery of those injured and impacted as a re- and loved ones to know that the deepest and sult of this unfortunate event. As more informa- most heartfelt sympathies and prayers of Alcorn tion is gathered, we will share it accordingly. State University are with them at this time.” The passing of a student deeply affects the Individual and group counseling services are Students launched entire Alcorn family and is especially diffi cult available to students, faculty and staff through and heart breaking. Alcorn State University the university’s Offi ce of Counseling Services. faculty, staff, students and alumni are deeply Additionally, the list of services below is also mourning the passing of student scholars James available. Carr, a 22-year-old freshman from Itta Bena, Alcorn State University Counseling Services Sit-In Movement Mississippi and Tahir Fitzhugh, a 20-year-old 601 877-6230 junior from Brookhaven, Pennsylvania. Alcorn State University Health & Disability By Dr. Kelton Edmonds Alcorn President Felecia M. Nave, extends Services The Mississippi Link Newswire her personal expressions of sympathy and con- 601 877-6460 PART THREE dolences to the Carr and Fitzhugh families. National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1 800 “Alcorn is more than a university, we are a 273-8255 Although its origins predate family. Today, we lost two dear members of our Southwest MS Mental Health Complex 1960, even one of the largest beloved Brave Family. There are no words to 601 684-2173 and most noteworthy national help ease the pain that has befallen our cam- Warren-Yazoo Behavioral Health Services student organizations, Students pus. We know time heals all wounds and take 601 638-0031 for a Democratic Society (SDS), comfort in the fact that through time, prayer and More information regarding memorial ser- owe its resurgence and major ele- being there for each other, we will be able to vices and funeral arrangements will be released ments of its effectiveness to the celebrate and honor James and Tahir’s memory. once confi rmed. spark ignited by the Greensboro I want the Carr and Fitzhugh families, friends Four on February 1, 1960. Even recent episodes of stu- dent activism exhibited in the and beyond, the enormous num- attacks from white antagonists Ferguson, Missouri protests of bers unleashed by black student were compounded by dispropor- 2014-15, as well as the student activists put unyielding pressure tionate responses from law en- Holmes protests led by black students on local law enforcement, po- forcement, as Portsmouth activ- Continued from page 1 at the University of Missouri in litical offi cials and jail facilities. ist, Edward Rodman explained, 2015, which ultimately led to In many cities like Greensboro, “…the fi re department, all of the Davis stated. She sees the program as an ef- ing their own foundations for healthy relation- the resignation of the chancel- there were not enough jail cells police force and police dogs were fort to prevent “dating violence and ongoing ships,” said Kendra West, another facilitator lor, have attributes that correlate for all of the students arrested, mobilized. The police turned the domestic violence.” She said a lot of children who served the sixth-graders. “I enjoyed see- to the 1960 student movement. particularly since the students dogs loose on the Negroes – but are not taught the importance of healthy rela- ing the amazement on many of the students’ The student movement of 1960, refused bail and chose to remain not all the whites.” tionships. “I would like to see HOPE continue. faces as they discovered new and benefi cial ignited by the Greensboro Four, incarcerated. Students also understood that My son would like to take it again,” she said. relationship information.” provided a blueprint for future This action severely drained they could pay the ultimate price HOPE will continue this semester and HOPE’s administrative offi cer, Beulah Greer students to build upon, perfect local municipalities of money for protesting against the status throughout the coming school year. Parents who serves as CSLC executive director, stated and utilize in a variety of ways and resources, forcing local quo of racial inequality, as nu- are encouraged to return their consent forms as that CSLC, its board of directors, staff and vol- for a plethora of circumstances. governmental, business and law merous activists were murdered soon as possible. unteers are “grateful to have the opportunity to Most importantly, what hap- offi cials to dramatically adjust throughout the Civil Rights era. Love Notes has proven to be effective in collaborate with such engaging partners to pos- pened in 1960 showed young policies and sometimes change Nevertheless, over 50,000 black empowering youth to make healthy relation- itively impact the lives of youth by educating people the power they possessed discriminatory laws. Student ac- students and sympathizers par- ship decisions for their futures, recognize red them in the knowledge and practice of healthy to address their grievances and tivists were able to perfect this ticipated in the sit-ins of 1960. As fl ags to avoid dating violence and risky sexual adolescent relationships.” “Our organization ultimately bring about change strategy because they could en- historian Clayborne Carson high- behavior as they prepare to enter relationships and partners are very fortunate to have been on both local and national levels dure prolonged imprisonment lighted, “Nonviolent tactics, par- in their teenage years. It also helps them under- chosen to implement such a proven program if they organized themselves and without fear of major job or hous- ticularly when accompanied by stand the full defi nition of intimacy prior to be- model,” said Greer. remained committed. ing reprisal. rationale based on Christian prin- coming involved in relationships. Participants CSLC HOPE is funded by a grant from the Unique Weapons for Non- Comparably, many older activ- ciples, offered black students…a are being equipped to enter healthy future re- U.S. Department of Health and Human Servic- violent Students ists, whose families depended on sense of moral superiority, an lationships and are prepared with the tools to es (HHS) Offi ce of Population Affairs. In addition to the typical traits their incomes, could not sacrifi ce emotional release through mili- develop healthy present friendships. CSLC HOPE is currently serving 7th, 8th that come along with youthful- prolonged periods of incarcera- tancy, and a possibility of achiev- A sixth-grader at S.V. Marshall felt empow- and 12th graders. The program will continue ness such as idealism and impa- tion, as it would threaten their ing desegregation.” ered knowing that she could effectively re- next school year. Parents may begin now sign- tience, student success during livelihood. Furthermore, angry A movement within a move- spond to a friendship or a relationship that did ing their consent forms for their youth to par- the 1960 sit-ins and thereafter employers or landlords, who dis- ment was born February 1, 1960 not work out by saying that “he or she did not ticipate. was directly affi xed to two dis- approved of their protest activi- and that movement evolved into meet my expectations” as opposed to speaking Parents should check with their child’s tinct assets possessed by students ties, could threaten to fi re them its own distinct force by the mid- badly about the other person. school or call CSLC HOPE at 662 834-0905 juxtaposed to their older adult or abruptly remove them from dle of the decade. Soon after the “Through HOPE, these students are creat- for the form and for more information. activist counterparts. The fi rst as- property they were renting. sit-ins began, students realized set is condense demographics, as Students were not confronted their collective prowess, as stu- student-body populations were with the same ramifi cations of dent activism consistently helped primarily located on campuses these economic, employment and defi ne the decade of the 60s in and/or nearby the colleges. housing reprisals, as the majority forcing monumental political, The fact that hundreds to thou- of them lived on campuses and legal and social changes through- sands of students in a college perhaps had part-time, albeit re- out the nation. town lived within a square mile placeable, minimum wage jobs, Finally, the black student activ- of each other led to the expedi- often with no dependents. ists of the 1960 sit-ins did three SINCE THE tious mobilization of large num- Drawing the contrast between important things, albeit uninten- bers of people and effi cient dis- student activists versus the older tional: they helped lay the foun- semination of information and activists is not synonymous with dation for all collective student strategy. drawing divisions, as the older activism in the 60s and beyond, VOTING Although black churches activists understood the assets they played a legendary role proved to be invaluable through- that students solely possessed to in the larger African-American out the Black Freedom Struggle further the movement along. In Freedom Movement that began from Reconstruction to the Civil fact, many of the older activists as early as Africans’ arrival to RIGHTS ACT Rights Movement, there was still encouraged the younger activists colonial America, and they ce- no equivalent amongst the older and actively supported them in mented a valuable place in one black generation to the college numerous ways. of America’s most signifi cant campus’ effectiveness as both a For example, when Bennett traditions, the protest tradition, PASSED meeting place and as a domicile College students, who were the which has continuously defi ned for housing and dispersing the heroines on the 1963 Greens- and propelled our country since shock troops of the movement. boro protests, were arrested and its inception. The second major asset specif- refused bail during the 1963 sit- Our society, and all post-1960 IN 1965, ic to students would be the rela- ins in Greensboro, their profes- social movements, have undeni- tion between arrest and reprisal. sors came to the jail facilities ably benefi ted from the audacity At some of their demonstrations and gave them their classroom of those four brave freshmen and prior to 1960, older black activ- and homework assignments ev- their actions February 1, 1960. WE’VE NEEDED ists strategically triggered their ery week. This scenario personi- Kelton Edmonds is a professor arrests for charges such as tres- fi es the symbiotic relationship of history at California Univer- passing or loitering as a way to between both generations in the sity of Pennsylvania. His primary dramatize unjust treatment via fi ght against racism, as the pro- research is on Black Student Ac- 5 AMENDMENTS media coverage and to pressure fessors showed their appreciation tivism in the United States. He white offi cials to change discrim- for the young people’s unique is a native of Portsmouth, VA inatory laws. and valiant position for the ben- and graduated from I.C. Nor- Once mobilized per the sit-ins efi t of the entire race and future com High school in 1993. He TO PROTECT IT however, student activists were generations, yet not removing the holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in able to invite and withstand in- students from their responsibili- Secondary Education-History carceration for far longer periods ties and academic requirements. from North Carolina A&T State of time and in extremely larger Altogether, students endured University. He earned his Ph.D. numbers. Students vastly ele- countless hardships that included in 20th Century US History from vated this critical strategy of the incarceration, verbal assaults and the University of Missouri-Co- overall movement. During 1960 physical violence. Sometimes, lumbia.

Glaude Continued from page 1 Glaude takes care to engage fellow citizens of all lege and Harvard. In 2011, he delivered Harvard’s ages and backgrounds – from young activists, to fel- Du Bois lectures. In 2015, he was awarded an hon- low academics, journalists and commentators and orary doctorate from Colgate University, deliver- followers on Twitter in dialogue about the course of ing commencement remarks titled, “Turning Our the nation. His scholarship and sense of himself as Backs.” Voting was and still is our super power. It keeps people and a public intellectual are driven by a commitment to Glaude is a columnist for Time Magazine and neighborhoods from being ignored. We celebrate the people who not think carefully with others in public. Accordingly, regularly provides commentary on radio and televi- only got knocked down, but who kept getting up. Join AARP as we his writing and ideas are cited and shared widely. sion news programs like Democracy Now!, Morn- Glaude is described as a quintessential More- ing Joe, and the 11th Hour. He hosts the podcast continue the journey to protect and empower all races and ages in all house man by many, having left his home in Moss AAS 21, recorded at Princeton University in Stan- communities. Point, Miss., at the age of 16 to begin studies at hope Hall, the African-American Studies depart- the HBCU. He holds a master’s degree in African- ment’s home. CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY American Studies from Temple University and a For questions or more information about MV- Ph.D. in Religion from Princeton University. SU’s 2020 Martin Luther King Jr. Black History Learn more at aarp.org/blackcommunity He began his teaching career at Bowdoin Col- Convocation, contact MVSU’s Offi ce of University lege. He has been a visiting scholar at Amherst Col- Advancement at 662 254-3790. COMMUNITY

4 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2020 www.mississippilink.com In Memoriam Delanis Earl Walker October 15, 1957 - February 6, 2020

Lincoln Community College and ob- At the very core of his being was his tained his certifi cate in welding. After love for family. He was a devoted son, graduation, Delanis was employed with a protective brother, a caring uncle and Magnetek, Inc., and he worked offshore husband, and above all a proud and dot- for several years. He was employed ing father. He encouraged his daughters with Pennsylvania life Insurance and to reach for the stars and to uplift others worked in management in various gro- as they strive for excellence. Like her fa- cery stores, including Sack & Save, Jit- ther, Chelsea was a natural athlete, and ney Jungle, Winn-Dixie, McDade’s and she could count on her father’s support Sullivan’s Grocery. His last employ- in all her endeavors. With his encour- ment was with Sanderson Farms. agement, she excelled in science fairs, In his free time, Delanis loved to ex- as well as church and school presenta- plore trails, fi sh, hunt and appreciate the tions. Her father was always a constant beauty of nature. He passed on this love at her athletic events whether she was of nature to his daughters, Chelsea and playing basketball, golf, running track Shelby. He was an avid equestrian and or cheerleading. This memory of him taught his girls how to handle and ride shouting and whistling on the sidelines a horse. So skilled was Shelby in rid- is forever etched in Chelsea’s mind as ing horses that she rode in the Jackson one of her favorite memories of her dad. Black Rodeo parade on several occa- One of Shelby’s favorite memories of If a man’s fi fe is measured by his im- sions, with Delanis always riding by her father is riding their horses at night pact on others, then Delanis Earl Walk- her side. In 2019, Delanis and Shelby under the light of a full moon. They rode er has left a rich and enduring legacy. were featured in an article, “Jackson and rode and rode until they were ready His easy and good-natured personal- Black Rodeo: Father, Daughter Over to go home. Tonight, when you look up ity made him a stranger to no one. A the Years,” in Tin Gordon Loiter. at the moon, know that Delanis is riding natural storyteller, Delanis entertained Aside from his love for nature and home to glory, smiling down on us, and friends and family alike with tales of photography, Delanis was a deeply cheering all of us on to victory. his youth. spiritual man. In 1993, he joined Col- Delanis leaves to cherish his memo- Born to Ina Mac and L. J. Walker Jr. lege Hill Baptist Church under the lead- ries: two daughters, Clidscalanai and October 15, 1957, in the small town of ership of Pastor Hosea J. Hines. At Col- Shelby Kathleen and their mother Tara New Hebron, Delanis was a country lege Hill, he was ordained as a deacon Bryant Walker; a son, Arden Michael boy at heart. and later accepted a call to the ministry, Dyer; two sisters, Delores (Lynell) At an early age he joined North Pleas- preaching his fi rst sermon in November Smith and Virginia (Robert) McDuffey; ant Hill Missionary Baptist Church 2000. He loved spreading the Word of aunt, Mary Lou Everett; nieces, great where he attended faithfully with his God, and his love of God extended to nieces, a great nephew, cousins and parents and sisters, Delores and Vir- his love of people. friends; and his faithful dog and con- ginia. He reveled in touching the lives of stant companion, Sara. Delanis was a gifted athlete and ex- people, especially young people. As a Celebration of Life Service was held celled in high school sports. He gradu- manager and supervisor of a grocery February 15, 2020 at College Hill Bap- ated from New Hebron High School in store, he would hire and inspire young tist Church in Jackson, MS with Rev. 1976. Thereafter, he attended Copiah- people to have a strong work ethic. Hosea J. Hines serving as eulogist. POLITICS

www.mississippilink.com FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2020 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 5 Bloomberg meets with black leaders

Mississippi Link Newswire Rock, Arkansas, who is also Systematic institutional bar- co-chair of the Mike for Black riers have plagued African America National Leadership Americans for decades, and the Council: “Though many can- results are morbidly astound- didates offer good solutions for ing. our country, Mike has a proven The median income for a track record as a successful black family in the United businessman and mayor solving States is nearly 10 times less problems through collaboration than that of a white family. and effective policy. Mike and I Black workers earn about do not agree on everything, but 28% less than their white coun- I am confi dent he is committed terparts. to righting wrongs, stimulat- The unemployment rate for Steve Benjamin, mayor of Columbia, SC, talks to a group of Mike Bloom- Mike Bloomberg meets with Mayor Hardie Davis Jr. of Augusta, Georgia, ing our economy and bringing black Americans is nearly twice berg supporters in Southaven, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020. Dec. 6, 2019. people together.” that of white Americans and Mayor Steve Benjamin, Co- the average black worker earns homeowners in the next decade. of the country’s most disad- cal white family.” Mike’s plan has been met lumbia, South Carolina: “Mike about 28% less than the average To do this, Mike will close this vantaged communities, with a While Mike built a multi-bil- with applause across the coun- has a record of getting things white worker. gap by providing down-pay- relentless focus on evaluation lion dollar company and phil- try by some of the nation’s done, leading in business, in pub- Only 43% of black Ameri- ment assistance, getting mil- to expand programs that work. anthropic foundation through strongest black leaders. lic policy and in public life, and cans own a home, compared to lions banked and recognized Mike’s national initiative will hard work and determination, Mayor Percy Bland, Merid- leading in philanthropy. He is a 73% for white Americans. by credit scoring companies, offer communities a menu of he said his black peers did not ian: “Mike knows that there are self-made man who represents On average, black students enforcing fair lending laws, evidence-based programs in ar- have the same opportunities practical, passable policies that what I believe is the American will attend a school that ranks reducing foreclosures and evic- eas including health, education, as he did simply because they will tackle our infrastructure dream. He wants to make sure in the 37th percentile for test tions and increasing the supply infrastructure and justice. were black. He wants to change needs, address the violence im- that every single one of us has scores, while white students will of affordable housing. He outlined his vision in a that reality in America. pacting our communities and the opportunity to do the same.” attend one in the 60th percentile. • Create 100,000 new black- speech in Greenwood, a neigh- “As someone who has been provide economic empower- Geoffrey Canada, founder of These numbers come as no owned businesses in 10 years. borhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, very lucky in life, I often say ment. Whether it’s his ground- Harlem Children’s Zone: “I’ve surprise, which is why many To boost black-owned busi- known for its role in the histori- my story would only have been breaking Greenwood Initia- known Mike Bloomberg for presidential candidates give lip nesses, the plan will set up us- cal discrimination and destruc- possible in America – and that’s tive or the work he’s done for many years, and I know he will service to changing these reali- er-friendly one-stop shops for tion of black wealth in America. true,” Bloomberg said during his decades, Mike is that guy, and bring our country together to ties. But Democratic candidate entrepreneurs across the coun- Greenwood was home to Black 30-minute address in Tulsa last I look forward to sending him start closing the racial wealth Mike Bloomberg has released a try, expand mentorships and Wall Street in the early 20th month. “But I also know that my to Washington. He can go toe- gap in America. During Bloom- radical, comprehensive plan de- incubators, increase access to century, the most prominent story might have turned out very to-toe with the roadblocks that berg’s time as New York City’s signed to break down those sys- capital (both debt and equity), district of black-owned busi- differently if I had been black have been an impediment to mayor, graduation rates for Af- tematic institutional barriers. support black-owned banks nesses in the United States. In and that more black Americans progress.” rican-American students rose What is the Greenwood Ini- and expand procurement from 1921, the community was deci- of my generation would have U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, D- and the black-white achieve- tiative? black-owned businesses. These mated in the Black Wall Street ended up with far more wealth, Illinois: “He alone, among the ment gap shrank. He launched The Greenwood Initiative is efforts are aimed particularly at Massacre. had they been white. current Democratic candidates, an ambitious plan to expand Mike’s plan to create genera- benefi tting black female entre- “Black Americans have been “Instead, they have had to has been the clearest, the most affordable housing. And he re- tional wealth for black Ameri- preneurs, the fastest growing disproportionately incarcerat- struggle to overcome great focused and the most reason- duced the number of black New cans, drive economic empow- group of new entrepreneurs. ed, politically disenfranchised odds, because their families able voice for addressing the Yorkers in prison by reforming erment and close the economic • Invest $70 billion in our 100 and subject to systematic dis- started out further behind, and depressed state of the African- policies that disproportionately gap between white and black most disadvantaged neighbor- crimination,” Mike said. “The excluded from opportunities – American economy. His Green- impact young men of color.” Americans. hoods. Mike will commit $70 enduring legacy of discrimina- in housing, employment, edu- wood Initiative is not only in- To learn more about the Here is some of what the billion in funding and techni- tion is refl ected in the fact that cation and other areas.” spirational, it’s practical and it’s Greenwood Initiative, visit Greenwood Initiative includes: cal support towards a national the typical black family has Response to the Greenwood doable.” www.mikebloomberg.com/ • Create 1 million new black initiative to turn around 100 one-tenth the wealth of the typi- Initiative Mayor Frank Scott Jr., Little greenwood. 6 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2020 www.mississippilink.com Mood Therapy app created by CDC students wins 2019 Congressional App Challenge

Mississippi Link Newswire also references music. The team devel- participate in activities facilitated by For the third consecutive year, JPS oped the app to address the rising inci- representatives from some of the coun- Career Development Center students dences of depression and anxiety in their try’s leading tech companies. have won the Congressional App Chal- age group. Over 10,000 students across the na- lenge for the 2nd Congressional District As Congressional App Challenge tion signed up to participate in the 2019 of Mississippi represented by Congress- winners, these students will have their Congressional App Challenge. The man Bennie Thompson. work put on display for one year in the challenge is a public effort to encour- Congratulations to students Shamya U.S. Capitol Building and on the House. age middle and high school students to Robinson, Kameron Lewis and Shamar gov website. They will also receive $250 learn how to code applications through Stamps for their winning app that uses in Amazon Web Services (AWS) credits annual competitions hosted by Members sound therapy to help students who suf- and access to hands-on experience with of Congress for their districts. fer from anxiety and depression. AWS technology, training, content and With support from the Internet Educa- The app is called Canetis Cure, and it pathways to cloud computing careers. tion Foundation, the program’s goal is to is programmed to play natural sounds at The Congressional App Challenge teach coding and inspire careers in com- various hertz levels to send healing fre- will invite winners to showcase their puter science. It especially aims to reach quencies to the brain. Also, the app fea- apps at a #HouseOfCode reception on underserved populations and promote tures forums where students can com- Capitol Hill March 24. diversity in the industry’s workforce. The 2019 Congressional App Challenge winners are (from left) Shamar Stamps, municate their feelings with peers and #HouseOfCode is an annual celebra- Since its inception fi ve years ago, the Shamya Robinson and Kameron Lewis. They are members of the Technology Stu- counselors. tion of the program’s winners. Students Congressional App Challenge has re- dent Association and students of the Simulation and Animation Design Technology It gets its name from the Latin verb will have the opportunity to interact sulted in thousands of functional apps Program at the JPS Career Development Center. ‘cano’ which is translated as sound but with their Members of Congress and developed by 25,000 students.

JPS School Board approves 2020-2021 District Calendar

Mississippi Link Newswire The 2020-2021 District Cal- endar was approved by the Board of Trustees at its Febru- ary 4 regular meeting. The de- tailed calendar is available as a downloadable PDF. The At-A- Glance calendar includes fi rst and last days of school, Distric- twide closures, graduations and professional development days. We are releasing these dates earlier than usual to support our families and community part- ners in making their plans for the next school year. The district will use fi ve of the districtwide closures as in- clement weather days if need- ed. If bad weather causes un- planned school closures during the school year, these days will be converted to regular school days to make up for the days missed: Monday, October 12 (Fall Break) Monday, October 26 (Parent- Teacher Conference Day) Monday, February 15 (Parent- Teacher Conference Day) Friday, April 2 (Good Friday) Monday, April 5 (Easter Monday)

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www.mississippilink.com FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2020 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 7 Hinds CC the perfect stop HCCHS students in student’s new career plan debut FIRST robot

The Mississippi Link Newswire move on to Mississippi State University at NW Mississippi CC For Charles Bryant, a light came on to pursue a bachelor’s in electrical tech- in more ways than one when he was in nology. a vehicle accident on the job, which in- The culture shock of being in class volved outfi tting mobile homes and haul- with students young enough to be his ing them across Mississippi. children hasn’t been too rough on Bry- “We had a wreck in Rosedale in 2016 ant, himself a father of one adult son. after I’d stopped alongside the road to “I’m in a classroom of mostly young air up a tire,” Bryant said. “I could have people in their 20s,” he said. “We all been killed. After that, the business just push each other to achieve and do things. didn’t have the same luster. I was hav- We tell each other, ‘You can do this!’” ing to travel farther and farther. Being on His experience in the workforce for the highway that long each day can get years has been a positive infl uence on dangerous. I decided it was time to get fellow classmates, Electrical Technology educated.” instructor Craig Davis said. Bryant, 49, a Smith County native “He has worked in the fi eld for a long who’d moved as a teenager with his fam- time, so he came in with knowledge,” Bryant ily to Vicksburg in 1979, had completed HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE/APRIL GARON Davis said. “He always helps the stu- his high school education and went to dents when they can’t fi gure something work as a construction contractor in mo- who’d worked on industrial equipment out with hands-on material or even bile homes. like PLCs (programmable logic control- homework. With him in the room, I feel “I didn’t want to be tied down to a fac- lers),” he said. “I became more attracted like there is another teacher here.” Carleigh Andrews and Patrick Wright brainstorm to devise and apply science tory, so contracting seemed like some- to the electrical fi eld.” For the time being, Bryant is perfectly and engineering principles to discover the most effective track on which to thing good and outside the norm,” he This semester, he’s balancing a job content playing the role of student. His maneuver the robot. said. “After a foundation on a mobile in maintenance at a local hospital with eyes widen when he talks about taking The Mississippi Link Newswire home was set, I came in and did all the some impressive achievements in the industrial maintenance courses at Hinds. other team members helped pre- drywall, doors, carpeting, windows, ev- classroom. He’s attending Hinds on the “I want to learn how to program PLC’s The Holmes County Central pare the robot for the competition, erything. I had never pursued a full, for- John & Mabel Loviza Family Scholar- and other large industrial equipment,” he High School (HCCHS) robotics including Chasity Gregory-Wright, mal education in any type of career, so in ship. He was inducted into the Alpha said. “Robotics is something new. I love team competed in the FIRST Tech Na’Darius Vance, Ricky Webster 2017 I enrolled at Hinds in Vicksburg.” Omega Chi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa learning anything new. It’s amazing how Challenge Robotics Competition III and Sandrea Young. The team He quit the road and took up the best and earned a technical certifi cate in elec- you can type something in a computer February 8 at Northwest Missis- had pre-competition assistance available maintenance job he could fi nd. trical technology in December. and a robotic arm does exactly what you sippi Community College in Sena- from Tougaloo College students, as “After the accident, I started working He plans to pursue a full Associate of want it to do. My old tools didn’t do tobia where they placed 13th out of well. at a casino and got around some guys Applied Science degree in 2020, then that.” 19 schools from across the state. Carleigh Andrews said, “The The HCCHS students had no pre- event was exciting because of the vious robotics competition experi- challenge of building and program- ence, but they overcame technolog- ming the robots for specifi c tasks. ical issues to represent the district We ran into trouble with the wiring Hinds CC Raymond Campus in a competition with global spon- early but fi gured out the problem sorship. Each team had six oppor- using teamwork. We placed 13th tunities to complete the assigned out of 19, which is a great start for robotic task. our team. The FIRST Tech Chal- Preview Day draws crowd “Students who competed in this lenge is a great opportunity for us competition are now eligible for because we need to be exposed to The Mississippi Link Newswire millions of dollars in scholarship more technology to prepare us for Faith Taylor wants to pursue her pas- opportunities from a variety of col- the future job force which is tech- sion in college and at the same time learn leges,” said teacher-coach Corey nology-based.” how to make money doing it. Redd. District Science Coordinator “I want to get to know the basics of The FIRST Tech Challenge Shimelle Mayers said, “The robot- fashion design, plus learn how to run a sends teams a kit of materials and ics learning experiences provide business with it and manage my money,” challenges them to design, build, exposure and empower future in- said Taylor, a senior at Northwest Rankin program and operate robots in or- novators to achieve their full po- High School, as she spoke with instruc- der to compete in a head-to-head tential through STEM learning. We tors of various programs at Hinds Com- challenge using an alliance for- are happy to have students grades munity College Raymond Campus Jan. mat. Guided by adult coaches and 6-12 participating in FIRST Tech 31 for Preview Day. mentors, students develop STEM events.” Taylor already has a good guidance out how Hinds’ programs of study can mous robots here,” Jones said. (Science, Technology, Math and Superintendent of Schools James counselor in her mother, Marquela, who build a successful career. Friends Josh Upcoming similar events at Hinds lo- Engineering) skills and practice L. Henderson said, “These types of accompanied her to the annual recruit- Adams, of Park Place Academy in Pearl, cations include: engineering principles, while real- real-life applications are what pre- ing event. “Everyone’s helpful and we’re and Mikayla Alford, who is home- Kendall Agricultural Complex, Ray- izing the value of hard work, inno- pare students for the career oppor- looking forward to a good two years schooled, want to study American Sign mond Campus, Feb. 28, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., vation and working as a team. tunities. Using the Python comput- here,” her mother said. Language in the college’s Interpreter for Ag Expo 2020 In addition to designing and er language to program a robot for They were among more than 800 high the Deaf program. Vicksburg-Warren Campus, March 20, building robots, teams raise funds, autonomous, offensive and defen- school seniors and their parents who at- “Learning any language is a challenge, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., College Carnival recruit- design and market their team brand, sive maneuvers is not only fun, it tended the event at the Mayo Gym. The but once you get locked in, it feels like ing event and perform community outreach stimulates an innovative problem- annual exhibition features all the col- you’ve always known it,” Adams said. Jackson Campus-Nursing/Allied to earn specifi c awards. solving thinking process in order lege’s academic and career-tech pro- Having family members with hearing Health Center, March 5, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Participants are eligible to apply to succeed. Our students are work- grams, activities and organizations Hinds challenges forms the basis of Alford’s in- Nursing and Allied Health Spring Show- for over 80 million dollars in col- ing as engineers and experiencing has to offer. terest in the topic. case lege and university scholarships. real-world career roles while still in Prospective students from high schools Isaiah Jones, a junior at Velma Jackson Jackson Campus-Academic/Technical HCCHS students Patrick Wright school.” in and around metro Jackson, plus other High School in Madison County, was Center, April 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., College and Carleigh Andrews were the For more information contact places in Mississippi, toured the campus most intrigued by Hinds’ varied career Carnival recruiting event drivers of the robot in the periods of Deborah Antoine, media spokesper- and interacted with students and faculty and technical education programs, espe- Utica Campus, April 17, times TBA, the competition when the robot was son by email: dantoine@holmescc- about admissions, scholarships, fi nancial cially those that train students to operate Spring Into The U! recruiting event not operating autonomously. Four sd.org or call 662 854-3447. aid, majors, housing, student life and the latest automated equipment and land For more information about these spe- more. jobs with high earnings potential. cial events, visit www.hindscc.edu/events. For high schoolers, it’s a time to fi nd “I want to do something with autono- Hinds County School District to host Community Leaders and Parents Luncheon District invites parents and community stakeholders to hear updates and learn more about ongoing efforts to promote student achievement

The Mississippi Link Newswire parents, educators and community discuss Curriculum, Instruction and Patrick Wright and Carleigh Andrews use controllers to obtain the necessary The Hinds County School District leaders to ensure all stakeholders are Assessment (CIA); I-Ready; and the motion control trajectories to drive the actual robot. (HCSD) will host its Community working together to ensure HCSD stu- Impact of the 2020 Census Report on dents are college and career ready. School Funding. Entertainment will be Leaders and Parents Luncheon Sun- Patrick Wright “The success of our schools and our provided by Hinds County students. day, February 23, at Utica Elementary unpacks and district is directly related to the level District leaders will also discuss Middle School (260 Highway 18 & 27, assembles the of engagement of support from stu- enrollment for the 2020–2021 school Utica, Miss.). The luncheon will be HCCHS robot held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the school dents and community members, so this year. Enrollment will begin in March, cafeteria. luncheon is an important way for us and current students will be able to The theme for the event is “Acting to keep everyone engaged as we share register online. for Impact” – Schools, Churches, Par- our plans to fi nish the school year out Parents can receive more informa- ents and Communities Collaborating strong,” said HCSD Superintendent tion about enrollment by contacting for Success, and district leaders will Delesicia Martin. “We’re also excit- the Central Offi ce at 601 857-7008 or share updates about student perfor- ed about our plans for the upcoming visiting one of the district’s schools. mance and ongoing projects. school year as we continue to build on To RSVP for the luncheon, contact Participants will also have an oppor- the momentum and success we’ve ex- John Neal, associate superintendent of tunity to better understand the district’s perienced over the past fi ve years. community relations, at 601 857-7008 role and responsibilities to the schools, During the luncheon, speakers will or [email protected]. 8 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2020 www.mississippilink.com Kroger ‘steps up to plate,’ gives Rankins, higher education $15,000 to JSU food pantries commssioner, urges JSU for students, student-athletes to rally behind, Hudson, Jackson State University Kroger supermarket present- ed JSU with $15,000 worth of acting president gift cards to support its food pantries for general students and student-athletes to help By Rachel James-Terry eliminate food insecurity on jsumsnews.com campus and refuel their energy. Thomas Hudson, J.D., will serve as acting Acting JSU President Thom- president of Jackson State University until a as Hudson said the partnership permanent president is appointed, according to with Kroger is just the begin- JSU Acting President Thomas Hudson, third from right, receives Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr., commissioner of Higher ning. a gift from Kroger representatives. Joining him are, Sean Wal- Education. “We’re always happy when lace, left, director of JSU’s Alexander East Residence Hall and On Thursday, during a combined senate meet- people want to invest in our JSU Tiger Pantry assistant; Dr. Susan E. Powell, JSU associate ing of JSU faculty and staff, Rankins told the students. The Tiger Food Pan- vice president for Student Affairs; Jonathan Demming, a JSU audience that he was “here for one reason, and try serves an important pur- alum and I-55 Kroger store leader; Teresa Dickerson, corporate that is to support Jackson State University and pose here. We really appreciate affairs manager for the Kroger Delta Division; Ashley Robinson, Thomas Hudson.” Kroger for stepping up to the JSU’s vice president and director of athletics; and Tammy Tim- The College Board named Hudson acting plate.” bers, JSU executive director of Housing and Residence Life. president Monday after the abrupt resignation Hudson also noted that Mis- PHOTO BY CHARLES A. SMITH/JSU of William B. Bynum Jr., the HBCUs 11th pres- sissippi has many food des- ident, due to a highly-publicized personal mat- erts and cited food insecurity tive. Plus, we have a number Furthermore, Dickerson said, ter. throughout Jackson. of JSU grads who work for “We, too, found that there is a Rankins reminded those in attendance that “Our students have access Kroger,” Dickerson said. lot of food insecurity on college Jackson State is a great university, much bigger to healthy foods; however, the “I heard so much from our campuses. Sometimes, students Hudson. than one individual or incident. surrounding community may associates who are alums of have to choose between buying PHOTO BY CHARLES SMITH/JSU He then stated, “When the board voted to ap- not. And, there is food insecu- Jackson State and about Jack- food or books or supplies. That point Thomas Hudson as acting president, it rity on our campus and most son State’s rich history and the should not happen, especially was not with the intent of appointing an interim people don’t even realize this. work ethic of students here. I when you have corporate part- president at a later point,” said Rankins. “It is So, this effort with Kroger re- thought it was perfect to part- ners like Kroger that want to the intent of the board that Thomas Hudson lead ally helps us out a lot,” Hudson ner your Tiger Food Pantry help feed our future.” this university until a search is completed for a said. with Kroger’s Zero Hunger The Kroger offcial ex- permanent president.” Teresa Dickerson, corporate | Zero Waste Initiative,” she plained that the relationship The commissioner explained that Hudson affairs manager for the Kroger said. with JSU developed at the was qualifed for the job, loves the university Delta Division, said Febru- “Through Zero Hunger | past Southern Heritage Clas- and is also an alum. ary is a good time to refect on Zero Waste – which is Kroger’s sic, an annual football rivalry “The most important thing that everyone JSU’s legacy. fagship community initiative between JSU and Tennessee can do is rally behind, get in the trenches with “It’s Black History Month, – we’re making it our goal to State University. Dickerson Thomas Hudson, as this university moves for- and JSU is so important to our end hunger by 2025,” Dicker- Kroger ward,” advised Rankins. “He is your leader. He country. We’re very apprecia- son said. Continued on page 10 is competent.” The commissioner said he met with Hudson and shared his expectation that the acting presi- dent leads and makes decisions as if he were the president. “I don’t need someone sitting in the seat. I need a problem solver working on the is- Rankins sues and moving this institution forward,” said Rankins. Hudson then addressed faculty and staff re- Plans regarding a search for more permanent garding Bynum’s departure. leadership have not fully developed, Rankins “This is a very tough moment for me. It’s a explained. However, discussions would likely tough moment for all of us. It’s tough because commence next week during the board’s regu- none of this was planned by any of us, but here larly scheduled meeting. He added that the we are, and we’re in this together.” board’s main focus was flling the university’s He also called for no judgment and requested sudden void in leadership. prayers for Bynum and his family. During a Q&A session, some attendees ex- Hudson then referenced his 12 years as a JSU pressed discontent with the handling of the pre- employee. His most recent position was special vious presidential search citing broken promises assistant to the president and chief diversity of- and recommendations from JSU stakeholders fcer. He then shared that his JSU affliation runs seemingly ignored. The shared opinion was a deep. need for the board to understand that this time “My mother was a divorced mom of seven, around promises and agreements would be up- and she had to bring her youngest child to held. class at JSU. She couldn’t afford daycare, and Although he was not commissioner at the time I wasn’t school age,” said Hudson. “When she of the 2017 JSU presidential search, Rankins sought to lift her family out of poverty, by con- said he heard in great detail from alumni and tinuing her education, JSU was there for her like supporters of Jackson State about the issues that it has been for all of us.” were involved. He then reiterated that he does not take his “Each time there is a search there is refection presidential duties lightly. by the board on what went right and what went “I’m not perfect, although perfection is what wrong. What I can commit to as commissioner I seek. I will make mistakes, and yes, there are is that I will advise the board not to make any tough decisions to be made, and they won’t al- mistakes that were made in the past,” said the ways be popular, but we’ll make them together.” commissioner drawing applause. However, Hudson promised that for the dura- Before taking his seat, Rankins stated that to- tion of his leadership, the faculty and staff have day is about Jackson State University and mov- his full support as “we all do the work to make ing forward. JSU the best it can be for our students.” Music professor set to lead workshop Jackson State University David Akombo, faculty fellow in the College of Liberal Arts, will give a lecture called “Musi- cal Interventions for Traumatized Children and Teens” and lead a workshop for music educators and healthcare providers in Jamaica March 10. “It is a great honor and privilege for me, and I would say, for the Department of Music and the College of Liberal Arts and Jackson State, to be included in the list of other international present- ers at this event. I am humbled and will endeavor to engage the attendees as I give them my best,” said Akombo, who also is a professor of music. The workshop will be held in conjunction with Survivors Unlimited, a Jamaican UNICEF-funded program that addresses the emotional and mental health issues of school-age children.

Akombo STATE

www.mississippilink.com FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2020 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 9 Seven Mississippi lawmakers Governor Tate Reeves announced their endorsement sets special election of Mike Bloomberg for president Mike’s record as mayor, his plans for the future for House District 88 The Mississippi Link Newswire 21 to fi ll the vacancy in House is March 2. If no candidate re- and his ability to take the fi ght to President Recently Governor Tate District 88. ceives a majority of votes cast Reeves announced that a spe- The qualifying deadline for April 21, there will be a runoff Trump make him the clear choice March 10 cial election will be held April District 88’s special election election held May 12.

The Mississippi Link Newswire “Mike’s message is resonat- ing with people more and more everyday,” state director Pam Shaw said. “The endorsement from these lawmakers is proof that what Mike is saying makes a lot of sense for Mississippi- ans. We’re thrilled that they are joining our team and do- ing their part to help nominate Mike in March.” State political director Te- resa Jones said, “These leg- islators understand the issues facing Mississippi and our communities. They’ve studied what the different candidates have said. And they’ve decided what more and more Ameri- cans are saying – Mike Bloom- berg is the best choice.” cans. Here in Mississippi, we his candidacy. He is a busi- The lawmakers endorsing have an estimated 300,000 nessman who understands the Mike are: hard-working citizens who pulse of the global economy, Rep. Bo Brown of Jackson cannot afford health insurance. varied health care issues and Rep. Oscar Denton of Vicks- Part of Mike’s health care plan complex environmental issues. burg will prioritize reforms in states Mississippians want to partici- Rep. John Faulkner of Holly like Mississippi, where Repub- pate in a progressive campaign Springs licans have refused to expand that really has the infl uence to Rep. John Hines of Green- Medicaid. We need someone improve the South. I think he ville like Mike who will help the is the candidate who has the Rep. Abe Hudson of Shelby most underserved.” outside-the-box thinking to en- Rep. Hester Jackson-McCray Hines: “While Mike and I gage Mississippians.” of Horn Lake may not see eye to eye on ev- Jackson-McCray: “A lot of Rep. Cheikh Taylor of erything, moving the needle people are struggling to make Starkville. on economic development ends meet, and I ran for the Why they are supporting and generational wealth will Legislature to fi ght for them. Mike? help our communities move Mike has been fi ghting for Brown: “Mike was right for forward overall. Mike is a these same people for years, as New York City and Mike will self-made billionaire, but he a mayor and as a philanthro- be right for America. As may- knows that his success would pist. He has given millions of or, he created over 400,000 have been a lot harder – prob- dollars to improve underserved jobs, expanded access to health ably impossible – if he were communities and his policies care and worked to reform the an African American. That’s as mayor refl ected that same criminal justice system. He why he has an aggressive plan passion. As president, he will has plans that will do the same called the Greenwood Initia- continue to make sure every- things for all of us.” tive to break down systematic one has the opportunity for Denton: “One of the tough- roadblocks through increasing good jobs, affordable health est issues facing Mississip- black homeownership, black- care, safe communities and pians is the high incarcera- owned businesses and federal fair treatment from our gov- tion rates among young, black investments in the 100 most ernment.” men. As mayor, Mike worked disadvantaged neighborhoods Taylor: “We need a nominee with law enforcement and the in our country. He has proven who can really take the fi ght to courts to lower incarceration his abilities to provide eco- President Donald Trump. Mike rates by nearly 40% overall nomic improvements to dis- Bloomberg not only can do it, and 63% among youths. As tressed communities and he he already is doing it. He has president, Mike will bring will leverage federal resources spent hundreds of millions of proven sentencing, prison, bail to turn depressed areas into his own money holding Trump and juvenile justice reforms to thriving communities.” accountable for his awful re- Mississippi and the rest of the Hudson: “From the start, cord. Mike isn’t afraid. He’s a country.” Mike Bloomberg has had my fi ghter. He can win in Novem- Faulkner: “Health care in attention. Now, after making a ber and beating Donald Trump this country is expensive and real commitment to be in Mis- is the most important thing in hard to get for many Ameri- sissippi, I am fully supporting this election.”

Ronnie Agnew, executive director of Mississippi Public Broadcasting, accepted Senate Concurrent Resolution 520 from Senate President Pro Tempore Dean Kirby, February 13. MPB’s 50th anniversary was celebrated February 1, 2020.

Standing with Agnew are (left), Henry Williams, Human Resources director for MPB and (right), Jason Klein, director of Radio. MPB is responsible for the administration, operation, control and supervision of educational television and radio in Mississippi. NATIONAL

10 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2020 www.mississippilink.com White House Budget Proposal cuts $8.6 billion from HUD

By Charlene Crowell needs. of children.” NNPA News Wire Columnist Other HUD programs proposed Nikitra Bailey, an EVP with the Once again, the White House to end include: Choice Neighbor- Center for Responsible Lending Budget Proposal slashes funding hoods Initiatives, Veterans Affairs also spoke out about HUD’s trou- and programs that many low-and- Supportive Housing Vouchers, bling actions against fair housing. moderate income consumers rely Self-Help Homeownership Op- “The 2015 AFFH rule was upon. portunity and Housing Oppor- designed to address the impact From higher education to a tunities for Persons with AIDS of residential segregation and repeated attack to deny the Con- (HOPWA). the harmful inequities that result sumer Financial Protection Bu- Although HUD would not shut- from the discrimination behind reau its full funding and fi nancial ter its Fair Housing and Equal it. Discrimination in housing is independence from the annual Opportunity efforts, its capacity not a thing of the past, it is ongo- congressional appropriations pro- to pursue equal housing would be ing and real,” noted Bailey. “[L] cess, efforts to increase support to cut 7% in FY2020. Tenant-based ow-income communities and businesses continue while retreats Rental Assistance would also communities of color now more from programs that citizens have have 21% fewer renewed con- than ever need the government to come to rely upon is the crux of tracts. provide them with critical tools to the proposal’s fi scal priorities. Even before the February 10 combat discrimination in hous- And among federal agencies, budget proposal’s release, Lisa ing and the insidious harms that one of the most severe budget Rice, president and CEO of the result. Instead we’ve seen HUD, cuts would occur at the Depart- National Fair Housing Alliance under the current Administration, ment of Housing and Urban De- sounded an alarm on the heels of do the opposite.” velopment (HUD). A proposed HUD’s announcement to abandon Hannah Matthews, deputy ex- 15% reduction from current fund- its rule promulgated during the ecutive director for Policy with the ing levels will mean $8.6 billion ent perspective. Capital Improvement Fund that 1,200 metropolitan city, county Obama Administration, Affi rma- Center for Law and Social Policy would either eliminate or severely “With this proposal, President provides revenues for major re- and state governments. An addi- tively Furthering Fair Housing (CLASP), a national, nonpartisan, cut programs serving many of the Trump and Secretary Carson pairs, would end, while the Public tional 214 counties receive direct (AFFH). nonprofi t organization advancing nation’s most vulnerable citizens make clear their willingness to Housing Operating Fund would CDBG grants. “Access to fair housing de- policy solutions for low-income and communities. increase evictions and homeless- be slashed 21%. Together, these Begun in 1974, CDBG has termines where we live, which people pointedly summarized the “This Budget advances our ness – through rent hikes for some two cuts would worsen hous- earned longstanding biparti- in turn determines the quality of budget proposal. key priorities, including empow- of the lowest income people in ing conditions for the estimated san praise for its ability to lure education and health services our “The roadmap laid out in the ering HUD-assisted families to subsidized housing, and slash- 1.2 million households living in much-needed private investment. children have access to, among administration’s budget proposal achieve self-suffi ciency,” HUD ing or eliminating funding for public housing units, managed According to the National Asso- other resources. That’s why is not a viable path forward, said Secretary Ben Carson said. “For programs that keep the poorest by some 3,300 local Housing Au- ciation of Counties, every CDBG HUD’s proposed AFFH rule is so Matthews. “Instead, we need generations, the idea of the feder- people in our country affordably thorities across the country. dollar leverages $4.09 in non-CD- troubling,” said Rice. “By seek- a federal budget that invests in al government providing housing and safely housed,” said Diane The biggest portion of the HUD BG revenues. Further, it is one of ing to dismantle the 2015 require- America’s future. We need invest- assistance meant only one thing – Yentel, president and CEO of the cuts would end the $3.3 billion the few federal programs that en- ments put in place specifi cally to ments that reduce poverty, pro- helping to pay the rent so families National Low Income Housing Community Development Block able local communities to design address discrimination and segre- mote economic opportunity and can have a roof over their heads.” Coalition. Grant (CDBG) program that community development services gation, HUD’s plan could nega- reduce racial and ethnic dispari- Housing experts have a differ- For example, Public Housing’s uses a formula to support over that respond to local priorities and tively impact the lives of millions ties.” General Motors CEO, Mary Barra speaks with fi nesse, unique style and honesty to the National Association of Automobile Dealers

By Steven N. Larkin ready to head to the airport and bust a nessed fi rsthand what it means to have tors Institute with a Bachelor of Science pride with an extra focus on electric cars Special to the NNPA move to get out of town. However over pride in your work. The experience to degree in Electrical Engineering. She and the future of the automotive indus- The fi nale at the annual National Au- 300 attendants made sure that they were be around workers, who are taking care went to Stanford to earn a Masters De- try. tomobile Dealers Association (NADA) on hand to get some wisdom from the of spouses and children showed Barra gree in business administration. Barra also emphasized the benefi ts show recently held in Las Vegas, NV young lady, who runs one of the larg- in indelible ways how important it is Barra said that family and good of diversity and that GM is constantly was a face to face sit down chat with est automotive companies in the world, to take pride in the production of your friends are essential in keeping her looking for more ways to be more in- 2019 NADA Chairman Charlie Gilcrest Mary Barra. work. happy, while maintaining a heavy work- clusive in employment and proving op- and Mary Barra, General Motors chief Barra’s is not new to the car business, Without a doubt her success can be load. Being around family and good portunities for new dealerships. executive offi cer. Gilcrest’s demeanor, and the entire audience was on the edge attributed to her upbringing. She shared friends also provides her an opportunity Barra told the auditorium, “the bot- which can be business aggressive was of their seats to learn from a woman who the importance of the values her parents to relax and think. tom line will result in higher profi t mar- rather uplifting and down home in his is unlike anyone in the automotive biz. instilled in her. Her father, Ray, worked The room full of automotive deal- gins and a better work atmosphere.” candid discussion with Mary Barra. Barra came across as smart and hon- for at GM for 39 years. He worked for ers continued to listen to her exchange She thanked the dealers for everything Gilcrest is a legend himself in the au- est. She talked so matter-of-factly that the Pontiac division in Detroit. Despite with Gilcrest as she talked about the that they do to help customers, their em- tomotive business located in Southwest- everyone in attendance became com- not going to college, he was a natural challenges that dealers are facing in this ployees and the American economy. ern, TX which is family owned and has fortable when she talked about life and engineer and just as smart as his super- ever-changing world. She shared that Little things with a touch of honesty a stellar reputation of doing more than the challenges of being the fi rst female visor, was not only well respected but because of the extra little things that still mean a lot as GM continues to lead just selling cars. He is known for build- CEO of a leading automotive company. inspired Mary to be the best person she dealers do, she receives and reads a lot the industry. ing relationships with his customers for Barra started off talking about her en- could dream to be. While her mother be- of mail from customers complimenting The NADA represents about 16,500 over 35 years. try into the automobile business at the lieved in the importance of getting Mary the extra touch that makes a “customer new-car and -truck dealerships, with Usually on the last day of your aver- age of 18 as an intern for GM working and her brother a college education. for life.” both domestic and international fran- age convention most participants are on the assembly line, where she wit- She graduated from the General Mo- She described how GM is taking great chises.

Kroger Continued from page 8 said the refueling station is for ergy; on the run by going back and relationship-building began instantly. bodies. This helps when they’re work- company, especially being the only JSU’s athletes, with $5,000 going to forth to class; then to practice while Robinson said, “We thank Kroger ing out as well. Refueling stations are Kroger store in Jackson and its close the athletic refueling station and the also trying to study. If they’re not eat- for investing in us. Whenever I talk very big in the athletic world. JSU has proximity to Jackson State Univer- remaining $10,000 to the JSU Tiger ing properly, specifi cally nutritious to anyone about sponsorships I in- three stations now for our student- sity. We want to focus on fresh foods Food Pantry. meals, then it would be detrimental to clude the whole university, not just athletes.” – produce and meats,” Demming said. “Being a former student-athlete, I their health.” athletics. So, this is a big deal for the Jonathan Demming is the I-55 Meanwhile, Dickerson said the gift understand the need for additional re- Dickerson met JSU’s Vice President refueling station and the Tiger Food North Kroger store leader and a 1999 cards are “very convenient.” She said, sources,” Dickerson said. “They need and Director of Athletics Ashley Rob- Pantry.” JSU graduate. He, too, is excited “Food can be purchased seamlessly food that you probably wouldn’t think inson through Fred Jones, the founder Robinson said, “In between those about the JSU partnership. just by handing over the gift cards to of. They are consistently burning en- of the Southern Heritage Classic. The times student-athletes can refuel their “This is a huge opportunity for our the store leader.” www.mississippilink.com FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2020 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 11

PRESERVED Christian Living First Class PART 2

By Pastor Simeon R. Green III tion Philippi, Paul would just power has to do with Him. him. He had communicated Special to The Mississippi Link Blessing thank God for the believers at Actually, it is a personal re- to them the gospel. They had Philippi; but how wonderful lationship with Christ that shared with Paul in a sympa- We read in By Shewanda Riley working on it and that she’d have Philippians 1:3: it would be to have a church brings joy to a believer’s life. thetic cooperation. They had Columnist “I thank my like the Philippian church. Real joy depends upon the sent a gift to him and had a seat for me. I believed her...sort God upon every Always in every prayer inward condition of the in- ministered to his physical “Unable to se- of. So she wouldn’t forget me, I remembrance Paul remembered the Phi- dividual. It depends on the needs again and again. Then lect seat.” A few placed myself and my luggage of you, Always lippian believers. He did proper attitude toward life. when they were together, years ago, I was right by the gate counter. I didn’t in every prayer this “Always,” not just some If you are complaining and they had sweet communion. trying to be or- say anything to the gate agent but of mine for you all making times. Jesus Christ’s name whining about your lot in It makes us partners with ganized and print watched silently as groups 1, 2, 3, request with joy, For your fel- appears over forty times in life, certainly you will not be Christ. out my boarding 4 and 5 boarded the plane. lowship in the gospel from this epistle. He is the center experiencing joy. You may be Spiritual communica- pass the night In fact, within a few minutes, the fi rst day until now.” Paul of this epistle. He is the One able to go to a church banquet tion is sharing the things of before a fl ight I was the only person left in the begins the body of his letter who is the very source of and have a little fun, but that Christ. This would be sharing back to DFW and got this error waiting area. I hadn’t moved from in this very lovely manner, joy. Therefore, the emphasis will not be joy. When you and the great truths concerning message on the airline website. I my spot by the counter but was which reveals the sweet rela- should be put upon Him rath- I get to the place where we Christ. stared at the computer screen for now confused. When I leaned in tionship between him and the er than upon the joy. fi nd ourselves in the center of Rev. Simeon R. Green III is a few seconds hoping that star- to ask her about my seat, the gate Philippian believers. As we see and learn, the the Will of God and know we pastor of Joynes Road Church ing long enough would somehow agent smiled, said “Thanks for That is the way it ought philosophy of Christian liv- are in His Will regardless of of God, 31 Joynes Road, make it change. I tried checking waiting” and handed me my new to be today among believ- ing has to do with Him; the our circumstances, then there Hampton VA 23669. He is a in again a few other times but I boarding pass. I thought since I ers, especially between pas- pattern has to do with Him. will be joy in our lives. member of the National Asso- kept getting the same message. was the last person on the plane, tor and congregation. Every The price of Christian living Paul wrote that this church ciation of Evangelism Church Slightly annoyed, I fi nally went I’d be in the back of the plane but time anybody would men- has to do with Him and the was having fellowship with of God, Anderson, Ind. to bed. When I got to the air- to my surprise, my seat was in port and went to the airline ticket fi r s t c l a s s . counter, they told me that my It took me just a few seconds seat assignment would be made to get over the shock, grab my at the gate. suitcase and board the plane. All Moving the Masses Toward the Mission of the Master After about 30 minutes of I could think of was two things: browsing through a few shops This seat assignment was a re- in the concourse area, I returned ward for my patiently waiting to the gate area and noticed that and that there is still much truth now there were about 10 people in Matthew 19:30: “But many lined up waiting to talk to the who are fi rst will be last, and gate agent. Hoping to fi nally get many who are last will be fi rst.” a seat assignment, I joined the I was last on the plane but I got line. One by one, the polite but into fi rst class. obviously overwhelmed gate My waiting was a lesson on agent told each of us that we’d the rewards of patiently waiting 1750 have to wait for another half hour on God: We may think he has SUNDAY before she could help us. forgotten us but he’s actually just Worship Services www.nhcms.org Looking at my watch, I real- preparing us for the upgrade to a ized that would put us close to the fi rst-class blessing. 10:00 a.m. fl ight departure time. I started to Shewanda Riley is a Fort Sunday School 8:45 a.m. get nervous. After about 25 min- Worth, Texas based author of MONDAY utes, fi rst class passengers start- “Love Hangover: Moving from Intercessory Prayer 9:00 a.m. ed boarding the plane. I immedi- Pain to Purpose After a Rela- WEDNESDAY ately jumped up and went back to tionship Ends” and “Writing to the gate counter. I asked as po- the Beat of God’s Heart: A Book Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. litely as I could whether the gate of Prayers for Writers.” Email Classes: Children • Youth • Adult - 7:00p.m. agent had a seat assignment for preservedbypurpose@gmail. Michael T. Williams me yet. Without looking up, she com or follow her on Twitter @ Pastor reassured me that she was still shewanda.

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 FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2020 www.mississippilink.com Fear paralyzes Trump’s 2021 budget

By E. Faye Williams Trice Edney Newswire With all the fearmon- refl ects his values gering, the unjust fi rings, By Julianne Malveaux transfers, the name-call- He favors cuts in domestic spending, AID and State budgets is reduced, other programs/ That $70 billion could NNPA News Wire Columnist ing, the profanity-laced increases in military spending, a wall including humanitarian aid, contribu- also restore the $1.9 billion cut from rantings, the lying, the If you tell me how (which he has directed the Pentagon to tions to international organizations, the Agriculture Department. mean spirited actions, you spend your money, fund), and indifference to the environ- and cultural exchanges; only Ivanka I’m fantasizing, of course. Few in the early negative pre- I can tell you what your ment. Trump’s Women’s Global Develop- our warmongering nation would have dictions about the Democratic Party values are. You say you The budget shows contempt for ment fund seems to have been protect- the nerve to cut the defense budget. and its candidates – one could just give are a Christian but nei- the planet and its survival. Forty-fi ve ed, with its allocation doubling. Predatory capitalism and the war- up and ask, “What’s the use of trying ther tithe nor have a would cut the Environmental Protec- The Department of Veteran’s Af- industrial complex will keep our “de- to make a difference about anything?” church home. You say tion Agency’s budget by more than a fairs is the only Cabinet agency that fense” department in business, with Well, I’m not on that list of the fear- support civil rights but have no con- quarter, through the EPA budget, and will experience a double-digit budget companies that manufacture nuclear ful, nor are many of my friends and nection to a civil rights organization. even more with environmental initia- increase of 12 percent. After a series warheads, missiles, and more, raking associates. All is not lost because Joe You love your alma mater but never tives that are embedded in other bud- of scandals involving the delivery of in record profi ts. Biden may not be the Democratic nom- contribute to the place. gets. For example, with our crumbling health service to the nation’s veter- This budget illustrates what this ad- inee for president. All black people Put your money where your mouth infrastructure, the Forty-fi ve budget ans, few would dispute the need for ministration is all about. It is hostile aren’t suddenly jumping over Joe to is. Budgets are refl ections of values. cuts the Transportation Department a stronger agency; but wonders if the to poor folks, to culture, to education get to Michael Bloomberg. Those of Thus, I was unsurprised with the by 13 percent, cutting highway infra- $12 billion increase in this agency’s and to farmers. It is unwilling to spend us who’ve seen black people rise to the budget our forty-fi fth president (also structure programs and transit grants. budget will improve effi ciency, or if it money on international relations. It occasion at the voting booth so many known as “Forty-fi ve”) proposed to The Department of Interior is pro- is merely pandering to veterans, a core is willing to continue to reward the times haven’t conceded the November Congress February 10. His budget cuts posed to shoulder a 13 percent cut, re- part of the president’s base. wealthy for just being wealthy. It re- 2020 election to Donald Trump. domestic programs, maintains defense ducing land acquisition, conservation NASA is another agency that gets a fl e c t s f o r t y - fi v e ’ s v a l u e s . We continue to hear on the news how spending and targets poor people. It and assistance for Native American double-digit budget increase, partly to But there’s good news. Congress important the black vote is. If that’s the cuts education, housing and environ- tribes. fund space exploration. The Defense has failed to pass forty-fi ve’s budget in case, it’s up to us whether we choose mental protection. It would eliminate This administration’s hostility to- Department budget remains relatively the past, and they probably won’t pass to be the victors for winning where we our art and cultural agencies, includ- ward environmental protection is evi- fl at, with an increase at just one-tenth it this time either. With a Democratic have such power or whether we choose ing the National Institute for the Arts, denced by the fact that Mandy Gunas- of one percent. The budget is gener- majority in the House, human needs to be blamed when candidates not in the National Institutes for Humanities ekara, who spearheaded the rollback ous enough, however, to purchase new will likely have a higher priority. It our best interest win. and the Corporation for Public Broad- on President Obama’s Clean Power nuclear warheads and new missiles. It won’t cut State and USAID budgets. If we choose to win, why should we casting. Plan, is returning to the EPA as chief also will fund an arms race with China It’s a good thing Congress has more of be fearful? Those of us who believe Forty-fi ve’s hostility to poor people of staff this spring. She has advocat- and Russia. What if just a tenth of the a conscience than the president does. what we’ve been taught that “God has is refl ected in reductions in Medicaid, ed scaling back rules on greenhouse “defense” (I consider it an offense) But this budget is a wake-up call for not given us a spirit of fear,” 2nd Timo- food stamps and the CHIP program, emissions and is credited with urging budget were devoted to human needs? those who want health care and also thy tells us that what the Apostle Paul which provides health care for poor the president to leave the Paris accord. That would be $70 billion to, per- a second Trump term. The two are in- was saying to his young friend is that children. And while he is starving Until 2017, the world has looked haps, restore the $9.5 billion Health compatible. his fear was standing in his way of suc- poor people, he insists on preserving toward the United States for global and Human Services cut, restore the Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an cess. All of us have struggles but we the 2017 tax cuts that mostly benefi t- leadership, but this most recent bud- $5.6 billion Department of Education economist, author, media contribu- shouldn’t allow them to control us to ted the wealthy. get would reduce our involvement in cuts, to restore the $1.3 billion cut to tor and educator. Her latest project the point that we lose faith in our abil- I’m not surprised that “forty-fi ve” world affairs. The State Department the Labor Department (“savings” will MALVEAUX! On UDCTV is available ity to succeed. My friend, Dick Grego- maintains his hostility to the poor. and USAID would be cut by $12 bil- be realized by cutting unemployment on youtube.com. For booking, whole- ry, always said that fear and God do not We’ve seen this in the previous bud- lion, more than a fi fth less than last insurance and payment to the Pension sale inquiries or for more info visit occupy the same space, and we should gets that he’s presented to Congress. year. Virtually everything in the US- Benefi t Guaranty Corporation, among www.juliannemalveaux.com not allow fear to block our good. If we put it out there, we’re sabotaging what we claim to want. Let’s not become paralyzed and do nothing because somebody thinks we’re going to stay home or we don’t Rev. William Barber’s Poor People’s believe we can help to get a new occu- pant in the White House. Let’s go for- ward courageously doing all the things Assembly and Moral March in June will we can to win an election that brings about justice. God is faithful. Let’s look at the full promise that says, “God has not given be “generationally transformative” us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Instead of fearing the worst, let’s By Marc H. Morial bishop with the College of Affi rming Trice Edney Newswire be like the Apostle Paul by mentoring Bishops and Faith Leaders; visiting the doubters and the fearful. Instead of “There’s no way we professor at Union Theological Sem- criticizing them, let’s help them believe can inspire people to inary; and pastor of Greenleaf Chris- we have the power to make a difference move with the normal tian Church, Disciples of Christ in in the coming election. Never allow our politics that doesn’t Goldsboro, North Carolina. friends or families to concede the elec- fully address poverty. He came to national attention in tion to those who mean us no good. When you can work a 2015 when, as president of the North Even if we’re not in need of a hand full-time job at mini- Carolina NAACP, he organized up, think about children at the border mum wage and still not be able to weekly protests at the State Legis- who’ve been kept in cages, children afford a two-bedroom apartment lative Building that were known as who don’t have nutritious meals, those anywhere in this country, that’s poor. “Moral Mondays.” who don’t have access to a safe home And if we can’t see that and if we “Some ask the question, why don’t or a useable education. Think about don’t acknowledge that poverty then they be quiet?” Barber wrote of the the damage already done to a system we are refusing to call upon these Moral Mondays protests. “Well, I some of our ancestors died to make bet- witnesses among us.” – Rev. Dr. Wil- Rev. Barber speaking at Moral March on Washington rally must remind you, that it has been ter. Think of the embarrassment about liam Barber II, co-chair, The Poor our collective silence that has qui- our so-called leaders we face as we People’s Campaign. and Moral March on Washington, He suggested that the nation is in a etly opened the city gates to these travel around the world. Think about In the richest country in the world, a “generationally transformative” third reconstruction. undemocratic violators of our rights. the threats faced by Americans who 140 million people struggle with gathering to demand that both major “The fi rst reconstruction was from If we must pray forgiveness for any- put their jobs and their lives on the line poverty and low wealth. political parties address the “inter- 1868-1880. The second reconstruc- thing today, it will be the silence with to testify before the House Impeach- Over the last 50 years, the U.S. locking injustices of systemic rac- tion was from 1954-1968, when which we have allowed this to hap- ment Committee. Think about those economy has grown 18-fold. Yet ism, poverty, ecological devastation, black and brown and white people pen in the dark. Thoreau said in his who were too afraid to testify or to vote wealth inequality has exploded. The militarism and the distorted moral came together – particularly in the famous essay, ‘Civil Disobedience,’ against what is evil and un-American. top 1 percent’s share of the economy narrative of religious nationalism.” South,” he said. “And when we that if he had to repent of anything, So many of those who remained si- has nearly doubled, to more than 20 At the National Urban League’s broke through the Southern Strategy it would be his good behavior. What lent and try to make us believe they’re percent of our national income. 2017 Conference in St. Louis, Rev. and elected President Obama, that possessed me, he asked himself, that pro-constitution are really traitors be- In 2017, the 400 wealthiest Ameri- Barber delivered a powerful and in- represented the possibility of a third I behaved so well in the face of such cause they resisted every effort to be cans owned more wealth than more spirational message of justice, draw- reconstruction. What we see happen- evil? guided by the constitution in making than two-thirds of the entire U.S. ing parallels between Nebuchadne- ing is a Nebuchadnezzar spirit that is “As people of faith, we understand their decisions about impeachment population, and three individuals zzar, king of Babylon, and modern trying to block the transformation of that we have been called to be the and conviction of the scoundrel in the possessed a combined wealth equal political fi gures. America. Nebuchadnezzar might be voice of the voiceless and the shep- White House. to the wealth of 50 percent of the “They were former slaves, and dead, but the spirit – that narcissistic herd of God’s beloved community. As was said in the movie “Black country. he was oppressing them in this his- stuff still lives.” What we do here today is only what Panther” we have a duty to protect The Poor People’s Campaign, led torical moment because they were That “Nebuchadnezzar spirit,” he any responsible shepherd does to those we love, so let us never fear be- by the Rev. Dr. William Barber II, is growing in power and infl uence and said, is evident in the massive voter alert God’s fl ock to the presence of ing courageous no matter what the con- a national call for a moral revival. It he saw this as the last chance to stop suppression effort that has swept the the predators of democracy.” sequences are. is a continuation of the work of Dr. a growing diversity,” Barber said of nation since the gutting of the Voting The Urban League Movement is Dr. E. Faye Williams is president of Martin Luther King Jr., who was the Hebrew people. “He wanted to Rights Act in 2013. proud to support the Poor People’s the National Congress of Black Wom- just beginning to build the campaign control their infl uence. He wanted In addition to the Poor People’s Campaign and count ourselves as al- en, Inc. She’s also host of “Wake Up when he was assassinated in 1968. to control their wealth. He wanted to Campaign, Rev. Barber is president lies of Rev. Barber. We look forward and Stay Woke” on WPFW-FM 89.3. On June 20, the campaign will lead control their faith. He even wanted to of the faith-based social justice or- to the Assembly and March in June. the Mass Poor People’s Assembly control their health.” ganization Repairers of the Breach;

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 FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2020 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 13 ‘No quit in him’ After ATV accident causes brain injury, Meridian pitcher pushes hard to get back on mound

By Susan Christensen Health and Research News Service His baseball was made of rubber rather than leather. And his every throw and catch was being monitored by therapists at Methodist Reha- bilitation Center. Yet 16-year-old Jake Wil- liams of Meridian was happily in his element as he tried out his fast ball, curve ball and slider in the Jackson hospital’s fi fth fl oor therapy gym. After he suffered a traumatic brain injury Dec. 8, the Clark- dale High School standout feared he’d never return to the game he’d loved since he was a To increase Jake Williams’ upper extremity range of motion and coordination, 4-year-old T-baller. muscular endurance and motor planning, Methodist Rehabilitation Center oc- “The fi rst day we didn’t know cupational therapist Chuck Crenshaw had him do sessions on the hospital’s Methodist Rehabilitation Center physical thera- whether he’d live or die,” said Tossing a baseball while he walks down a hall- Dynavision unit. Working with the fl ashing light board also helped him improve pist Kollin Cannon, at right, said Jake Williams his dad, Jay Williams. “We way, Jake Williams works on a variety of thera- a variety of ocular-motor skills that can be damaged by a brain injury, such as needed to work on his high-level balance. So he knew his jaw was destroyed and py goals with Methodist Rehabilitation Center peripheral visual awareness, visual attention and anticipation, eye-hand coordi- had him practice his wind-up. “They went straight he had blood on his brain. physical therapist Kollin Cannon, at left. nation and visual-motor reaction time. to what he loves,” said his dad, Jay Williams. “For the longest time, he was not moving his left side at nurse practitioner Pam Jeffries, can get air.” 5 to a 10 in a matter of days.” every day and even asked for about him,” said Clarkdale ath- all. But we are people of faith, who has also seen many young An ambulance took Jake to As an athlete, Jake had been more therapy,” Cannon said. letic director and head baseball and we kept believing in Jake’s lives derailed after ATV-relat- Anderson Medical Center in in great shape before his acci- “It’s very easy when we have coach Scott Gibson. “Seeing complete restoration and heal- ed brain trauma. “I think they Meridian. He was then airlifted dent. And that conditioning and motivated patients like him.” him come a long way has helped ing.” should all wear helmets.” to the University of Mississippi his youth aided his recovery, Jake also underwent sessions us more than we realized.” “God was defi nitely there Jake’s parents did, as well, Medical Center in Jackson. Dr. Kim said. on the hospital’s Dynavision Gibson said Jake was one of during the accident because and had bought him a hel- To help his brain heal, Jake It also helped that his therapy unit, a fl ashing light board used the “top district arms” before Jake could have been killed or met with a face guard. But he was put in a coma and the pres- team was attuned to his desire to fi ne-tune reaction times. his accident, as well as “an even paralyzed,” said his mom, Misti didn’t have it with him when he sure inside his skull was closely to get back to pitching and play- Sessions on the unit can help better person and student.” Williams. climbed on an unfamiliar ATV monitored. After his condition ing third base for the Clarkdale increase upper extremity active And it has not escaped Jake’s Adolescent males have at a friend’s house. became less critical, he under- Bulldogs. range of motion and coordina- attention how much he almost among the highest rates of trau- No one saw his accident, so went jaw surgery Dec. 18. Methodist Rehab physical tion, muscular and physical lost by putting himself at risk matic brain injury. And like Jake can only guess what hap- Jake emerged looking much therapist Kollin Cannon had endurance and improve motor for a brain injury. Jake, many arrive at Methodist pened. “So much is a blur, and I like his old self. But his parents played left fi eld for Pearl River planning. “If you ride a four-wheeler, Rehab as the result of an ATV don’t remember,” he said. say the surgery seemed to set Community College, while oc- It also can improve a variety you defi nitely need to wear a accident. But he believes that one of him back neurologically. cupational Chuck Crenshaw of ocular-motor skills, such as helmet,” Jake said. “It isn’t “We get so many admissions, the ATV’s wheels dropped off “He had seizure-type activity was still involved in the sport peripheral visual awareness, worth having your family and from brain to orthopedic in- the pavement as he rode on the and his hands were posturing, because his son plays baseball. visual attention and anticipa- people you love suffer because juries,” said Dr. Hyung Kim, streets of his friend’s neighbor- and it seemed like he had been Together, they put Jake to tion, eye-hand coordination and you chose to make a stupid mis- Jake’s physician at Method- hood. It then fl ipped down an knocked back to the begin- work like two coaches pursu- visual-motor reaction time – all take.” ist Rehab. “I would never let a embankment and hit a tree. ning,” said his dad. ing a championship pennant. important abilities for an ath- Today, Jake said he feels “re- child ride an ATV because I see “My dad thinks my chin hit “And he didn’t talk after the “They went straight to what he lete. ally close to back to normal.” too many catastrophic injuries.” the four-wheeler, and it knocked jaw surgery,” said his mom. loves,” said his dad. “This place To advance his fi ne-motor And he credits a good portion In Mississippi, ATVs are al- my jaw out of place,” Jake said. “We didn’t know if his mouth is amazing.” skills, Jake worked on another of his comeback to his time at most a rite of passage as part of “There was also a big gash on was swollen and hurt or if some- “Jake was doing pretty good of his passions – playing the Methodist Rehab. the state’s hunting culture. And his head behind his ear on the thing happened in surgery.” the fi rst day he came to therapy, guitar. Crenshaw said doing “They encouraged me to push their popularity is refl ected in right side,” said his dad. Doc- By New Year’s Day, their but his high level balance need- fret-work was a good way for my body, and I like it that way,” the ATV statistics collected by tors also found a fracture in his worries had abated after Jake ed to be challenged,” Cannon Jake to improve mobility in his he said. the U.S. Consumer Product and neck. woke up and was able to cor- said. left hand. It remains to be seen how Safety Commission. Based on A family friend who was rectly identify the year. So instead of merely tossing a “It was a blast watching him soon Jake will reclaim his spot ATV deaths from 1982-2014, passing by freed Jake from the Eight days later, Jake ar- ball, Jake pitched while perched get better,” Crenshaw said. on the Clarkdale lineup. But no Mississippi ranked 14th in the four-wheeler and called 911 rived at Methodist Rehab. He atop a fl oor-level balance beam. His recovery also meant a lot one doubts his determination to nation with a total of 393 fatali- and his parents. They arrived to was weak and had lost about 40 “He had lost a lot of muscle to his teammates back in Merid- succeed. ties. From 2015 to 2017, there fi nd their son unconscious and pounds. Still, he immediately mass, so doing some exercises ian, who bought “Stay Strong “There’s no quit in him,” were an additional 35 deaths breathing in blood. made progress. was pretty strenuous for him,” Jake” bracelets and even gave Gibson said. “He has a goal and the reporting window is “He’s thrashing, and I’m try- “Studies have shown acute Crenshaw said. up their usual Dirty Santa gifts set to get back on the fi eld and still open. ing to hold his head,” his dad inpatient rehab helps to speed Still, Jake never tried to avoid in favor of helping fund his Lord willing, he will.” “People don’t realize the said. “And Misti is trying to get recovery in most cases,” Jef- the work. medical care. danger,” said Methodist Rehab his tongue out of the way so he fries said. “And he went from a “He was ready for therapy “That tells you how they feel AARP report: Heart health can lead to brain health

The Mississippi Link Newswire in Communities Neurocogni- lessen your risk for dementia, decline and dementia are more A consensus paper from the tive Study, or ARIC NCS, which and the earlier in life you start, prevalent in our region and in AARP and the Global Council has studied cardiovascular dis- the larger the risk reduction will African Americans,” Mosley on Brain Health echoes what ease and brain aging in 16,000 be.” said. University of Mississippi Medi- people, including approximately The report also highlights “The Brain-Heart Connec- cal Center experts have said 4,000 African Americans from where experts still don’t know tion” has received the seal of for years: “What’s good for the Jackson metropolitan area. enough. Mosley said we are still approval from multiple health- your heart is also good for your For example, Mosley said, unsure of the causal mechanisms related associations. brain.” The MIND Center has “found that link brain and heart health. “The American Heart Asso- A Medical Center expert on that even in the absence of “What is it about damage, ciation endorses this report and brain aging and dementia helped brain changes related to clinical often subtle, to blood vessels commends AARP for focusing prepare “The Brain-Heart Con- stroke, controlling high blood that damages the brain, beyond on the heart-brain connection. nection.” Dr. Tom Mosley, Rob- pressure and diabetes may de- the known effects of a stroke?” Despite growing science about bie and Dudley Hughes Distin- crease the risk of dementia later Mosley asked. One possibility this relationship, most people guished Chair and director of in life.” is that blood vessel damage pro- are not aware of it,” said Dr. The MIND Center, was one of This fi nding extends to people duces chronic infl ammation and Mitchell Elkind, president-elect the 11 experts selected world- with “high normal” measure- immune responses that promote of the American Heart Associa- wide to review research and pre- ments, such as pre-hypertension brain aging and cognitive de- tion. pare guidance for people over that certain risk factors, if con- types of dementia, most notably and pre-diabetes, during middle cline, but more work is needed Mosley said it is an important 50 and health care providers. trolled, may lessen the risk of Alzheimer’s disease,” Mosley age. to understand the underlying publication because there is “a Published Feb. 10, the report cognitive decline and dementia said. In the absence of stroke, mechanisms. lot of false and misleading in- summarizes the importance of in older adults.” Mosley said it was an honor to Mosley considers hypertension, The MIND Center’s ongoing formation” on the Internet about managing blood pressure, blood These risk factors include high be included on the report’s ex- diabetes and smoking to be the research includes a collabora- unproven remedies and preven- sugar, weight and other cardio- blood pressure, high cholesterol, pert panel, saying it underscores most infl uential dementia risk tion with Johns Hopkins Uni- tion strategies for dementia. vascular risk factors in prevent- diabetes, smoking, sedentary the research achievements made factors outlined in the report, versity studying cardiovascular This report gives people evi- ing dementia. lifestyle, obesity, high salt in- by The MIND Center. based on their prevalence and risk factors and amyloid plaques dence-based recommendations “Dementia is a major cause of take, poor sleep quality and ir- The MIND, or Memory Im- their outsized effect on brain and in the brain, a marker for Al- on how to preserve brain health disability in older adults, affect- regular heartbeat. Each can raise pairment and Neurodegenera- heart health. zheimer’s disease. They are also as they age. ing more than 50 million people the risk of heart disease, stroke tive Dementia, Center at UMMC “However, if an individual has part of the UMMC MIND Cen- “People are understandably globally. It is an enormous pub- and different forms of dementia. leads research on and provides atrial fi brillation or a history of ter-Mayo Clinic Study of Aging, very worried about dementia,” lic health problem,” said Mos- “We know that cardiovascular clinical care for patients with excessive alcohol use or anoth- studying geographic and racial Mosley said. “The AARP and ley, who studies Alzheimer’s risk factors can lead to stroke Alzheimer’s disease and other er risk factor, that could be the differences in risk and burden of the Global Council on Brain disease and other forms of cog- and vascular dementia, but forms of dementia. Studies at most infl uential risk factor for dementia. Health have done important nitive decline. “However, even we’ve also found that the same The MIND Center include the them,” Mosley said. “It’s never “We want to elucidate the fac- work in getting this information in the absence of cures, we see factors increase risk for other multisite Atherosclerosis Risk too late to start taking steps to tors that explain why cognitive out to the public.” CLASSIFIED

14 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2020 www.mississippilink.com

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Electronic Advertisement for Bid DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A REZONING Bid 3121 High Schools Science Lab Renovations BUREAU OF BUILDING, GROUNDS AND REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT ZONING CASE NO. 4083 Sealed, written formal bid proposals for the above bids will be received by JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI the Board of Trustees of the Jackson Public School District, in the Business By virtue of and pursuant to the authority and direction of that Ordinance by the Offi ce, 662 South President Street, Jackson, Mississippi, until 2:00 P.M. ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS City Council of Jackson, Mississippi, appearing in Minute Book 3G at page 115 (Local Prevailing Time) March 17, 2020, at which time and place they will thereof, notice is hereby given to all persons interested in or in any way affected be publicly opened and read aloud. A Pre-Bid Conference concerning the Sealed bids will be received at the Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real thereby, that Property Services Investment, LLC has fi led with the Planning project JPS High Schools Science Lab Renovations will be held at Jim Hill Property Management, 501 North West Street, Suite 1401 B, Jackson, Board for the City of Jackson, an application requesting a rezoning from R-1A High School, 2185 Fortune Street, Jackson, MS 39204 on February 28, Mississippi, 39201, until 2:00:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 03/17/2020 , for: (Single-Family) Residential District to R-3 (Townhouse and Zero Lot Line) 2020 at 1:30 P.M. Attendance at the pre-bid conference is not mandatory but Residential District for the construction of eight (8) zero lot line townhomes for strongly encouraged. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any RE: GS# 323-016 Water & Wastewater Improvements the properties located at Lots 18-22 of the Waterstone Subdivision (Parcels: and all bids, to waive informalities, and to withhold the acceptance of any bid South Mississippi Correctional Institution 450-3-20, 450-3-21, 450-3-22, 450-3-23 & 450-3-24) in the First Judicial District if approved for forty-fi ve calendar days from the date bids are opened. RFx #: 3160003443 of Hinds County, Mississippi, and being more particularly described as:

Plan holders are required to register and order bid documents at www. at which time they will be publicly opened and read. Contract documents may Lots 18, 19, 20, and 21, Waterstone Subdivision, Part Two, a subdivision jpsdmsprojects.com. A $500.00 Non-refundable deposit shall be required be obtained from: according to a map or plat thereof which is on fi le and of record in the offi ce of on each printed set of bid specs/documents. A $100.00 Nonrefundable the Chancery Clerk of Hinds County at Jackson, Mississippi, in Plat Book 38 at deposit shall be required on each digital PDF set of bid specs/documents. Professional: Mid-South Consulting, Inc. Pages 10 and 10A, reference to which is hereby made in aid of and as a part Documents must be purchased through the website. All plan holders are Address: Post offi ce Box 349 of this description. required to have a valid email address for registration. Questions regarding Florence, Mississippi 39073 website registration and online orders, please contact Plan House Printing, Phone: 662-397-6959 Lot 22, Waterstone Subdivision, Part Three, being a re-subdivision of Lots 607 W. Main Street, Tupelo, MS 38804, (662) 407-0193. Questions regarding Email: [email protected] 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 23 & 24 of Waterstone Subdivision, Part Two, a subdivision bid documents please contact John Murray at Canizaro Cawthon Davis, according to a map or plat thereof which is on fi le and of record in the offi ce of Phone: 601-948-7337 or Email: [email protected]. A deposit of $150.00 is required. Bid preparation will be in accordance with the Chancery Clerk of Hinds County at Jackson, Mississippi, in Plat Book 40 Instructions to Bidders bound in the project manual. The Bureau of Building, at Page 40, reference to which is hereby made in aid of and as a part of this 2-13-2020, 2-20-2020 Grounds and Real Property Management reserves the right to waive description. irregularities and to reject any or all bids. NOTE: Telephones and desks will not be available for bidders use at the bid site. Said application will be heard at the City Planning Board Hearing in the Andrew LEGAL Jackson Conference Room, First Floor, Warren A. Hood Building, 200 S. Calvin R. Sibley, Bureau Director President Street in Jackson, Mississippi, at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, February Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management 26, 2020, at which time all parties interested in or affected thereby will be heard PUBLIC NOTICE both pro and con on said question, after which a record will be established 2-13-2020, 2-20-2020 upon which the City Planning Board can make its recommendation to the The City of Jackson, MS will conduct Public Hearings and an Application City Council of Jackson. Any objection thereto may be made by any person Workshop regarding the development of its 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and owning property within the area, and if made in writing must be fi led with the its 2020 One-Year Action Plan. The Consolidated Planning process requires LEGAL City Zoning Administrator before said time if a hearing thereof or consideration broad public participation by citizens and entities which are interested in, or are thereof is desired, or by counsel on said date. If a request is made to the providing assistance in, the areas of housing, services for the homeless, public Zoning Administrator at least 72 hours in advance, the City will take steps to services and other community development activities. DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION accommodate citizens need for interpreters or auxiliary aids for the visually/ BUREAU OF BUILDING, GROUNDS AND hearing impaired. The draft 2020 One-Year Action Plan will contain applications for funding from REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The City of JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI WITNESS my signature this 24th day of January 2020. Jackson estimates that we will receive $1,871,982 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds; $941,110 in Home Investment Partnerships ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS /s/Ester L. Ainsworth (HOME) funds; $166,816 in Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds; and Zoning Administrator $1,434,010 in Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) funds Sealed bids will be received at the Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real City of Jackson, Mississippi for a total of $4,413,918. Due to the Federal budget negotiations, the actual Property Management, 501 North West Street, Suite 1401 B, Jackson, amounts funded may differ. Mississippi, 39201, until 2:00:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 03/17/2020, for: 2-6-2020, 2-20-2020 This notice’s amounts originated from last year’s allocation; however, the City anticipates adjusting the amounts after fi nal Federal budget negotiations. RE: GS# 350-023 New Jefferson Lot Offi ce of Capitol Facilities (Department of Finance and Administration) LEGAL The Public Hearings will explain the purpose of the City’s Annual Action Plan; RFx #: 3160003452 discuss the City’s goals and accomplishments with HUD funds; and consult Advertisement for Electronic Bid with the public by accepting public comments regarding proposed activities for at which time they will be publicly opened and read. Contract documents may Bid 3122 Callaway High School Roof, HVAC, and Gym the programs. The Public Hearings will be held at the following locations: be obtained from:

Sealed, written formal bid proposals for the above bid will be received by March 3, 2020 7:00 p.m. Bolden Moore Library/Westside, 1444 Wiggins Professional: Burris/Wagnon Architects, P.A. the Board of Trustees of the Jackson Public School District, in the Business Rd. Address: 500L East Woodrow Wilson Avenue Offi ce, 662 South President Street, Jackson, Mississippi, until March 10, 2020 6:00 p.m. Grove Park Community Center, 4126 Parkway Jackson, Mississippi 39216 2:00 P.M. (Local Prevailing Time) Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at which time Ave. Phone: 601-969-7543 and place they will be publicly opened and read aloud. A Pre-Bid Conference March 25, 2020 6:00 p.m. Champion Gymnasium, 1355 Hattiesburg St. Email: [email protected] concerning the project for Callaway High School Roof, HVAC and gymnasium April 23, 2020 6:00 p.m. Jackson Medical Mall, 350 W. Woodrow will be held at Callaway High School, 601 Beasley Road, Jackson, MS on Wilson. A deposit of $50.00 is required. Bid preparation will be in accordance with March 6, 2020 at 1:30 P.M. Attendance at the pre-bid conference is non- May 11, 2020 6:00 p.m. Warren Hood Building, 200 S. President St. Instructions to Bidders bound in the project manual. The Bureau of Building, mandatory but strongly suggested. The Board of Trustees reserves the (Final Public Hearing) Grounds and Real Property Management reserves the right to waive right to reject any and all bids, to waive informalities, and to withhold the irregularities and to reject any or all bids. NOTE: Telephones and desks will acceptance of any bid if approved for forty-fi ve calendar days from the date Further, the City of Jackson will conduct an Application/Proposal Workshop on not be available for bidders use at the bid site. bids are opened. Friday, May 8, 2020, beginning at 9:30 a. m., at the Jackson Police Department Training Academy, 3000 St. Charles St. for non-profi t organizations interested in Calvin R. Sibley, Bureau Director Plan holders are required to register and order bid documents at www. applying for CDBG, ESG, HOPWA, and HOME funds. Non-profi t organizations Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management dalebaileyplans.com. A $300.00 Non-refundable deposit shall be required on may obtain Application/Proposal packets at the workshop. each set of bid specs/documents and must be purchased through the website. 2-13-2020, 2-20-2020 All plan holders are required to have a valid email address for registration. Application/Proposal packages for CDBG, ESG, HOPWA, and HOME funds Questions regarding website registration and online orders, please contact should be delivered to the Development Assistance Division, Richard Porter Plan House Printing, 607 W. Main Street, Tupelo, MS 38804, (662) 407- Building, 218 South President St., 2nd Floor, Jackson, MS 39201, no later than LEGAL 0193. Questions regarding bid documents please contact Wanda Elliott at 5:00 p.m., Monday, June 12, 2020. No Application/Proposal packages will be Dale Partners, Associates, Phone: 601-352-5411 or Email: WandaElliott@ accepted after this deadline. Advertisement for Bids dalepartners.com. The draft Annual Action Plan will be available for review at the fi nal public hearing 2-20-2020, 2-27-2020 and on the City’s website at www.jacksonms.gov on May 11, 2020. The City Sealed bids will be received by the City Clerk of Jackson, Mississippi, at 219 will be accepting public comments on the draft 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan S. President Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39201 or at Post Offi ce Box 17, and its 2020 One-Year Action Plan until no later than 5:00 p.m., on Monday, Jackson, Mississippi 39205 until 3:30 PM, local time, Tuesday, March 17, June 10, 2020. Residents with disabilities are encouraged to notify the City at 2020, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud for: LEGAL least fi ve (5) days before the public hearing of any needed accommodations. For more details contact the Offi ce of Development Assistance Division at 601- The demolition and cleaning of parcels for the following: 960-2155. 1. 1833 WALTHAM ST. NOTICE 2. 1720 CAMELLIA DR. THE JACKSON REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY WILL RECEIVE 3. 2611 TERRY RD. PROPOSALS 4. 614 MCDOWELL RD. UNTIL 3:00 O’CLOCK P.M., MARCH 27, 2020, LEGAL 5. 1071 MCDOWELL RD. FOR SPACE AVAILABLE TO BE LEASED IN THE MUNICIPAL PARKING FACILITY NO. 2 The City of Jackson, Mississippi (“City of Jackson”) is committed to cultivating Notice of Sale and ensuring the quality of life of its citizens, through various programs, Proposals to lease space in the Municipal Parking Facility No. 2 will be received Abandoned Vehicle employment, initiatives, and assistance. The City encourages all persons, by the Jackson Redevelopment Authority (the “Authority”) at the offi ces of the corporations, and/or entities doing business within the City, as well as those Authority, 3rd fl oor, Richard J. Porter Municipal Building, 218 South President Notice of Sale is hereby given in accordance with the Mississippi Statutes who seek to contract with the City on various projects and or conduct business Street, Jackson, Mississippi, until 3:00 o’clock P.M., March 27, 2020, for governing the sale of abandoned motor vehicles that the following vehicle will in the City, to assist the City in achieving its goal by strongly considering City any space available to be leased in the Municipal Parking Facility No. 2 (the be sold for repair and storage charges and for cost of this sale. residents for employment opportunities. “Facility”). 2015 CHEV 4- Door - Vin# 1G11B5SL5FF271380 Registered to Bowles Alvin The City of Jackson is committed to the principle of non-discrimination in The Municipal Parking Facility No. 2 is located in the City of Jackson, Mississippi, GM Financial, Lien Holder public contracting. It is the policy of the City of Jackson to promote full and on the south side of Capitol Street, between Congress and President Streets, Date of Sale: March 4, 2020 equal business opportunity for all persons doing business with the City. As and space available for lease is located on the fi rst fl oor of the Facility. Place of Sale: Archie Towing Services; 6700 Medgar Evers Blvd., Jackson, a pre-condition to selection, each contractor, bidder or offeror shall submit MS 39213 a completed and signed Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) Plan, with the All proposals shall be in accordance with all of the requirements of the Request Sellers reserve the right to bid on the above property and to reject any and all bid submission, in accordance with the provisions of the City of Jackson’s for Proposals, copies of which are available for review at the offi ces of the bids. Time: 10:00 A.M. Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) Ordinance. Failure to comply with the Authority and will be furnished upon request. Proposals shall be made by those City’s Ordinance shall disqualify a contractor, bidder or offeror from being interested on or before 3:00 o’clock P.M., March 27, 2020. 2/13/20, 2/20/20, 02/27/20 awarded an eligible contract. For more information on the City of Jackson’s Equal Business Opportunity Program, please contact the Offi ce of Economic Thereafter, Notice of Request for Proposals by the Authority to lease any Development at 601-960-1055. Copies of the ordinance, EBO Plan remaining available space in the Municipal Parking Facility No. 2 may be Applications and a copy of the program are available at 200 South President published bi-monthly until all space in the Facility is leased, with the last Street, Room 223, Hood Building, Jackson, Mississippi. Submission Deadline being 3:00 p.m. on November 20, 2020. Interested parties may submit proposals to the Authority for any unleased available space The City of Jackson hereby notifi es all bidders that in compliance with Title VI pursuant to the RFP issued and dated February 19, 2020, or subsequently. of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 that Such further information as is available regarding lease space in the Municipal all bidders will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this Parking Facility No. 2 may be obtained at the offi ces of the Authority. invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in consideration for an award. DATED: FEBRUARY 19, 2020 /s/ Mary Ealey Contract Documents may be obtained from and/or examined at the offi ces Manager of the Community Improvement Division located at 200 S. President Street, 2-20-2020, 2-27-2020, 3-5-2020 Suite 331, Jackson, Mississippi 39201. Telephone 601.960.1054. Prospective bidders may obtain copies of all materials required for bidding purposes. There is NO charge for electronic or e-mail copies. Offi cial bid documents can be downloaded from Central Bidding at www.centralbidding.com. Electronic bids

can be submitted at www.centralbidding.com. For any questions relating to For information about advertising in the electronic bidding process, please call Central Bidding at 225-810-4814.

Bid preparation will be in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. The The Mississippi Link City reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any and all irregularities in respect to any bid submitted or to accept any proposal which please call: 601-896-0084 is deemed most favorable to the City of Jackson.

by: LaTonya Miller, Manager or e-mail [email protected] Community Improvement Division of Planning and Development

2-13-2020, 2-20-2020 www.mississippilink.com www.mississippilink.com FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2020 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 15

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NOTICE Section 901 The contract Documents are on fi le and may be examined at the following THE JACKSON REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY WILL RECEIVE locations: PROPOSALS ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS UNTIL 2:00 O’CLOCK P.M., MARCH 27, 2020, • City of Jackson, Department of Public Works, 219 S. President St Jackson, FOR SPACE AVAILABLE TO BE LEASED City of Jackson, Hinds County, Mississippi MS, 39205 IN UNION STATION MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION CENTER Woodrow Wilson Avenue Improvements Project • Michael Baker International, Inc., 310 New Pointe Dr., Ridgeland, MS 39157 Federal Aid Project No. STP-7281-00(004) LPA/ 107549-701000 • Offi cial bid documents can be downloaded from Central Bidding at www. Proposals to lease space in the Union Station Multi-Modal Transportation centralauctionhouse.com. Electronic bids can be submitted at www. Center will be received by the Jackson Redevelopment Authority (the The CITY OF JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI will receive bids for the Woodrow centralbidding.com. For any questions relating to the electronic bidding “Authority”) at the offi ces of the Authority, 3rd fl oor, Richard J. Porter Municipal Wilson Avenue Improvement Project from Mill Street to just west of the I-55 process, please call Central Bidding at 225-810-4814. Building, 218 South President Street, Jackson, Mississippi, until 2:00 o’clock ramps, Federal Aid Project No. STP-7281-00(004)LPA/ 107549-701000 P.M., March 27, 2020, for any space available to be leased in Union Station no later than 3:30 p.m., local time, Tuesday, March 24, 2020 , in the City Copies of the Proposal and Contract Documents may be obtained at Michael Multi-Modal Transportation Center (the “Facility”). Clerk’s offi ce of Jackson, at which time said bids will be publicly opened and Baker International, Inc. upon payment of Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) read aloud at the City Hall located 219 South President Street, Jackson, for each set, none of which is refundable. The Union Station Multi-Modal Transportation Center is located in the City Mississippi. of Jackson, Mississippi, on the north side of Capitol Street between Mill and Each bid shall be accompanied by a Certifi ed Check on a solvent bank or a Gallatin Streets, approximately bisected by the Illinois Central Railroad line, The work shall consist essentially of the following items: Bidder’s Bond issued by a Surety Company licensed to operate in the State and space available for lease is located on the fi rst and second fl oors of the of Mississippi, in the amount of fi ve percent (5%) of the total bid price, payable Facility. Mill and overlay of existing lanes of Woodrow Wilson Avenue from Mill Street to the City of Jackson Board of Aldermen as bid security. Bidders shall also to just west of the I-55 ramps, repair existing underlying concrete pavement submit a current fi nancial statement, if requested by the City. The successful All proposals shall be in accordance with the requirements of the Request where indicated in the plans and as determined by the Engineer, construct bidder will be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond for Proposals, copies of which are available for review at the offi ces of the a shared use path and related curb and gutter and storm drain system each in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract amount. Authority and will be furnished upon request. Proposals shall be made by improvements from State Street to the Peachtree Street, and construct a third those interested on or before 2:00 o’clock P.M., March 27, 2020. westbound lane from Peachtree Street to just west of the I-55 ramps for a total The proposal and contract documents in its entirety shall be submitted in project length of 1.18 miles. a sealed envelope and deposited with the City Clerk, 219 South President Thereafter, Notice of Request for Proposals by the Authority to lease any Street, Jackson, Mississippi prior to the hour and date above designated. remaining available space in the Union Station Multi-Modal Transportation The above general outline of features of the work does not in any way limit the Stripped Proposals will be rejected. Bidders may not withdraw their bid within Center may be published bi-monthly until all space in the Facility is leased, responsibility of the contractor to perform all work and furnish all plant, labor, sixty (60) days after the date of the actual bid opening without consent of the with the last Submission Deadline being 2:00 p.m. on November 20, 2020. equipment and materials required by the specifi cations and the drawings City of Jackson. Interested parties may submit proposals to the Authority for any unleased referred to therein. available space pursuant to the RFP issued and dated February 19, 2020, or Work to be performed shall be in accordance with the “Mississippi Standard subsequently. The attention of bidders is directed to the Contract Provisions governing Specifi cations for Road and Bridge Construction, 2017 Edition”, together with selection and employment of labor. Minimum wage rates for Federal-Aid all amendments and/or special provisions and/or addenda to the standards Such further information as is available regarding lease space in the Union projects have been predetermined by the Secretary of Labor and are subject duly approved and adopted, unless otherwise noted in these specifi cations. Station Multi-Modal Transportation Center may be obtained at the offi ces of to Public Law 87-581 Work Hours Act of 1962, as set forth in the Contract the Authority. Provisions. The attention of bidders is directed to the provisions of Subsection 102.07 pertaining to irregular proposals and rejection of bids. DATED: FEBRUARY 19, 2020 The City of Jackson hereby notifi es all Bidders that it will affi rmatively insure /s/ Mary Ealey that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive informalities. Manager and women’s business enterprises will be afforded the full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against Robert K. Miller 2-20-2020, 2-27-2020, 3-5-2020 on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. Director Department of Public Works The award of this contract will be contingent upon the Contractor satisfying LEGAL the DBE/WBE requirements. The DBE goal will be 6%. 2-20-2020, 2-27-2020

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OF THE JACKSON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE JACKSON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION (JHPC) WILL HOLD ITS MONTHLY MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020 AT 12:00 NOON IN THE ANDREW JACKSON CONFERENCE ROOM (RM. 105) OF THE WARREN HOOD BUILDING, 200 SOUTH PRESIDENT STREET, JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI.

APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS A. NEW BUSINESS

• CASE NO. 2020-05, REQUESTED BY: JEFF SEABOLD, TO CONSTRUCT CUSTOM DESIGNED FENCE ALONG SIDE AND BACK YARD OF THE PROPERTY AT 1320 ST. ANN ST, LOCATED IN THE BELHAVEN HISTORICAL DISTRICT.

• ADJOURN DUE TO A CONFLICT IN HIS/HER SCHEDULE, COMMISSIONERS MAY UTILIZE CONFERENCE CALLING TO HEAR CASES & VOTE IN THE EVENT OF THEIR ABSENCE.

DATES OF PUBLICATION: FEBRUARY 20, 2020 & FEBRUARY 27, 2020. PLEASE SEND PROOF OF PUBLICATION TO: BIQI ZHAO (P.O. BOX 17, 200 S PRESIDENT ST. JACKSON, MS 39205-0017) HISTORIC PRESERVATION (601) 960-2006 OR EMAIL IT TO BZHAO@CITY. JACKSON.MS.US

2-20-2020, 2-27-2020 16 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2020 www.mississippilink.com Tougaloo College Business Luncheon The Hilton Jackson • Jackson, MS • February 14, 2020 PHOTOS BY JAY JOHNSON www.mississippilink.com FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2020 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 17 BOOK REVIEW: BLAIR UNDERWOOD PRESENTS OLYMPIC PRIDE, AMERICAN PREJUDICE BY DEBORAH RILEY DRAPER AND TRAVIS THRASHER C.2020, ATRIA $28.00 / $37.00 CANADA • 390 PAGES

By Terri Schlichenmeyer he’d won two gold medals, by African-American athlete hop- helped them deal with the rac- It’s not the fact that authors stories of these athletes, each of Columnist 1933, he was done. The 1932 ing for glory in Berlin. Max ism from inside and outside that Deborah Riley Draper, Blair which starts in their childhoods You’ve always held such Olympics were over and so was Robinson knew he’d have to team. Underwood and Travis Thrash- and moves forward to their promise. People could see Tolan’s career because he knew run against Jesse Owen and Altogether, there were eigh- er show the outrageous racism competitions and beyond. Af- it in you, starting when you that opportunities for African- that would take some planning. teen African-American athletes endured by elite athletes of the ter knowing what they endured, were small: you were going American athletes were few No problem; Max had to set an who boarded a luxury cruise time, and were then forgotten and disappointments they had to go places, do good, make a and “simply getting by may be example for his little brother, ship and set sail for Berlin – but – although you’ll have to pick because of racism, you may feel mark on the world. They were his best path forward.” Jackie Robinson anyhow. Ar- not quickly. Not until offi cials your jaw up every few pages, so like righting more wrongs that proud to know you, happy to Ralph Metcalfe hated to see chie Williams wanted to run, decided that despite what Ger- beware. have already been remedied. watch you land until – except that, but it wasn’t entirely bad but he wanted an education many and its leader represent- No, the thing inside this book These things are true. But it’s – as in “Blair Underwood Pres- news. He, too, was a medal win- more; medals were good, but ed, America would compete that’ll make you catch your a maniacal dictator that gives ents Olympic Pride, American ner in ‘32, and he had his sights his future held a degree in en- against the Nazis... breath is something that swims this book its chill. Prejudice” by Deborah Riley set on running the 100-meter gineering. Louise Stokes was a Believe it or not, it’s not just beneath the story, some- Step up and fi nd this tale, Draper and Travis Thrasher, the dash in Berlin in 1936. Compe- record-breaker, and she and Ti- the descriptions of the com- thing so malevolent that the au- then step back in time. If you promise was broken but not by tition was bad enough; seeing dye Pickett were fast friends, in petitions that make “Olympic thors don’t, initially, even have need a fascinating history book you. Tolan literally out of the run- part because they were the only Pride, American Prejudice” to give it a name to scare read- now, “Olympic Pride, American Although Eddie Tolan was ning was a relief. two black women on the 1936 so heart-pounding – although ers plenty. Prejudice” holds that promise. one heckuva runner, and though Metcalfe wasn’t the only track team and sticking together that’s pretty exciting stuff. You’ll absolutely love the

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 FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2020 www.mississippilink.com Hinds County School District Weekly Update ENGAGING-EMPOWERING-ENSURING-EXCELLENCE HCSD and Jackson State University partner to prepare college graduates in the education fi eld “We are very proud of the Jackson State University and Hinds County School District’s collaboration efforts. Over the past two years, we have assisted JSU with mock interviews and lectures. JSU graduates are gaining incredible experiences in our district. Our goal is to create a cohort of teachers that can work together and collaborate on best practices, even outside of the building. This will support our mission of providing an engaging and empowering environment that ensures excellence for teachers and students. Our partnership is building a bridge to ensure JSU teacher candidates are afforded the BEST teaching experience.”

Will Smith, Ph.D. COMMUNITY

www.mississippilink.com FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2020 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 19 Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated – Alpha Delta Zeta Chapter Financial Fitness Workshop

PHOTOS BY ANITA YOUNG The Mississippi Link Newswire Operations Manager Liberty ed Mr. Larry C. Brunch Chair Jackson Mississippi- Zeta Bank, provided an overview of Board of Directors for Phi Beta Sorority, Incorpo- of Money Smart and Financial Veritas Federal Credit Union- rated, Alpha Delta Literacy Training. Ms. Terry Offi cial Credit for Nissan. Mr. Zeta Chapter, presented a was very informative and Brunch touched on utilizing Financial Fitness Workshop highlighted the importance of exchange rates, budgeting held on Saturday, February managing fi nances to include and reasons for debt. Zeta 1, 2020 at New Jerusalem money values, budgeting, Phi Beta Sorority, Incorpo- Church - Altawoods loca- credit reports and scores, and rated National Initiative is Z- tion. “The keynote speaker, protecting your identity. HOPE, Zetas Helping Other Ms. Geraldyn Terry, Regional The program also highlight- People Excel. 20 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2020 www.mississippilink.com