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VOL. 26, NO. 2 OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2019 50¢

SEE PLEASE ELECTION VOTE SECTION B NOV.5 Former Archie’s District 2 place Congressman of residence in question John Conyers has died at 90

Conyers

By Frederick H. Lowe TriceEdneyWire.com John Conyers, Jr. the longest serving African- American member of Congress and co-founder in 1969 of the Congressional Black Caucus, died Sun- day, October 27, 2019, at his home in Detroit. He was 90 years old. The cause of death has not been revealed. Archie McQuirter Conyers served 53 years in Congress and was once fondly known as the dean of the Congressional Black By Othor Cain ceived 3,619 votes or 48.93 percent. tive offi ce from the Shady Oaks during the campaign, but he didn’t. Caucus. He was the sixth longest serving member of Editor Though McQuriter used cam- address at least fi ve times and had It wasn’t until he lost the race.” Congress before he resigned in 2017 amid sexual For the second time in this elec- paign literature to address Archie’s been challenged once by another Archie has challenged McQuirter harassment allegations. During his tenure, he repre- tion cycle David Archie defeated residency, more specifi cally his candidate and McQuirter was in at least two previous times unsuc- sented the 1st, 14th and 13th Congressional Districts Darrel McQuirter in the Hinds homestead exemption, noting that that race. “He knows how the rul- cessfully. in Detroit and the suburbs. County Supervisor District 2 race. he [Archie] fi led homestead ex- ing went then…it was determined For two days this week in a A graduate of Wayne State University and Wayne Archie who was the top vote getter emption in District 1 on a Clubview that my client lived at that address,” packed courtroom, special appoint- State University School of Law, voters elected Cony- in a three-person primary race, Au- Drive property and not in District 2 Sweet said. “What’s even more dis- ed Judge Lamar Pickard listened to ers to Congress in 1964. He took the oath of offi ce in gust 6, continued his winning streak at the Shady Oaks property where turbing to me is that Mr. McQuirt- testimony from dozens of witnesses 1965 during the Civil Rights struggle. He befriended during the primary runoff election he’s a registered voter and qualifi ed er had some information that he about water/sewer bills, electricity, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and he hired Rosa Parks August 27. to run. thought was going to be detrimen- over-grown landscape, air and heat- to work in his Detroit congressional offi ce when no Archie received 3,764 votes or Archie’s attorney Dennis Sweet tal to my client and could have fi led Archie Conyers 50.89 percent and McQuirter re- argued that he had sought elec- a petition or sought an injunction Continued on page 3 Continued on page 3 Your Vote Matters

By Oleta Fitzgerald COMMENTARY But it is deeply upsetting that a few door meetings to push your tax dollars state leaders know that you’re watch- Executive Director, Children’s Defense lawmakers used their power to secretly to groups and communities that don’t ing. That opportunity comes on Tues- Fund- Southern Regional Offi ce You have an opportunity to vote for funnel public dollars away from our need the help. The lack of transpar- day. Make your voice heard at the bal- Mississippi heroes like Mississippi’s next leaders and decide schools and to private groups and pet ency has left our schools underfunded, lot box. Fannie Lou Hamer and our state’s path. projects. Last year we saw legislative our teachers underpaid and our com- Make a vote plan for Tuesday. Medgar Evers fought, Tuesday’s election is not about a leadership push $2 million to fund pri- munities under-resourced. Whether you’re going to vote before bled and died, because single candidate or party. It is about vate school vouchers while failing to Political and policy disputes are work at 7 a.m., during your lunch hour, they knew your vote the issues that affect you, your family provide needed funding for Pre-K. normal. But what we are seeing is far or after 5 p.m., set a reminder in your matters. Between what is and your community. And nothing dic- Over the last few years, lawmakers deeper than routine partisan confl ict. phone or calendar. Then call or text 5 going on in our state and nation’s capi- tate’s our state’s future like public edu- have worked with lobbyists to send The issue is whether our state govern- people and challenge them to vote on tols, it’s clear that your vote matters cation. Simply put, our public schools $1.5 million in tax dollars, intended ment is truly aspiring to good gover- Tuesday. more than ever. are on Tuesday’s ballot. for public schools, to Weight Watch- nance. Good governance welcomes Remember this race isn’t about a Tuesday, there will be an unusual Unfortunately, we have come to ex- ers. Yes, the legislature is fi ne with open debate and invites varying view- politician. It’s about the future of our number of open offi ces on the ballot. pect the underfunding of public edu- our children going to school buildings points. Good governance produces state. It’s about your schools, your With no incumbents running, you will cation. This year alone, state leaders with leaking roofs but work hard to correct and transparent accounting of roads and your health care. But one have the opportunity to elect a new came up $225 million short of provid- give your tax dollars away to private taxpayer dollars. thing is clear if we turn out to vote, we governor, lieutenant governor, attor- ing our public schools with what they interests. But, the good news is that it doesn’t can change Mississippi. ney general, secretary of state and for need to fund even an “adequate” edu- It’s clear that the Mississippi leg- have to stay this way. Every four years On Tuesday, November 5th, your many, choose a new legislator. cation. islature has used secrecy and closed- you have an opportunity to let your vote matters.

Tougaloo students Her Own Share this issue with a friend host candidates Two Feet by mailing it to: Hood and Hughes Inside

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A2 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2019 www.mississippilink.com Branch wins Miss HOPE announces Mississippi USA 2020 promotion of Ralph Brown The Mississippi Link Newswire to vice president Once again, the most beautiful women in Mississippi competed for the titles of Miss Mississippi USA and Miss Missis- sippi Teen USA at the Horseshoe Casino of Small Business Lending and Resort in Tunica, Mississippi Octo- ber 26, 2019. Asya Branch, an Ole Miss The Mississippi Link Newswire student from Booneville, was crowned Ralph Brown has been promoted to vice presi- as the fi rst African-American Miss Mis- dent of Small Business Lending for Hope Enter- sissippi USA. Zoe Bigham, from Maben, prise Corporation/Hope Credit Union (HOPE), was named Miss Mississippi Teen USA. after serving as a commercial credit analyst for The Crowning was a culmination of the Commercial Lending division. three days of competition held at the In his new role, Brown will oversee small busi- Horseshoe Casino. The Runners-Up to ness loan production and portfolio performance Miss Mississippi USA were Kerrie Blak- that includes underwriting, approval, closing and eney of Greenwood, Bailey Anderson of servicing as HOPE expands fi nancial access to Moss Point, April Mayfi eld of Vicksburg entrepreneurs across its Deep South footprint that and Regan Ringler of Clinton. includes Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Missis- The Runners-Up to Miss Mississippi sippi and Tennessee. Teen USA were Annie Grace Gibson of One of Brown’s primary responsibilities will be Mantee, Helen McDougald of Tupelo, expanding access to capital for entrepreneurs of Claire Love of Hernando and Mackenzie color. HOPE is a partner in the Wells Fargo Works Taylor of Hernando. for Small Business®: Diverse Community Capi- Branch will advance to the nationally tal (DCC) program, a collaboration to empower televised 2020 Miss USA pageant held diverse small business owners with greater access in the spring. Bigham will advance to the to capital and training and to spark small business 2020 Miss Teen USA pageant. growth across the country. Winners received an abundance of Brown has 15 years of combined experience prizes including wardrobe, jewelry, mod- in banking, credit analysis, fi nance and business eling opportunities, scholarships and of development, after previously serving as an as- course- the opportunity to compete for the sistant vice president at Regions Bank in Ridge- title of Miss Teen USA and Miss USA. land, Miss.; senior branch manager for Magnolia Pageant offi cials have announced that Federal Credit Union in Jackson, Miss.; and credit Brown applications are being accepted from manager at Well Fargo Financial in Columbus, young women throughout the state who Miss. public and philanthropic resources; and engages would like to compete in next year’s pag- Brown earned a Master of Business Adminis- in policy analysis to fulfi ll its mission of strength- eant. Miss USA pageants accept each tration degree from Belhaven University and a ening communities, building assets and improving contestant on an at-large basis through an Bachelor of Business Administration degree from lives in economically distressed parts of Alabama, application process and interview prior to Mississippi State University. Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. the pageant. About HOPE Since 1994, HOPE has generated billions of dol- Applications can be found at www. HOPE (Hope Enterprise Corporation, Hope lars in fi nancing that has benefi tted more than one missmississippiusa.com under the “Apply Credit Union and Hope Policy Institute) provides million individuals living in one of the nation’s Now” section. Branch affordable fi nancial services; leverages private, most impoverished regions. www.mississippilink.com OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • A3

Conyers Archie Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 one else would give her a job. ing units and much more. Archie alleges that McQuirter had no right to enter his home Parks sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, one of the great Pickard, who conducted the proceedings with light humor, as- and during his nearly three-hour testimony Tuesday made a point civil rights victories, when she refused to give up her seat on a serted that the lawyers should be able to present case studies about to highlight that. Montgomery, Alabama, bus to a white man. The one year long “residency requirements.” “I want to thank both of you for provid- Under cross examination from Begley, Archie seemingly irri- Montgomery boycott ended segregated seating on city buses. ing examples of court rulings and use studies about this.” tated him [Begley] by making a constant reference to this. “I know Conyers introduced the 1965 Voting Rights Act under Presi- Sam Begley, the attorney representing McQuirter called Jack- what you’re doing Mr. Archie; yes, Mr. McQuirter entered your dent Lyndon Johnson, and he succeeded in establishing a national son Water offcials to show that the Shady Oaks property had no home, will you please just answer the question,” Begley said. holiday honoring the birthday of Dr. King. water service for a number of years. Sweet maintains that the Pickard secured all of the evidence that was presented in court Conyers was chair of the House Judiciary Committee from house was being renovated and that Archie owns several proper- and assured both sides that he would review things thoroughly. 2007-11. And he led the powerful House Oversight Committee as ties in the city and more specifcally in District 2 that were not “Rest assured that I’m going to review all of this and I appreciate its chair from 1989 to 2004. presented in court for evidence. you both for being in compliance,” he said. As the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, McQuirter took the stand and admitted under oath that he took The court is in recess until Pickard reaches a verdict. he joined other committee members in 1974 submitting Articles the photographs that were entered into court records as evidence. Lawyers for both sides believe that a verdict could come back of Impeachment against President Richard M. Nixon. However, “I took those photographs, in fact I went inside because the door by Monday, Nov. 4. Nixon resigned from offce before he could be impeached. was ajar and it appeared no one lived there,” McQuirter said. “The Archie is on the ballot Nov. 5. The judge’s ruling could impact Conyers was also chair of the House Oversight Committee house was in bad shape.” this. from 1989 to 2004. The late Elijah Cummings held the same po- sition when he died. Conyers introduced in every Congress, starting in 1989, legis- lation that would set up a commission to examine the institution of slavery in the nation and its colonies. The legislation recom- mended appropriate remedies. Prentiss, Miss. native son soars He also pushed for a single-payer or government-directed health care system. By Jackie Hampton family members attended the ceremony Publisher Conyers was the son of John Conyers Sr., a labor lawyer. He which was held at Eglin Air Force Base in was born in Highland Park, Michigan, May 16, 1929. He served Colonel Glenn L. Laird grew up in Pren- Florida. Reed said, “I am so proud of Glenn. in the Korean War. He is survived by his widow and two sons. tiss, Miss., a small town that had a popu- He was always such a smart young man and Tributes from civil rights and Democratic leaders poured in. lation of 1,412 when he graduated from all the family wanted to be there to support “From co-founding the Congressional Black Caucus, to ad- Prentiss High School in 1993, now named him.” vocating for the creation of Martin Luther King Day, some of Jefferson Davis County High School. Laird has had an extensive career since the most important civil rights victories of the last half-century, The small town today has a population receiving his pharmacy degree in 1999. He would not have been possible without the enduring leadership of of less than 1,000 but the colonel’s family has moved up the chain about eleven times Rep. Conyers in Washington,” said Derrick Johnson, president enjoys refecting on his childhood where he starting as a staff pharmacist at Malcolm and CEO of the NAACP. “As a Detroit native, I can attest to excelled in the integrated high school. Grow Medical Center at Andrews AFB, MD what John Conyers meant to his beloved Detroit community, and His mother Shirley Laird said, “He should to most recently being promoted to deputy we are eternally grateful that he fought for justice on behalf of have been recognized as frst in his class but chief in the Research Program Adminis- the entire nation with the same commitment and perseverance you know how it was in those days.” None- tration Division in Kingston, MD. In this he showed his hometown. Today we have lost a trailblazer for the-less, she and her husband, the late John role he manages and oversees the Defense justice, a titan of the movement and a true friend and ally to the O. Laird, were so proud when he graduated Health Program’s Research and Develop- NAACP.” #3 in his class. ment funding, delivering innovative medi- NAACP Board Chairman Leon W. Russell said, “I am moved It was when Laird participated in the cal solutions assigned to the highest priority by the dedication of John Conyers to the fght for social good and pre-college residency program S.O.A.R. at needs across the Military Health System. his fearless pursuit to tear down barriers of injustice and racism. Xavier University in New Orleans during By implementing new approaches for managing and executing a $2B portfolio, He will forever be remembered as a giant that gave his life to the summer of his junior year that he saw the Laird advance democracy.” path he was to follow. This experience con- Laird works to establish and maintain part- Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez said, vinced him that he wanted to attend Xavier Pharmacy in Louisiana. nerships across the DoD. (Department of “Congressman John Conyers was a civil rights warrior, a lifelong after high school graduation. Laird graduated from the Xavier Uni- Defense) and Federal Government to lever- public servant, and a stalwart Democrat. Over the course of his “My mother wanted me to attend Touga- versity College of Pharmacy in Louisiana age innovation and avoid duplication. public service career, which spanned more than half a century, loo College because it was her alma mater, where he received his Doctor of Pharmacy Even though the population of the town Rep. Conyers led groundbreaking fghts that advanced the course but my heart was set on Xavier. I applied for degree in 1999. He successfully completed of Prentiss has declined, Laird is proof that of history, including introducing the frst bill to establish the Rev- acceptance at Xavier and was accepted and an AFIT sponsored Pharmacy Practice Resi- you can SOAR regardless of the size of the erend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. As a co-founder of the received a full academic scholarship,” Laird dency in 2003. Laird received a direct com- your hometown. Congressional Black Caucus, he changed the face of leadership said. mission as a Captain in the United States Air Laird, his wife Sunny, of Harvey Ill., in the halls of Congress and blazed a trail for future leaders of He pursued a degree in Pre-Pharmacy Force in June 1999. and their three children, Summer Brooke, color.” and in 1999 received a Doctor of Pharmacy His aunt, Lenora B. Reed of Jackson John Bradley and Sunny Sinclaire, reside in The Trice Edney News Wire contributed to this article. Degree from Xavier University College of along with Laird’s mother and many other Kingston, MD. COMMUNITY

A4 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2019 www.mississippilink.com High school students support school bond in mock election Mississippi Link Newswire Holmes County Central High School senior Mary Nixon said the best thing about the mock election was the opportunity for everyone – 9th-12th grade students – to get to vote and to become acquainted with the use of the touchscreen voting devices that are used in voting sites around the county. She said the ma- chines are simple to use and that no one should be intimidated by them. In the high school library, 656 students signed in and voted. 12th grader Breco Lacy said, “it was important to hold the election, especially for the younger students.” He added that he supports the School Quindarious Johnson casts his vote. Bond Referendum and that he wasn’t nervous about using the touchscreen machine. He said that even though as a graduating senior, he won’t get to enjoy a new school but the younger kids in the district need to have new buildings.” 9th grade student Bobbie Stewart said, “The process was easy. This was my fi rst time to vote and the machine was simple to use. The questions were relevant and it was good to practice voting.” Deandria Sly, 10th grade, ar- rived to vote without knowing what she would fi nd on the ballot, but still felt that “it was important to prac- tice” and stated that she wants a new school. “This mock election was a great experience for all students,” said Su- from the parents and stakeholders on Referendum. sissippi State University was the most Hart and her staff were on hand perintendent of Schools James L. Election Day, November 5th.” 91% of the voters indicated that popular college with 31% of the votes. throughout the day to support the stu- Henderson. “They were involved fi rst- Students were presented with a bal- they were for the School Bond Refer- Jackson State and Alcorn State Uni- dents in the voting proceedings. hand with exactly what is expected of lot containing three questions about endum. 62% of the students recorded versities came in with 23% and 21% Hart said that everything went them as citizens in a democratic soci- Holmes County government, Missis- that they were satisfi ed with county of the vote, respectively. smoothly and that she was pleased ety. We want similar results or better sippi universities and the School Bond government in Holmes County. Mis- Circuit Court Clerk Earline Wight with the student voter turnout. www.mississippilink.com OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • A5 Jim Hill wins JPS Cross Video Remix Country Championship Challenge winners

Marshall Elementary

Mississippi Link Newswire Remix Challenge shortly after the Congratulations to the winners launch of our 2019-2024 Strategic of the JPS Video Remix Challenge Plan. The challenge gave the dis- – Marshall Elementary (1st Place), trict’s schools an opportunity to Callaway High (2nd Place) and highlight our Core Values and Com- Wingfi eld High (3rd Place). Each mitments. school was recognized at a recent Once submitted, the videos were JPS board meeting and received a posted on the JPS ITV YouTube trophy to display in their buildings. Channel and votes were determined Jackson Public Schools called for by the number of likes received dur- schools to participate in the Video ing the contest period. Attendance Matters:

JPS Cross Country champions, the Jim Hill Lady Tigers Cross Country team with coach Korian Padgett (left) and coach Terence Strive for less than fi ve Swanson (right).

Mississippi Link Newswire Trails October 17. Athletics Department hosted six cross Congratulations to the Jim Hill Lady The Lady Tigers’ head coach is Ko- country meets this year. On average, Tigers Cross Country Team. The Lady rian Padgett. He is assisted by Terence over 20 boys and girls teams from sur- Tigers won the 2019-2020 JPS Cross Swanson. rounding districts and across the state Country Championship at Choctaw The Jackson Public School District participated in each meet.

Compulsory School Attendance Law requirements

Mississippi Link Newswire they will be counted as absent, and for school-aged children Did you know that poor school they will not be counted toward the attendance can infl uence whether district’s average daily attendance, children read profi ciently by the which is a factor used to determine Mississippi Link Newswire end of third grade and that chronic funding for public schools. The Mississippi Department of Edu- absence becomes a factor in a stu- Everyone can help improve stu- cation (MDE), Offi ce of Compulsory dent’s decision to drop out of school dent attendance and the resulting School Attendance Enforcement re- as early as the sixth grade? positive outcomes for our students. minds area parents about the law gov- Recognizing the connection be- Parents can mitigate absences by de- erning school attendance. tween good school attendance and ferring early dismissals of students Based on the Compulsory School academic achievement, Jackson until after 2 p.m. for appointments Attendance law, a compulsory-school- Public Schools has initiated “Strive and other necessary activities. age child means a child who has for Less Than Five,” a campaign de- Members of the community can reached the age of 6 years on or be- signed to educate and motivate the also play a big role in reducing fore September 1 of the calendar year district’s students and employees to chronic absences. A caring adult and who has not reached the age of 17 commit to limiting absences from who shows an interest in a scholar’s years on or before September 1 of the school to less than fi ve days this school attendance impacts how they calendar year, and shall include any year. value school. child who has attained or will attain The good news is that as students According to AttendanceWorks. the age of 5 years on or before Sep- improve their attendance rates, they org, students who have a mentor are tember 1 and has enrolled in a full-day improve their academic prospects. more likely to be involved in extra- public school kindergarten program. Good school attendance means curricular activities, graduate from Parents interested in providing edu- students don’t miss vital classroom high school and enroll in college. cational services to their child/chil- instruction and information, and at Chronic absence can be solved dren at home are required to complete test time, they have more confi dence when we work together. Addressing a certifi cate of enrollment, which in- of each year. a year in jail, or both. to be successful. the issue takes our commitment and cludes a simple description of the edu- Failure to comply with the Com- For additional information, please Chronic student absence impacts collaboration. As we do, we will see cational services. Certifi cate of enroll- pulsory School Attendance law may contact the local school district or the whole district. Mississippi law graduation rates improve, academic ment must be submitted to the School result in the parent, guardian or custo- the school attendance offi cer in your requires students to be in attendance achievement increase and young Attendance Offi cer by September 15 dian being fi ned up to $1,000, serving county. 63% of the school day to be counted people in our community will have as present. So, if students are not the best chance at success in their at school for 63% of the school day adult life.

2659 Livingston Road • Jackson MS, 39213 The Mississippi Link [USPS 017224] is published weekly by TM The Mississippi Link, Inc. Offi ces located at 2659 Livings- Subscribe TODAY 601-896-0084 • www.mississippilink.com ton Road, Jackson, MS 39213. Mailing address is P.O. Box T e Mississippi Link 11307, Jackson, MS 39283-1307 or e-mail us at: editor@ mississippilink.com; Please visit our website at: www.mis- Volume 26 • Number 2 sissippilink.com. Phone: (601) 896-0084, Fax 896-0091, out October 31 - November 6, 2019 of state 1-800-748-9747. Periodical Postage Rate Paid at Jackson, MS. The Mississippi Link © copyright 2019. All rights reserved. Deadline: The deadline for submitting items to be considered Name for publication is Tuesday at 10 a.m. Publisher...... Jackie Hampton Address Editor...... Othor Cain Subscriptions are $32 per year; $64 for two years or $96 for City, State, Zip Copy Editor...... Minnie Garrett three years. Graphics...... 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A6 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2019 www.mississippilink.com Mississippi Association of Broadcasters meets future multimedia journalists at JSU By L.A. Warren jsumsnews.com Students in the Journalism and Media Studies Department were urged to have good work ethics, develop their natural talent and be coachable as they step into the work world of broadcast media. On Oct. 15, as part of the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters @ JSU Job Fair, professional broadcasters from Mississippi radio and television stations talked to and interviewed students in media production and Mario Nichols, a junior integrated marketing multimedia journalism and gave communications student in Journalism and Media Studies, them advice and feedback on Mississippi Association of Broadcasters feld questions from journalism students during a job fair at JSU. PHOTOS BY DON SPANN gets career tips from Terrez Harris of iHeart Media. their broadcast career aspirations. Tim Walker, general manager that work ethic and coachability took advantage of this opportuni- at WTOK in Meridian, urged would be necessary to succeed in ty. “The MAB event at the Mis- students to consider getting their the industry. He added: “Always sissippi e-Center was very infor- professional start at the small do the best you can in everything mative. It was a great experience market, community-minded sta- you do, and I guarantee good to network, and I look forward to tions in Mississippi. Walker, who things will come to you.” what will happen in the future. I has 46 years of experience in the In addition to Alexander, Stew- got a chance to speak with (Mr. broadcast business, said his sta- art, Neelly and Walker, the panel Harris), the representative from tion, which is the second-oldest of professionals included: Derek iHeart Media, and it turns out we in the state, takes pride in giv- Rogers, general manager WCBI, went to the same high school,” ing young people a start. “Small Columbus, Mississippi; Jerry she stated. markets like you have in Missis- Jones, general manager, WTVA, The Mississippi Association sippi are places where people can Tupelo, Mississippi; Eric Head, of Broadcasters is one of the get in and learn by trial and error. Leonard Moore is a senior multimedia journalism director of engineering, WAPT, nation’s leading state broadcast We get the opportunity to shape Galean Stewart, news director at WDAM in student in Journalism and Media Studies. He Jackson; Charley Jones, assistant associations. With 100 percent their early years, and they get Hattiesburg, interviews a student who has interviews with Charley Jones, assistant news news director, WLBT/WDBD; of Mississippi TV stations and to move on to do great things,” questions about becoming a producer. director at WLBT. and Torrez Harris, on-air anchor, 85 percent of Mississippi radio Walker said. iHeart Media (95.5). stations as members, the MAB Galean Stewart James, who the Department of Journalism ers, owners and news directors. anything you want to do is pos- Amanda Fontaine, executive represents the Mississippi broad- chronicled her various producer and Media Studies, said: “It was It was a great day in the Depart- sible if you’re willing to put forth director of MBA, also was on cast industry in Washington and positions at a local station be- a pleasure to see so many profes- ment of Journalism and Media the energy, listen and be will- hand. She said the event was a at the state and local levels. It has fore becoming news director at sionals from around the state of Studies.” ing to be mentored,” Alexander great opportunity for Mississippi also been representing and serv- WDAM in Hattiesburg, Missis- Mississippi at the MAB Job Fair. Ramona Alexander, vice presi- stated. broadcast professionals to meet ing Mississippi radio and televi- sippi, told students that their ca- Students in the department were dent and general manager of Mike Neelly, general manager students and recruit them for job sion since 1941. MAB serves as reer dreams are possible. “As one introduced to them and then giv- FOX40, shared that the number at WAPT-TV in Jackson, told openings at their stations. Her a catalyst on national and state of many people who continues to en one-on-one sessions with all of people of color who are gen- students who are considering a advice to students was to be pro- issues, in matters affecting the dream, I tell you that whatever professionals in attendance.” eral managers in this country is career in the media to fnd their fessional, have questions ready broadcasting industry through a you put your mind to and be will- Anthony, who is secretary/ small. “At last count, there were passion and to do their best at to ask and know the stations they close working relationship with ing to learn and be coachable, treasurer and the only educator three African-American women every job. He said his station is are interested in pursuing em- state and federal legislators, the that you, too, can accomplish on the MAB Board of Direc- who are general managers in committed to serving the com- ployment. FCC, and other important par- whatever dream you set forth,” tors, added: “Students were able the country,” according to Alex- munity and fulflling the First Students such as Kharynton ties. James said. to discuss job opportunities and ander. “I’m from Jackson, and I Amendment. Along with their Allen, a multimedia journalism Elayne H. Anthony, chair of internships with general manag- sit before you, and I can tell you natural talent, Neely stressed major from Kirkwood, Missouri, Founders’ Day keynote challenges Jacksonians to ‘show them who you are’

By L.A. Warren Day program was held, as a pioneer in jsumsnews.com educational psychology who founded the Moving refections of the past and an university’s psychology department. emotional charge for the future flled She also pointed out how the new Jackson State University’s Founders’ Day science building bears the name of Dr. Convocation Oct. 17 as Jacksonians were John A. Peoples Jr., a JSU alum and urged to show the world who they are. former president who led the school According to statistics from the most through some of the most challenging recent report on lynching in America, moments of the civil rights movement Mississippi led the nation in total and helped elevate the college to number (654) from 1877 to 1950, said university status. Lynda Brown-Wright, provost and vice Operating in excellence was Owens Yolanda Owens, a JSU alum and National president of Academic Affairs. next point in which she listed the Alumni Association president from 2014- “There was a known lynching every following achievements in the school’s 2018, served as the keynote for the 142nd In his remarks, Dr. William B. Bynum six weeks for 73 years in this state, and athletic and academic history like: Founders’ Day Convocation at Jackson Jr., 11th president of JSU, reiterated his we know there were hundreds of others JSU has won more than 100 SWAC State University on Oct. 17. PHOTO BY understanding of the respect and dignity who just disappeared,” she said. “We DAREK ASHLEY that Jackson State University garners on Championships. must know our history,” she affrmed. the city, state and national levels. JSU has more NFL Hall of Famers It is the HBCU’s past that made it African superhero, Prince T’Challa, and than any other school in the state. possible for Carmen Owens, a seventh- a majority black cast. It also shattered 1877, the university had faced obstacles, JSU is a Carnegie-designated higher grader from Bailey APAC, to introduce several box offce records and was the hardships, trials and tribulations that have Owens shares a hug with her niece research institution. her aunt Yolanda Owens as the keynote highest-grossing movie from an African- attempted to prevent “us from taking our Carmen Owens. JSU remains a top 20 HBCU, according speaker, but not before Carmen American director. rightful place in the kingdom of higher to the U.S. News & World Report. announced her plans to attend JSU and Admitting that she has seen it several education.” between past and present, Owens shared JSU faculty and staff has garnered fnish among the Class of 2029. times, Owens shared that the scene where However, she continued, time after that her parents are JSU alums. She nearly $1 million in grants in 2019. “I believe that as often as possible, Prince T’Challa had to defend his throne time, Jackson State University has recalled going to class with her mother The frst black woman to earn a we need to showcase our young people from M’baku, leader of the Jabari tribe, summoned the strength of its founders to when she could not fnd a babysitter, Ph.D. in computer science from Purdue as a reminder of what our generations to resonated with her. overcome adversity. She then called the and her adoptive father being an original University is an alumna of Jackson State. come actually look like,” Owens, an alum She then began to describe the hand-to- institution a leader among leaders. member of the Sonic Boom and later JSU students were the 2018 Honda of JSU and the president of the National hand combat between the two warriors. “I mean, we are considered a crown working in the Department of Veterans Campus All-Stars National Champions. Alumni Association from 2014-2018, However, once T’Challa started to show jewel among HBCUs,” she said with Affairs. JSU students were chosen as said after taking the podium. signs of weariness, she explained, the bravado. “And hello, we’re known as the But it was during a conversation Competitiveness Scholars for the White She then made a promise to do her queen-mother, played by Angela Basset, king of the SWAC.” with a great aunt that Owens learned House Initiative on HBCU’s. part to ensure the HBCU is still standing yelled out, “Show them who you are!” Owens, a silver life member of the her biological father, his mother and A JSU student invented the patented strong when both her young nieces are Only then was a wounded T’Challa NAACP, said that throughout the school’s grandmother were also JSU alums. Cleanstraww – a three-step fltering of college age. Turning to the crux of her able to summon the strength of the storied history from Natchez Seminary “I am a fourth-generation Jacksonian,” process that helps separate sediments address, Owens explained that in church, ancestors and deliver the blow that to Jackson College to university status, she asserted. “After that revelation, from water. the pastor typically begins by giving the defeated M’baku, she explained. forces have wandered from the caves to I walked a little taller, knowing that “Instead of getting down because Scripture and the subject. “Whew, that scene wears me out every challenge JSU for the throne. my JSU history ran deeper than I ever we’ve faced a few challenges, instead Although she is not a preacher and single time,” she said, laughter tinkled The frst female president elected to imagined.” of belittling our university on social the auditorium is not a church, said throughout the auditorium. “He is down serve as JSUNAA president in 22 years, She then revealed that her sister, media at every turn, instead of arguing Owens, she wanted to celebrate the birth and almost out, but just when it seems Owens informed listeners that before Carmen’s mother, was completing her with individuals who only want to see of Natchez Seminary with a Scripture. like all hope is lost, he receives exactly Jacksonians can show anyone who they degree, so when her niece enrolls at us fail anyway, we need to celebrate our “Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I what he needs to defeat the enemy and are, they must frst know who they are. JSU, Carmen will be a ffth-generation successes, tune out all of the distractions have for you, declares the Lord, plans to take his rightful place as king,” she said. She then urged everyone to connect Jacksonian. and strive for excellence in everything prosper you and not to harm you, plans An honors graduate of JSU with a with the ancestors, founders and elders. Owens, who spent several years as a we do,” Owens implored the audience, to give you hope and a future,” she said. bachelor’s in mathematics, Owens also Owens explained that being in their civil engineer and now serves as senior who nodded their heads in agreement. “And if I had to give a subject, it would has a Bachelor of Science in engineering presence calms fears and served as contract administrator for Kinder Morgan, She then made personalized pleas to be: Show Them Who You Are.” from Kennesaw State University. She reminders that “we are descendants of began to rattle off several JSU historical university leadership, faculty and staff, Owens then queried if people had seen appealed to her Tiger family, telling greatness,” which supplies strength for facts that included acknowledging Dr. students and alumni, with each ending the movie “Black Panther.” Produced them to show naysayers who they are. the journey ahead. Rose Embly McCoy, the namesake of with her mantra, “Show them who you by Marvel Studios, the flm featured an She reminded the audience that since Further emphasizing the connection the auditorium where the Founders’ are.” STATE

www.mississippilink.com OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • A7

SBA establishes new Senator Frazier welcomes visitors to Capitol incident period for Mississippi disaster declaration for private nonprofi ts

The Mississippi Link Newswire 24, 2019, PNPs may still sub- nizations. Economic Injury The U.S. Small Business mit an application after the Disaster Loan assistance is Administration followed deadline and should include available regardless of wheth- FEMA and lengthened the an explanation that they were er the organization suffered incident period in Mississippi not previously aware of their any physical property dam- for the disaster declaration for eligibility for the SBA disaster age. private nonprofi t organiza- loan program. Applicants may apply on- tions (PNPs) that do not pro- The SBA offers low interest line using the Electronic Loan vide critical services of a gov- disaster loans to private non- Application (ELA) via SBA’s ernmental nature, such as food profi t organizations for physi- secure website at Disaster- kitchens, homeless shelters, cal losses up to $2 million to Loan.sba.gov. Senator Hillman T. Frazier was honored Wednesday, October 23, 2019, with an endorsement letter museums, libraries, commu- repair or replace damaged or Additional information on and a campaign donation from the National Association of Social Workers, Mississippi Chapter, for nity centers, schools and col- destroyed real estate, machin- the SBA disaster loan pro- his contributions and service to the community. Charles Araujo, legislative coordinator of the Mis- leges. This declaration covers ery and equipment, inventory gram and application process sissippi Chapter of NASW made the presentation. PNPs with damages caused by and other business assets. The can be obtained by calling severe storms, straight-line interest rate is 2.75 percent SBA’s Customer Service Cen- winds, tornadoes and fl ooding with terms up to 30 years. ter at 800-659-2955 (800-877- from Feb. 22 through Aug. 23, Applicants may be eligible 8339 for the deaf and hard- 2019. for a loan amount increase up of-hearing) or by sending an PNPs located in the fol- to 20 percent of their physical email to disastercustomerser- lowing counties are eligible damages, as verifi ed by the [email protected]. Loan applica- to apply: Alcorn, Calhoun, SBA for mitigation purposes. tions can be downloaded from Carroll, Chickasaw, Clay, Co- Eligible mitigation improve- www.sba.gov. ahoma, Grenada, Humphreys, ments may now include a Completed applications Issaquena, Itawamba, Lafay- safe room or storm shelter to should be returned to a recov- ette, Lee, Lefl ore, Lowndes, help protect property and oc- ery center or mailed to: U.S. Montgomery, Panola, Pren- cupants from future damage Small Business Administra- tiss, Pontotoc, Quitman, Shar- caused by a similar disaster. tion, Processing and Disburse- key, Sunfl ower, Tallahatchie, To be considered for this as- ment Center, 14925 Kingsport Tishomingo, Union, Warren, sistance, PNPs need to apply Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. Washington, Webster, Yalo- by the deadline. The fi ling deadline to sub- The 5th and 6th grade classes of Mount Salus Christian School in Clinton, visited the Capitol busha and Yazoo in Missis- The SBA also offers Eco- mit applications for physical Wednesday, October 23, 2019, and spoke with Senator Hillman T. Frazier (right) on the role of gov- sippi. nomic Injury Disaster Loans property damage expired June ernment for their American History studies. (Back row) Parent, Tenesha Dixon (left), and teachers Although the deadline to to help meet working capital 24, 2019. The deadline to sub- Tiki Broome and Gabriella Newcomb. apply for a disaster loan for needs, such as ongoing oper- mit economic injury applica- physical damages was June ating expenses to PNP orga- tions is Jan. 23, 2020. NATIONAL

A8 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2019 www.mississippilink.com Harriet movie features a model of courage for today By Dr. Barbara Reynolds continue celebrating Harriet. TriceEdneyWire.com President Obama had selected For a nation built on truth, abo- her to become the fi rst person of litionist, freedom fi ghter, ex-slave color to be represented on any Harriet Tubman should have the of the nation’s currency, replac- acclaim of a Paul Revere or Pat- ing Andrew Jackson on the new rick Henry whose courageous $20 bill. Not surprisingly in June lines “Give me Liberty or Give 2019 the Trump administration me Death” guided the American has delayed the launch. Revolution. Nevertheless, in Maryland Tubman, whose battle cry was Harriet enthusiasts have other to “live free or die” and revolt, ways to celebrate her. Painted guided another revolution. It was on the side wall of the Harriet to end slavery which changed the Tubman Museum & Education color, content and character of Center in downtown Cambridge, America. Maryland – just a few miles from Finally, through the newly re- where Tubman grew up, is a 14’ leased epic movie Harriet, this X 28’ mural featuring Tubman revolutionary warrior, born into offering an outstretched hand. slavery in 1822 in Dorchester Not long ago, I placed my hand County, Md., has emerged from in her outstretched hand, thank- the back alley of history to take ing her for giving me the inspira- her rightful place as a larger than tion some 20 years ago to start a life action fi gure, a true Ameri- ministry at Greater Mt. Calvary can hero. Unlike the heroes spun Holy Church, under the leader- from Marvel comic strips or the ship of Bishop Alfred Owens. Terminator franchise, Harriet Its purpose was to inspire people Tubman is not, fake, fantasy or Barbara Reynolds at the mural painted by artist Michael Rosato to have the courage and faith to make believe although her ex- in Cambridge, Md., Tubman’s hometown. break the chains of any addiction pansive accomplishments are keeping them from living their more real than can be imagined. anti-slavery Underground Rail- en, screaming children torn from might prompt visions of nice only choice for a band of freeing best lives. In the ensuing years, Don’t think you are going to road, the women’s suffrage their families to be sold by whites cushy seats, this railroad Har- slaves was to either turn back or scores have broken free follow- see the serene, sedate elderly movement, in her long standing trading them as if they were dis- riet traveled was a harsh pathway cross a treacherous river. While ing in her footsteps of ending Harriet of our textbooks. This is struggle against systemic gender pensing sows from a pig pen – through snake-fi lled marshes, her family cowered, frozen on their personal bondage. the Harriet of her youth, jaunt- and racial inequality. It’s all there. But there is another woods and deep rivers. Often, the riverbank for fear of follow- In March 2017, the Maryland ing up rocky cliffs, jumping During the Civil War, she story that shines through, one of the fl ight of this woman known to ing her and drowning, she lifted Park Service and Maryland gov- off bridges and even shooting a served as a nurse, scout and spy black love, black loyalty and a some as the shemoses was made her pistol above her head wading ernment opened the Harriet Tub- white slave owner with her pistol. for the Union army and became determination of the enslaved to even more treacherous as armed in the deep water as she prayed man Underground Railroad State Through the skillful talent of the fi rst woman to lead an armed live free or die and the eventual posses with baying hounds aloud. Slowly the waters receded; Park & Visitor Center in the British-born actress Cynthia Er- expedition in the war guiding the embrace of the long awaited free- chased her to collect the rewards as her feet touched dry land her heart of the Choptank River Re- ivo, the fi lm – to be released Nov. raid at Combahee Ferry, which dom. It’s all there. for her capture. But they never family members crossed over as gion where Harriet grew up. The 1 – features Tubman not only liberated more than 700 slaves. In the movie, we see Harriet caught her. She once boasted that well. 17-acre facility has already been as yesterday’s heroine, but as a Unfortunately her heroism did after learning she is to be sold her railroad never ran off track The two -hour epic directed by visited by nearly 200,000 guests model of courage for today. Risk- not guard her from racism as she South, which rumors say is more and she never lost a passenger. fi lmmaker Kasi Lemmons who from all 50 states and over 60 ing certain death if captured, was originally denied the pension brutal than the plantations on In the movie she declared she also wrote and directed Eve’s countries. In her honor the ser- often with a pistol in her waist- benefi ts granted to white soldiers. Maryland’s Eastern shore, leave had only the North Star and we Bayou, sends the audience away vice has also established the Har- band, she escaped from bondage In heart-aching detail the mov- her family and the love of her see her on her knees looking up with an inspirational song, en- riet Tubman National Historical on Maryland’s Eastern shore and ie does not sanitize the horror of life, husband John Tubman, trav- to the heavens in deep commu- titled, “Stand up,” co-written by Park in Auburn, N.Y. returned often in disguise to res- slavery; nor does it gloss over the eling 100 miles alone to freedom nication with the God she de- Joshuah Campbell and the fi lm’s Tubman is the only U.S. wom- cue more than 70 family and fel- power of God in her life. Scenes in Philadelphia through the aid of pended upon to shield her from leading lady Erivo. an to be honored by the service low slaves. of blood-soaked whips, scarred the Underground Railroad. her enemies. The song sets just the right with two parks. She became a leader in the backs of enslaved men and wom- Though the term railroad My favorite scene is when the tone for Harriet enthusiasts to Groundbreaking for expanded African-American Civil War Museum prepares historic DC corridor for national and international visitors

By Hazel Trice Edney TriceEdneyWire.com In the 400th year since the fi rst enslaved Africans reached the shores of America, a ground- breaking in the nation’s Capital has begun a monumental $45 million expansion of a facility to honor black veterans of the Civil War – slaves and descendants of slaves – who literally fought their way to freedom. “You all know that we started Frank Smith opens the ceremony for the expansion of Frank Smith presents D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (left) this African-American Civil War the museum that he founded more than 20 years ago. with the fi rst replica of a statue of Abraham Lincoln Principals and visionaries of the expanded African American Civil Museum for two purposes – one PHOTO: ROY LEWIS/TRICE EDNEY NEWS WIRE signing the Emancipation Proclamation. War Memorial symbolically dig in the shovels. Pictured are Sarosh was to correct a great wrong in Olpadwada, economic developer; James Turner ANC, Frank Smith, history, which pretty much ig- wall with the carvings of 209,145 grand opening is fi nally set for cerns as she established a long- museum director and founder; Mayor Muriel Bowser; Councilperson nored the contributions of Afri- names of those who served the fall of 2020. term vision projecting 50-100 Brianne Nadeau; Grant Epstein, project developer; Torti Gallas, can-American soldiers ending among the United States Colored “Our former Ward 1 council- years. developer tenant; Patrick Smith, economic developer; and neighbors slavery and keeping America Troops. member is making sure that we The new infl ux of Torti Gallas Maya Hendricks 11 and Mason Hendricks 6. united under one fl ag,” Dr. Frank That museum and memorial not only grow as a city, but that employees, construction work- Smith, executive director and – fi xtures in the U Street com- we grow together as a city and ers and other retail employees always wanted to have a space to make our communities better. founder of the African-American munity for the past 21 years – are that we preserve the rich history into the neighborhood; plus the that represents the kind of rede- We just have to fi ght to stay there. Civil War Museum, told a packed about to undergo a $45 million that we’ve been blessed with. tourism draw to the renovated velopment and rebuilding and That’s the only way we’re going house in D.C.’s historic Shaw expansion project that will ac- And this memorial is certainly a museum and new neighborhood transformation that our fi rm rep- to progress in America.” neighborhood Oct. 17. complish the second purpose for testament and a commitment to residents are expected to bring resents. I’ve always wanted to Responding to Smith, current Smith continued the brief his- which the museum was built. how we do that for our city and the economic boom. come to work in a building where Ward I Councilmember Brianne tory lesson before the rapt au- In addition to providing greater for our nation. So, Frank, you Among those applauding in people like Frank Smith work. K. Nadeau, having worked on the dience: “When the Civil War space for artifacts and programs deserve tremendous applause the audience was Virginia Ali, In 50 years of being an architect, project for 15 years, described, in started, African Americans had to honor the black soldiers, it is and appreciation from all of us,” co-founder of the historic Ben’s my dream has come true with part, how the gentrifi cation issue no pathway to citizenship in the expected to create an economic Bowser said. Chili Bowl restaurant right down Grimke.” will be dealt with. United States. We were defi ned in boom in the once depressed area Among the plans for the devel- the street. As with any new develop- “Dr. Smith talked about a phe- the Constitution as being chattel as people come to visit the his- opment: Adding to the historicity of ment, amidst all the pleasantries nomenon of gentrifi cation in this slaves. And every court decision toric spot. • The African-American Civil the project, Smith said a statue and congratulations, there are yet neighborhood. And one of the from that point up to the Civil “We wanted to fi nd a way to War Museum will move out of of President Abraham Lincoln controversy and questions. things that we have to keep doing War reinforced our position and get tourism into this community. its current building into a second signing the Emancipation Proc- Smith forthrightly addressed in areas that are becoming gen- our status in society. We don’t get We get 20 million tourists in the much larger building next door. lamation will be erected in front the issue of gentrifi cation as well trifi ed is ensure that we solidify a chance to fi ght for our freedom city every year,” said Smith, a • The 133,000 square foot proj- of the museum, looking across as how crime in the Shaw neigh- the history and the memories of until Lincoln gets himself caught former Ward 1 councilman, who ect will include 12,000 feet for the street at the monument. “It’ll borhood had to be dealt with as things that were here and build up in a war that he can’t win with- envisioned and founded the mu- the world headquarters of archi- be the only one in the nation’s the neighborhood has gradually things that acknowledge the Af- out doing something about slav- seum in 1992. “They spend $6- tectural giant Torti Gallas, which capital,” he said, awarding the changed over the years. rican-American community,” ery. And so he ended up enlisting 10 billion every year downtown. will set up offi ce with more than fi rst heavy replica of the statue to “When I fi rst started working Nadeau said. “This is critical two hundred thousand blacks in So it’s pretty easy if we can fi nd 100 employees and partners in Bowser. up here, people were scared to because there are people who’ve the Union Army. The nation paid a way to get them here to spend the building that the museum is John Torti, president of Torti walk around.” he said. “Nearby lived in this corridor their whole no attention to these soldiers until some of that money in this neigh- vacating. Torti Gallas also is the Gallas, said he not only looks Howard University started bus- lives who don’t recognize it any- we built a monument to them.” borhood,” he said. architectural fi rm behind the en- forward to redesigning and reno- ing the kids back and forth to the more and don’t think the things Just across the street from the D. C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, tire project. vating the two buildings, but he dormitories. They were scared to that are being built are for them. museum, which is housed in the and her staff, helping with the • There will be approximately has dreamed of being a resident let them walk around in the street. But this is being built for those historic Grimke School building groundbreaking, led the way to 70 housing units with 20 percent of such a neighborhood. People need to have a place to who’ve been here a long time and on Vermont Avenue North West, the new beginning for the proj- of them at “below market” price, “For me, personally, I’ve al- live where they can walk through for those who will come and need is a bronze memorial, a statue ect after several pauses due to according to Bowser, who said ways wanted to have an offi ce the community; where they can to understand the history. I want of three soldiers standing guard. stormy political waters and bud- affordable housing in the area in the city. I’ve always wanted go to school. So, I’m not apolo- us to be together and understand The statue is surrounded by a get problems over the years. The had been among her chief con- to walk to work,” he said. “I’ve getic about that. We have to fi ght the gravity in that moment.” www.mississippilink.com OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • A9 BOOK REVIEW: “HER OWN TWO FEET: A RWANDAN GIRL’S BRAVE FIGHT TO WALK” BYMEREDITH DAVIS AND REBEKAH UWITONZE C.2019, SCHOLASTIC $17.99 / $23.99 CANADA • 208 PAGES

By Terri Schlichenmeyer One thing was for sure: her feet? So what if folks in her feet, she was afraid. She French fries while her surgeries latter’s story in a matter-of-fact Columnist Rebekah Uwitonze was her Rwandan village told her remembered being left at the healed and she learned to walk way that elicits compassion On the day you took your fi rst independent. parents to let her die when she hospital, and how much it hurt. again. without begging for it. That steps, your parents were very Born with her feet twisted was born? So what if some Still, as papa said, “Chance But then it was time to leave gives readers a chance to proud. sideways and backward, her people said she was “cursed”? comes once” and so Rebekah Texas and go home. Was she quietly observe Uwitonze’s They took pictures of you shoulders stiff, and her middle As long as Rebekah stayed went with a translator on her ready for it? determination, practicality and standing by yourself with a fi ngers bent to her palms, strong and smart and loved, fi rst airplane trip from one Some days, nothing goes your her sheer bravery in a quest to one-tooth smile on your face, Rebekah never let her problems her feet and her hands weren’t continent to another. child’s way. From the moment overcome a disability. Without and then they called grandma stop her from anything. She important. But Bugesara, Rwanda was she wakes up until the second being a spoiler, this will leave and grandpa to tell them you could feed herself – she wasn’t Yes, she’d seen doctors: nothing like Austin, Texas. she shuts her eyes, it’s one thing your child cheering. were walking. It was reason a baby – and though it took when she was small, they tried In Texas, dogs are allowed after another but this is for sure: “Chance comes once,” as to celebrate and you walk now awhile to fi gure out how to to turn her feet but it hurt a in the house and on the bed. have “Her Own Two Feet,” and Uwitonze’s papa said, so seize it without thinking about it, but in quickly reach the bathroom a lot. It didn’t work, either, nor There were new foods to try, a things will fall into perspective. and fi nd “Her Own Two Feet.” the new book “Her Own Two few feet from her back door, she did a second attempt, so when trampoline to play on and new Beaming strength from If your 8-to-12-year-old wants Feet” by Meredith Davis and otherwise got around just fi ne. a white stranger came to her holidays to experience. every page, authors Davis (the a good biography or a tale of Rebekah Uwitonze, fi rst steps So what if she crawled, or parents’ home and offered to Rebekah learned English, matriarch of the Texas host gratefulness, having it is the aren’t always second nature. lurched about on the tops of take Rebekah to America to fi x made new friends, and ate family) and Uwitonze tell the fi r s t s t e p .

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A10 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2019 www.mississippilink.com Rust College Alumni Meet, Greet & Eat – a big success

David Beckley, Effi e Clay, Joshua Wright, Juno Leggette Jacobs, Ishmell Edwards Jackson-Hinds Chapter of Rust College Alumni Association administration and student leaders

The Mississippi Link Newswire mass communication major member and chapter chaplain. The Jackson-Hinds Chapter at Rust College greeted alums (Anthony was unable to attend of the Rust College Alumni As- with special thanks for the this year.) sociation hosted its 6th Annual $1,000 chapter scholarship and • The chapter surprised the Meet, Greet and Eat September gave updates on his progress at chapter president with a “Phe- 23, at Anderson United Meth- Rust College. His mother, Ve- nomenal Alumni President” odist Church. netia Miller, thanked the chap- award during the event. The annual event was held, ter also. • Networking and fellowship in part, as a membership mixer • With the great fi nancial along with great food were also for local alums to gather and support of Jackson-Hinds local part of this festive occasion. fellowship, learn new updates members, contestants in our The chapter will give toi- from college administrators, annual Prince/Princess Baby letry items and other gifts to meet Miss/Mr. Rust College/ Bearcat Contest, and other sup- current Rust College students SGA president, meet Princess/ porters, the chapter contrib- from Hinds, Rankin and Madi- Prince Baby Bearcat 2019-20, uted $20,000 for the 2018-19 son counties during Founders’ and for local chapter president academic year. They have set a Weekend November 2019. to share. goal of $25,000 for 2019-2020. The chapter will meet the The Chapter Year in Re- • The evening was also a Monday after the fourth Sun- view time to honor an alum that has day October–May at New • Joshua E. Wright, 2019 gone above and beyond for the Hope Baptist Church from 6-7 Chapter members and guests at alumni mixer at Anderson United Methodist Church in Jackson, Miss. Clinton High School graduate oldest Historically Black Col- p.m. and 2019-20 chapter scholar- lege in the State of Mississippi. For additional information ship (Dr. and Mrs. Henry & This year Dr. Johnny Anthony, about the chapter, text Juno Effi e Clay New Student Schol- ’64, received recognition for Leggette Jacobs, ‘86, chapter arship) recipient and freshman/ his great work as a dedicated president, at 601 966-5653.

Mr. Rust College Josiah Franklin, Miss Rust College Millisha Donald and SGA President Kimberlee Taylor

Helen Young and Juno Leggette Jacobs

Dr. Juno Leggettee Jacobs, Jackson-Hinds Chap- ter of Rust College Alumni Association president Joshua Wright scholarship recipient and Rust College President Dr. David Beckley www.mississippilink.com OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • A11 Tougaloo College Sesquicentennial Founders’ Convocation Tougaloo College • October 20, 2019 • Tougaloo, MS PHOTOS BY JAY JOHNSON A12 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2019 www.mississippilink.com Hinds County School District Weekly Update ENGAGING-EMPOWERING-ENSURING-EXCELLENCE

Dr. Will Smith, Principal of UEMS Recognized by Hinds County Board of Supervisors!

RES Recognize Bus Drivers During School Bus Safety Week!

Highlights from District VI Cross County Championship! ELECTION 2019

www.mississippilink.com OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • B1 Jim Hood for Governor hoodforgovernor.com those that were ripped off. I know what neighbors’ economies are expanding Why I’m Running For Governor it takes to make money for Mississippi far more. I’m running for governor to move – not give it away. As your governor we will: working families to the center of what I’m going to take a prosecutor men- • Fix our roads and bridges. I’ll put matters. I will put working families tality to state government and go after a process in place so the roads that fi rst. It’s not about party. It’s not about every instance of the taxpayers getting are built and bridges that are fi xed are partisanship. People are sick of the ripped off. Every special insider deal. done based on need, not the whim of a partisan bickering and fi nger point- Every wasteful giveaway. Every time special interest buying access or elect- ing in state politics – it’s about getting tax dollars are used to scratch some- ed offi cials getting roads built for their things done. one’s back, I’m going to be on it like personal convenience. We can make our state government a hawk. And the money we recover • Expand job training and appren- more open and honest, cut government goes right back to the working people. ticeship programs at our community waste, cut taxes for working folks and That’s what I’ve done my entire career. colleges and technical schools. To at- set the right priorities to build a better I believe that’s the type of change we tract new businesses to Mississippi, Mississippi. need in state government. we need a well-trained work force. It’s about having a state government The point of this is to save your tax • Support Mississippi small busi- that is diverse – that refl ects all parts dollars so that the money is spent on nesses and main street merchants by of Mississippi. Where gubernatorial you, for you, for pre-k, for roads, for putting money in Mississippi hands appointments are made on the basis health care and for tax relief. not out-of-state corporations. of merit – not political connections – We need to make college more af- federal support to pay for keeping rural To Provide Tax Relief For Work- • Work with state and local econom- and won’t be horse-traded or discussed fordable – especially community col- hospitals open and providing health- ing Families ic development agencies to attract jobs during the campaign. lege. Eight counties in North Missis- care to over 300,000 Mississippians, We need to provide tax relief for and new businesses to Mississippi. My “Pledge to Mississippi Fami- sippi have banded together to make which will also create over 8,000 jobs families by rolling back the sales tax JIM HOOD lies” sets forth my top priorities if I am community college tuition free. If they in the healthcare industry and pump on food. It’s hard for families to make A Record of Accomplishments elected governor. This is not a Demo- can do it in North Mississippi, let’s en- dollars into rural communities. ends meet. Let’s make it easier to put Elected as Attorney General in 2003, cratic agenda or a Republican agenda. courage other parts of the state to do • Support law enforcement in the food on the table for the hard working Jim Hood has an unrivaled record of It’s not a city agenda or a rural agenda. the same. fi ght against the opioid epidemic. people of Mississippi by cutting the success: It’s a working families agenda. To Make Health Care Affordable To Clean Up State Government grocery tax. Passionate champion of children. It comes down to this – in everything and Accessible and Cut Waste The Lt. Governor proposed, and General Hood has worked tirelessly I’ve done as attorney general, I’ve put Jesus said to take care of the wid- Open up state government and put a the Legislature approved, a massive to prevent children from being abused Mississippi working families fi rst. ows, orphans, the elderly and the least stop to shady backroom deals. For too $210M/yr. tax giveaway to big out-of- and exploited, especially by internet Working together, we can move our among us. When it comes to health long our legislative leaders have run state corporations – many of whom are predators. His efforts have served as a state forward and put the hardworking care, Mississippi has not followed His the state like a casino for special in- campaign contributors. Hundreds of model for other states. people of Mississippi fi rst. word. terests – collecting chips, handing out millions of tax dollars every year that Dedicated public servant. General To Improve Education I grew up in a rural community with favors. should have gone to fi xing our roads, Hood has served the people for 25 Education is the building block to a rural hospital that saved lives. The So as governor, my fi rst act will be improving our schools, or giving tax years as an assistant attorney general, success. Investing in Mississippi’s emergency room is now closed. Now to open it up. An honest and transpar- relief to Mississippi businesses and district attorney and attorney general. public education system means invest- a working guy with a heart attack or a ent government. A government for working people. Friend of consumers. After Hurri- ing in every Mississippian. kid with a bad asthma attack or a mom you, not the special interests. We need a claw back provision in cane Katrina, General Hood worked to We can do more to provide pre-K for with a pregnancy complication has to We will propose a series of reforms. state law that says if an out-of-state strengthen laws to protect consumers, kids across Mississippi – not immedi- get in a car or a bus to travel miles and But here are two fi rst steps. corporation gets a tax break for prom- while prosecuting offenders for home ately, but over a 4-year period, as we miles to get needed care to survive. Require all state legislators and state ising to create jobs – they lose their tax repair fraud, price gouging, identity open up the budget, as we cut waste, as That is turning our back on rural Mis- offi cials to allow the public to have breaks if they don’t create those jobs. theft and fi nancial scams. we do away with all the giveaways and sissippians and I will not do that. access to all of their email and other It’s time to end tax giveaways to cor- Watchdog over corporate wrong- insider deals. We will fi nd the money As your governor we will: correspondence under the Mississippi porations who break their promise to doers. General Hood’s commitment for pre-K and we can do that without • Focus on improving rural access to Public Records Act. Mississippi taxpayers. to holding corporations accountable more taxes on working people. healthcare and keeping rural hospitals Legislators should not be able to To Grow Our Economy has recovered more than $3 billion for Our teachers deserve reasonable pay. and emergency rooms open take campaign contributions while the Mississippi needs to get back to taxpayers. For too long Mississippi teachers have • Expand Medicaid to cover over Legislature is in session. swinging hammers and building things Guardian of the Gulf Coast. Gen- been paid too little – far less than sur- 300,000 Mississippians – many work- As attorney general, my staff and I – that’s how we grow our economy eral Hood worked to provide relief to rounding states. Let’s fi gure out a way ing families – who cannot afford health recovered more than $3 billion in fi nes and build stronger communities. Since coastal residents and business owners to raise teacher pay to attract and re- insurance and penalties that came back to Mis- 2009, Mississippi’s real economic after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil tain the best teachers for our children. • Accept over $1 billion per year in sissippi – back to taxpayers – back to growth has been anemic, while our Spill. B2 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2019 www.mississippilink.com Willie Simmons for Transportation Commissioner Central District electwilliesimmons.com million dollars for the Highway to enhance, repair, rebuild and can run with the VISION. • Build a four lane highway The Man 82 Bypass at Leland; almost maintain infrastructure systems Future Forward Initiative bypass at Port Gibson to com- Simmons graduated from two million dollars for the repair and local transportation. • Increase funding for the plete the 1987 AHEAD four lane Hinds County Agricultural High and upgrade to Parks Road in The Vision transportation infrastructure program. School, Utica Junior College and Drew; eleven million dollars to Throughout his life, Simmons system by $3,000,000,000.00 • Complete the Highway 82 Alcorn State University and en- improve Highway 14 in Sharkey has built relationships and culti- annually. I will use my 26 years bypass in Washington County. tered the workforce as a school County; four million two hun- vated resources to increase suc- of experience as a senator to col- • Overlay Highway 25 from teacher during the turbulent six- dred thousand dollars to upgrade cess and empowerment for the laborate with our Legislators, su- Brandon to Louisville. ties. He was drafted into the Unit- Highway 61 from Boyle Street to communities in which he has pervisors, mayors and business • Four lane Highway 27 from ed States Army and is a proud Hadley Street in Cleveland; one lived and for the people he has leaders to increase our user fees I-20 at Vicksburg to I-55 at Crys- combat veteran of the Vietnam million dollars for street repair served. Habakkuk 2 teaches us and other ways and means. tal Springs. War. After his military service in Indianola and Simmons led to STAND upon our watch and • Encourage the Legislature • Four lane Highway 15 from in Vietnam, Simmons met and the charge to make sure that WAIT to see what the Lord will to enact a second phase of the I-20 at Newton to Highway 25 at married his wife of forty-seven over the next ten years, one bil- tell us. The Lord said to WRITE Emergency Bridge Act by pass- Louisville. years, Rose Sibley Simmons. lion dollars will be earmarked the VISION down and make it ing a $250,000,000 bond in 2020 Read more online at They made their home in Bolivar from the State Lottery proceeds PLAIN, so when it is READ, we for that purpose. www.themississippilink.com Simmons County, Cleveland, Mississippi. They have four children: Avery, Christopher, Reginald, Sarita and ten grandchildren. Simmons began his seventeen- year career in state service at the Mississippi Department of Cor- rections and rose through the ranks to become Deputy Com- missioner of Corrections. During this time, he furthered his edu- cation at Delta State University where he received a M.S. Degree in Guidance and Counseling and an Ed.S. Degree in Counseling and Administration. Simmons is a member of Sol- omon Chapel A.M.E. Church where he serves as a trustee; life member of Alcorn State Univer- sity Alumni, 2019 ASU Alumni of the Year; life member of Delta State University Alumni; life member of Omega Psi Phi Fra- ternity, Incorporated; life mem- ber of the NAACP; life member of the National Council of Negro Women; member of the National Democratic Party Platform Com- mittee and as such introduced and successfully adopted the “Poverty Eradication Initiative” which was utilized in President Barak Obama’s Administration. Simmons is the chief operat- ing offi cer of Simmons and As- sociates Consulting Firm and the owner of The Senator’s Place, a soul food restaurant located in Cleveland, Mississippi. Like a proud parent, Simmons is pleased that The Senator’s Place was featured on the CNN program, “Anthony Boudain: Parts Unknown,” formerly host- ed by renowned chef and food expert Anthony Boudain. The Servant As vice chairman of the Pub- lic Health and Welfare Commit- tee, Simmons fought diligently to protect and adequately fund the state Medicaid program to ensure that the needed medical services were available and ac- cessible for Mississippi’s seniors, mothers, infants, children and disabled populations. He led the charge from the Senate to secure the fi rst state appropriation of twenty million dollars to fund our fi fteen federally qualifi ed health centers and their more than twenty satellites which are located statewide and that mon- etary commitment continues to this day. Simmons served as chairman of the Corrections Committee which set policy and provided oversight for the state and pri- vate prisons and community support services for the correc- tions system. He led the charge from the Senate to change the “Truth In Sentencing” law which has helped to give many inmates with long sentences a second chance to reenter society and this change helped to save the state millions of dollars. The Builder Under his leadership in the Senate, over fi ve billion dollars have been spent throughout the state on the construction and up- grade of federal and state roads, county and municipal streets and bridges; also, millions of dollars on public transit, ports, docks, railroads, airports, safety lights, safety signs and other infrastruc- ture support systems. He person- ally worked to get projects such as three million dollars to repair the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Jackson; one million dollars to upgrade and repair Highway 8 in Cleveland; four million dol- lars to enhance Highway 552 at Alcorn State University in Lor- man; one million dollars for Ter- race Landing in Rosedale; ten ELECTION 2019

www.mississippilink.com OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • B3 Gavin for Hinds County Supervisor District 4 gavinforsupervisor.com in various leadership positions. 25 years. He is a certifi ed business Our Mission County forward, particularly in About Vern Gavin Gavin is also an active Kappa Al- analyst and is a licensed real estate For more than 25 years, I have District 4. A resident of Clinton, Vern pha Psi Fraternity member, The agent. enjoyed living in Hinds County. I know we can do better. We Gavin is married to Felicia Gavin 100 Black Men of Jackson, Inc. Gavin earned a Bachelor’s de- As your supervisor, I will work to can create jobs and economic op- and the proud father of one minor and he volunteers for numerous gree in Accounting and a Mas- improve the quality of life in our portunities by recruiting new child, fi ve adult children, and the community service organizations. ters of Business Administration entire community. businesses, working with our law grandfather of fi ve. Gavin, the former Hinds Coun- (MBA) from Jackson State Uni- Across Hinds County, people enforcement agencies to achieve The Gavin family holds mem- ty Administrator, has owned and versity and has been a member of tell me that the political leadership safer communities and improving bership in Anderson United Meth- operated several successful busi- the Hinds County Democratic Ex- is not doing the job required and our roads and infrastructure. odist Church where they serve nesses in Hinds County for over ecutive Committee. expected in order to move Hinds I intend to do just that. Gavin Banks for State Represenative House District 67

The Mississippi Link Newswire Magnolia Bar Association, the Publication, Member Democratic Party, 2016-present House - District 67 About The Candidate Red Cross and the Young Men’s Insurance, Member Member, Jackson State Uni- Family: A native of Jackson, Mis- Christian Association. Judiciary A, Member versity Foundation, present 3 children: Kimberly, Earle sissippi, Representative Earle Political Experience Judiciary En Banc, Member Member, Magnolia Bar Asso- Junior, Eve Banks earned a Bachelor of Sci- Representative, Mississippi Public Property, Member ciation, present Birth Date: ence in accounting from Jackson State House of Representatives, Public Utilities, Member Member, Mississippi Bar As- 06/25/1954 State University and a J.D. from District 67, 1992-present Professional Experience sociations, present Birth Place: the Mississippi College School Candidate, Mississippi State President/Owner, Autumn Member, Mississippi Funeral Jackson, MS of Law. House of Representatives, Dis- Woods Memorial Gardens, pres- Directors and Morticians Asso- Hometown: Banks is the president and trict 67, 2019 ent ciation, present Jackson, MS owner of Autumn Woods Ceme- Candidate, Mississippi State Attorney at Law, Banks and Member, National Funeral Di- Religion: tery and Peoples Funeral Home, Associate Justice of the Supreme Associates rectors and Morticians Associa- Catholic an attorney at law at Banks and Court, District 1, Place 1, 2012 Owner/President, Peoples Fu- tion, present Education Associates, and a state represen- Banks Current Legislative Commit- neral Home At-A-Glance JD, Mississippi College tative. He is a member of several tees: Religious, Civic and other State House (MS) – District School of Law, 1981 civic organizations including 100 Jackson State University Foun- Appropriations, Member Memberships: 67, Democratic BS, Accounting, Jackson State Black Men of Jackson, Inc., the dation, Leadership Jackson, the Compilation, Revision and Vice Chair, Mississippi State Running, Democratic for State University, 1977 Democrats, Republicans, presidents and paupers remembered Elijah Cummings

By Hamil R. Harris felt very deeply. He was very dent Trump on many fronts es- TriceEdneyWire.com impathetic. It was one of his pecially protecting immigrant He was a member of the Unit- greatest gifts. And it was one of children which sparked Presi- ed States Congress who was a his sources to be a public ser- dent Trump’s attacks on him hero on the streets of Baltimore. vant and a man of the people.” and Baltimore. He was the son of sharecroppers Elijah E. Cummings was born Ironically, Cummings was who became a political father of and raised in Baltimore, Mary- one of the fi rst Congressional two presidents. He once chaired land, where he resided until his Black Caucus members to meet the Congressional Black Caucus death. He obtained his Bach- Trump in the White House after but at his death Republicans on elor’s Degree in political sci- he was elected to talk about low- Capitol Hill expressed deep re- ence from Howard University, ering prescription drugs. One of gret for losing a dear friend. serving as Student Government his fi nal acts as chairman was to And so it was appropriate president and graduating Phi sign subpoenas for documents for Presidents Barack Obama, Beta Kappa. He later graduated related to the Administration’s Bill Clinton and a large cho- from the University of Mary- policy to deport critically ill Maya Rockeymoore-Cummings speaks rus of political leaders to come land School of Law. Cummings children. in remembrance of her husband Elijah to West Baltimore to cry, to also received 13 honorary doc- On Thursday, lawmakers Cummings pray and to celebrate the life of toral degrees from universities on both sides of the political Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) throughout the nation. aisle, paused to receive the fl ag- whose career of service extend- One of the most touching trib- draped casket that was brought ed far from the residents of the utes was from one of his best up the west front of the U.S. 7th Congressional District and friends Larry Gibson who Cum- Capitol by a military honor his memory will last much lon- mings called his mentor be- guard. Vice President Pence, ger than his 68 years of life. cause they attended high school Senate President Mitch McCo- “Elijah Cummings came from and Baltimore City College nnell and other top Republican good soil. Goodness took root. together. Former Mayor Steph- lawmakers gathered in Statuary His father worked in a plant. any Rawlings Blake, Maryland Hall. House Speaker Nancy Pe- His mother cleaned rooms,” Mosby and dozens of speakers losi referred to the fallen con- said President Obama. More talked about how Cummings gressman as “Our Dear Elijah.” than 4,000 people attended did so much for their careers. Cummings becomes the fi rst Mayor Jack Young to Mary- Cummings’ funeral that capped T h e Cummings began his career African American lawmaker to three days of tributes that began President Barack Obama speaks ski. Senator Ben Cardin called of public service in the Mary- lie in state at the US Capitol. at the United States Capitol and Cummings, “a champion of so- land House of Delegates, where While many members of Con- concluded at New Psalmist Bap- cial justice,” and Senator Chris he served for 14 years and be- gress spoke, the biggest mes- tist Church in West Baltimore. Van Hollen, “We thank God for came the fi rst African Ameri- sage was never spoken. It was At a time when the media is the gift that was the journey of can in Maryland history to be the sight of an endless line of consumed with allegations of Elijah Cummings.” named Speaker Pro Tempore. citizens from across the country wrongdoing and the possible Maryland State Senate Presi- From 1996 until 2019 his vot- who came to Capitol Hill to si- impeachment of President Don- dent Thomas V. Mike Miller, ing record refl ected his deep al- lently paid their respects. ald Trump, the three days of who is stepping down from his legiance to the Constitution and On Friday Bishop Walter tribute for Cummings, was a post because he is being treat- Bill of Rights. Scott Thomas Sr. welcomed a welcomed reminder of a time ed for prostrate cancer, stood The congressman often said line of people into New Psalm- past when hard work and dig- in front of the stage instead of that his vote for the Patient Pro- ist that formed at 4:30 a.m. The nity was a hall mark for leader- coming to the podium. He sim- tection and Affordable Care Act church organist played the great ship. President Barack Obama is applauded by the audience as Cummings’ ply said, “thank you for being (ACA) in 2010 was the most songs of the church punctuated The tributes began early widow, Maya Rockeymoore-Cummings tells of how proud the my friend.” important he ever cast. In 2014, by the music of Bee Bee Winans Thursday as members of the congressman was to be his friend and supporter. The audience stood to their he fought to include prostate and the words of many powerful Morgan State University Army feet in response to refl ections cancer in the Compassionate speakers. ROTC brought Cummings’ blue from Maya Rockeymoore- Allowances listing allowing the Whether it was from two land’s two United States Sena- casket into the Carl F. Murphy Prince Hall masons were post- Cummings, the widow of the Social Security Administration presidents, a former secretary tors. Fine Arts Center on the campus. ed on each side of Cummings’ congressman. to cover medications, medical of state, his family, church “It was quite sad that we got The public and students got the casket all day and throughout “I want you all to know that it procedures, and provide fi nan- members or even his pastor, to meet him for a second time chance to view Cummings all the tribute at Morgan. Most of was not easy,” she said. “What cial support for men who can the dominant theme was that under these circumstances,” day until 5 pm when the Most the tributes were personal and Congressman Chairman Cum- no longer work and provide a Elijah Cummings was indeed a said Brittany Johnson, a senior Worshipful Prince Hall Grand included high school friends, mings did was not easy. And living for themselves and their prophet who loved and cared for multi-media journalism major. Lodge of Maryland, Phi Beta community leaders, city and while he carried himself with families. Over one million men people and they were grateful. “Many of us who witnessed his Sigma Fraternity, and the Sigma state offi cials and Maryland’s grace and dignity in all public have benefi tted from this policy. As they waited for a commut- speech during our 2019 gradua- Pi Phi Fraternity, Gamma Boule lawmakers in Congress. forums, it hurt him because one While Cummings is well er train at Baltimore’s Penn Sta- tion are extra lucky and blessed honored him. That was followed “We have lost a giant in our thing you do not know about known for chairing the House tion, Art and Diana Cohen, said to be in his presence one last by more than 27 elected lead- country,” said Maryland retired Congressman Cummings, he Committee on Oversight and they felt lucky to get into the time.” ers that ranged from Baltimore US Senator Barbara Mikul- was a man of soul and spirit. He Reform, he also fought Presi- church after waiting in line for a ELECTION 2019

B4 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2019 www.mississippilink.com Tougaloo students host candidates Hood and Hughes

By Levell Williams Tougaloo College Student Writer The Tougaloo College Judicial Com- mittee and NAACP hosted Mississippi Governor hopeful Jim Hood and Lieu- tenant Governor hopeful Jay Hughes October 22 and 24, respectively. The two men discussed their platforms, tak- ing questions from the attending stu- dent body. For its great potential to infl uence po- litical redistricting – and therefore spur underrepresentation through gerryman- dering – both candidates esteemed this election as the most important of this generation. It is important that students Jim Hood, MS Governor hopeful, pictured between Jamil Johnson, 1st Vice remain informed, to “decide [their] own President of Tougaloo’s NAACP (left) and Taylor Weatherspoon, Chief Justice fate,” said Jamil Johnson, 1st vice presi- of Tougaloo’s SGA (right). PHOTOS BY LEVELL WILLIAMS MS Lieutenant Governor hopeful Jay Hughes (far right) pictured with Tougaloo students. dent of Tougaloo’s NAACP. If elected governor, Hood said he on Mississippi infrastructure, health- but he supported its overall utility for all tial in struggling school districts. For Hughes, this comes in the form plans to address the emigration of Mis- care and education. There is much Mississippians. Hughes also mentioned Students further questioned the can- of his campaign’s text reminder feature. sissippi youth to other states (commonly untapped job potential in roadwork, his personal familiarity with the dire didates about the details of their educa- Hughes asks constituents for a phone called the “brain drain”), as well as gov- according to Hood. He also wants to need for improved rural healthcare, say- tion plans. number, as well as three people who ernmental corruption. He said Misssis- increase rural healthcare capabilities to ing that his own mother died as a result Hood said he plans to implement the they will remind to go vote. Then, on sippi currently has a minuscule growth include mental health counseling. “We of inadequate healthcare availability. underused Mississippi Adequate Edu- Nov. 5, as well as the day prior, they will rate of only 2% – more than fi ve times had better emergency rural healthcare Both Hood and Hughes paid particu- cation Plan (only fully funded twice receive a text reminder to go vote and to lower than that of Tennessee (24%), Ar- in the 1950s than today,” he said. lar focus to the importance of educa- since its passing in 1997) to better serve remind their friends. “What we use is kansas (14%), and Alabama (11%). He also wants to repurpose Mississip- tion. all Mississippi schools equally. the power of your sphere of infl uence,” According to Hood, lawmakers can pi funds to improve schools, as well as Hood plans to assign MSississippi Hughes said that he met with Alcorn said Hughes. be held accountable by the Open Re- to create and maintain teachers. “[It’s] a funds to serve education from the 4k to University, MS Valley State University Both Hood and Hughes presented cords Act for such documents as their sin,” he said about what he called Mis- college level. He also said he wants to and Jackson State University to discuss compelling ideas to the attending Tou- texts and emails. sissippi legislators’ lack of “respect” for implement free community college tu- the future of public HBCU funds. The galoo student body. The two men con- Hughes also touched on this topic, teachers. ition, as well as tuition forgiveness for three public HBCUs will soon lose curred on multiple matters, including saying, “We’ve got to stop all the crony, On healthcare, Hughes said he plans teachers after fi ve years of teaching in funds from the MS Institutions of High- education and legislative ethics. Now, ... secret deals that go on.” Hood said his to implement “Mississippi Cares” leg- the state. er Learning that were attained with it is up to Mississippians to show up at opponent Tate Reeves is responsible for islation, a derivative of the Affordable Hughes is opposed to state testing, diffi culty through the soon-to-expire the polls on Nov. 5 to “decide their own investing millions in efforts that sup- Care Act of the Obama Administration, calling it “archaic.” Also, he wants to Ayers settlement. fate.” port his own campaign interests, ne- according to Hughes, that was devel- change school ratings from the current On reaching young people, both can- As informed voters, it is expected glecting working class Mississippians. oped with cooperation from Governor A-F format to a number-based system, didates said technology is the most ef- that young Tougalooans will play no Further, Hood said he plans to focus Phil Bryant. “It’s not perfect,” he said, in an effort to emphasize growth poten- fective method. small part in the matter.

PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF JOHNNY DUPREE www.mississippilink.com OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • B5 Having the mind of Christ PRESERVED

By Pastor Simeon R. Green III Christ, we will not want to see pours out their heart week after too busy. We can become so Special to The Mississippi Link Little things someone hurt or see any envy week, message after message, preoccupied with making a F r i s t rise up. Why? They are our to try to warn the people about living, working, paying our Corinthians 1:10 brothers and sisters in Christ. immodesty and everything that bills, buying groceries and reads, “Now I We should be happy for them goes with it; some people buck accomplishing goals that we beseech you, if they get something new. We up, so to speak. Should we not neglect our salvation. Those brethren, by should be happy if they get a know that a man or woman things are not the point of life. mean a lot the name of new home or another home. Too of God is doing that for our The true goal of life is to have our Lord Jesus many people are so fi lled with protection? Jesus Christ living in our hearts. By Shewanda Riley but had no clue what that was. Christ, that ye all speak the pride and jealousy that they As a Christian, we need The point of life is to love Columnist When we got to Jackson, one same thing, and that there be no cannot see the needs in their to be at our post of duty. We God and His people. Life minus This past week- of the fi rst things we did was get divisions among you; but that own lives. Child of God, we should not get so busy with love equals zero. We need to end for the fi rst a copy of the newspaper to see if ye be perfectly joined together cannot let our pride consume our schedule that we miss out ponder this thought. time in about 10 the story was printed. Not only in the same mind and in the us. It can destroy us if we allow on the true meaning of how or Rev. Simeon R. Green III is years, the Anoint- was the story in the newspaper, same judgment.” it. why the Lord died for us. We pastor of Joynes Road Church of ed Authors on it was a full page, full color In order to be joined together If sin is not checked or dealt need to keep a fresh and up- God, 31 Joynes Road, Hampton Tour, a Christian story. From that story being the way Christ wants His people with, it will spread into other to-date relationship with Jesus VA 23669. He is a member of women’s book printed, we got an unexpected to be, we must have the mind of areas of our lives. When a dear Christ. Shouldn’t we know the National Association of tour I was blessed to be a part of, last minute request from a local Christ. man or woman of God stands that busyness is a great enemy Evangelism Church of God, reunited at the Christian Book radio station to do an interview When we have the mind of behind the sacred desk and of relationships? We can get Anderson, Ind. Lover’s Retreat in Charlotte, on their Sunday morning gospel North Carolina. show because on air personality Seeing the over 400 attendees saw the story in the newspaper. from book clubs at the conference It wasn’t the same radio station “A Reason for Revival” TLMBC Harvest Revival 2019 as well as authors made me think that we were originally asked to about the many lessons we learned be on but God still worked it out. while we toured nationally and God had answered our earlier The Mississippi Link Newswire Mourners Bench every night of rather than who might need therefore let’s encourage our internationally for nearly 4 years prayers. Being obedient in the Just a few years ago Revival revival, until the spirit moved the Word. The act of compel- children, brothers, sisters, and starting in 2006. small things, like sending out a Services were identifi ed as the within them, to get up and take ling penitent sinner to come to neighbors, to come. Come to One lesson was about being press release, eventually led to us second most likely day of con- “the chair.” This would often Christ is becoming a lost focus receive the living Word of God, obedient in the small things. It getting what we wanted: the radio version in the life of the church. happen after the Pastor or guest in the body of Christ. Matthew in the hope that we will receive started as a simple request from station interview. Second only to Easter Sunday Evangelist would extend the 28:19-20 is clear the work of eternal life. a fellow member of the Anointed Jeremiah 7:23 says, “Obey Services. It was during Reviv- Invitation of Discipleship. This the believer is to “Go therefore One in Jesus, Pastor Cheeks Authors on Tour: “Can you send me, and I will be your God and als where new converts would moment of acceptance would and make disciple of all nations, Reverend Marvin Adams – a press release to the media in you will be my people. Walk in make up their mind about ac- be the highlight of the revival. baptizing them in the name of New Kingdom Baptist Church, Jackson, Mississippi?” We were obedience to all I command you, cepting Christ as their Lord The community talked about the Holy Spirit.” Revivals aid us Jackson, MS scheduled to make a tour stop in that it may go well with you.” We and Savior. The “Mourners’ how many converts came to in the work of making disciples. Sunday, November 3 @ 6:00 Jackson and she wanted to make didn’t know it at the time but the Bench” would be fi lled with Christ during the revival. It was Our 2019 Harvest Revival p.m. sure that all the public relations small, deliberate steps that we individuals looking for salva- a badge of honor for many... offers the opportunity for be- Reverend Mark Williamson; bases were covered. After took in preparing to go to Jackson tion. By defi nition, this bench bragging about how many the lievers to see the living Word Winona Baptist Church, Wi- researching the radio, tv and eventually led us to getting a or seat at the front of the church church “took-in.” But, no more. of God climax in the life of a nona, MS newspapers in Jackson, I sent the prayer answered. was set apart for mourners or The focus of Revival has penitent sinner seeking salva- Monday & Tuesday, Novem- press release and prayed that the Being obedient in the small repenting sinners seeking re- shifted from the pew to the pul- tion. The theme is “Nothing is ber 4-5 @ 7:00 p.m. book tour would have favor with things isn’t always easy but we demption. In most churches, pit. The determining factor for Too Hard for God,” based on Reverend John Wicks; Mt. whoever read it. don’t know what God has for us children who had not accepted many attending Revival hinges Jeremiah 32:26. Nebo Baptist Church, Jackson, Within a few days, we got a on the other side of our obedience. Christ were forced to sit on the on who is delivering the Word Revival is about salvation, MS request from a writer at a Jackson We just have to trust that God’s newspaper who wanted to do sovereign hand will lead us to a story. After sending her the Moving the Masses Toward the Mission of the Master a place of blessings after our photos and bios she requested, we faithful obedience. also prayed that the story would Shewanda Riley is a Fort be published. I even sent a press Worth, Texas based author release to a Jackson gospel radio of “Love Hangover: Moving air personality who had initially from Pain to Purpose After a offered to do radio interviews Relationship Ends” and “Writing with us a few months earlier. Then to the Beat of God’s Heart: A all at once, the radio dj stopped Book of Prayers for Writers.” communicating with us. We were Email preservedbypurpose@ 1750 disappointed but concluded that gmail.com or follow her on SUNDAY God had something better for us Twitter @shewanda. Worship Services www.nhcms.org 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 8:45 a.m. MONDAY New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Intercessory Prayer 9:00 a.m. Pastor, Dr. F. R. Lenoir WEDNESDAY Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. Sunday Morning Worship - 10:30 a.m. Classes: Children • Youth • Adult - 7:00p.m. Live Radio Broadcast Michael T. Williams WOAD AM 1300 - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Pastor

“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] CLASSIFIED

B6 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2019 www.mississippilink.com

LEGAL LEGAL LEGAL

Advertisement for Reverse Auction Bid DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Advertisement for Electronic Bidding Bid 3112 Cisco CP Telephones BUREAU OF BUILDING, GROUNDS AND REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Bid 3109 Forest Hill High School – Coliseum Renovation Reverse Auction bidding for the above bid will be received by the Board JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI of Trustees of the Jackson Public School District, in the Business Offi ce, Sealed, written formal bid proposals for the above bid will be received by 662 South President Street, Jackson, Mississippi, until 10:00 A.M. (Local NOTICE OF PROPOSED SOLE SOURCE the Board of Trustees of the Jackson Public School District, in the Business Prevailing Time) November 19, 2019 at which time Reverse Auction bidding Offi ce, 662 South President Street, Jackson, Mississippi, until 2:00 P.M. begins electronically. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any GS# 362-061 (Local Prevailing Time) November 22, 2019, at which time and place they and all bids, to waive informalities, and to withhold the acceptance of any Elevator Improvements will be publicly opened and read aloud. A Pre-Bid Conference concerning bid if approved for forty-fi ve calendar days from the date Reverse Auction Woolfolk Building (Offi ce and Capitol Facilities) (Department of Finance & the project for will be held at Forest Hill High School, 2607 Raymond Road, bid opening ends. Administration) Jackson, MS on November 12, 2019 at 9:00 A.M. Attendance at the pre- bid conference is non-mandatory but strongly suggested. The Board of Specifi cation responses must be submitted for this bid event. Specifi cations Portal RFx #: 3160003267 Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive informalities, are due no later than (5:00 p.m., November 12, 2019 local time to be the and to withhold the acceptance of any bid if approved for forty-fi ve calendar given the opportunity to participate in the auction. Vendors submitting The Department of Finance and Administration, Bureau of Building, days from the date bids are opened. acceptable specifi cation responses will be invited to participate in the Grounds and Real Property Management intends to purchase the item electronic reverse auction at www.centralbidding.com on November 19, listed below as a sole-source purchase within the project referenced above: Plan holders are required to register and order bid documents at www. 2019 beginning at 10:00 a.m. local time. Vendors must be registered planhouseprinting.com. Bid documents are non-refundable and must be with Central Bidding in order to participate in the reverse auction. For Elevator Improvements (Fire Alarm Sole Source Equipment Phase) purchased through the website. All plan holders are required to have a valid any questions concerning the reverse auction process or how to register, email address for registration. Questions regarding website registration and please contact Central Bidding at 225-810-4814. Bid specifi cations will Persons or entities objecting to such procurement must do so no later than online orders please contact Online Plan Room Support at Plan House, also be listed on JPSD Website at www.jackson.k12.ms.us. November 26, 2019 and are directed to the procurement portal website 605 Main St., Tupelo, MS 38804, 662- 407-0193. For questions regarding (https://www.ms.gov/dfa/contract_bid_search) for further information. bid documents, please contact Cooke Douglass Farr Lemons Architects + 10/31/2019, 11/7/2019 Procurement subject to the approval of the Public Procurement Review Engineers PA, Phone: 601-366-3110 or Email: thall@cdfl .com. Board. 10/24/2019, 10/31/2019 LEGAL Calvin Sibley, Bureau Director Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management

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Sealed, written formal bid proposals for the above bid will be received by the Board of Trustees of the Jackson Public School District, in the Business Offi ce, 662 South President Street, Jackson, Mississippi, until 10:00 A.M. (Local Prevailing Time) November 12, 2019, at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read aloud. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive informalities, and to withhold the acceptance of any bid if approved for forty-fi ve calendar days from the date bids are opened

Proposal forms and detailed specifi cations may be obtained free of charge by emailing [email protected], calling (601) 960-8799, or documents may be picked up at the above address or downloaded from JPS website at www.jackson.k12.ms.us 10/24/2019, 10/31/2019 Office LEGAL

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION BUREAU OF BUILDING, GROUNDS AND REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Space Sealed bids will be received at the Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management, 501 North West Street, Suite 1401 B, Jackson, Mississippi, 39201, until 2:00:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 12/03/2019 , for:

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at which time they will be publicly opened and read. Contract documents may be obtained from: for Rent Professional: Edmonds Engineering Inc. (Hoover, Alabama, through the Offi ce listed herein) Address: 1900 Lakeland Drive Jackson, Mississippi 39216 Phone: 601-362-6478 Email: [email protected]

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

Calvin R. Sibley, Bureau Director Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management Garrett 10/31/2019, 11/7/2019 Enterprises Building

(Near Jackson Medical Mall)

2659 Livingston Road Jackson, MS 39213

2500 Square Feet

Call: 601-209-9199 www.mississippilink.com OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • B7

P ICK UP THE MISSISSIPPI LINK AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

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

B8 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2019 www.mississippilink.com Decent: A My problem with the CBCF word rarely and ASALH Conferences

feard By A. Peter Bailey of education, economic, political are black folk, with skills and ex- exploiting Africa’s wealth in min- TriceEdneyWire.com By E. Faye Williams issues in small settings. pertise in a wide variety of edu- erals; also guidelines on dealing Trice Edney Newswire During the past There was also opportunity for cational, economic, political and with advances in science and tech- 20 years I have at- registrants to attend two town hall cultural arenas. Throughout the nology, travelling to visit Africa, Decent is a word we rarely hear – es- tended numerous sessions at CBCF’s conferences year they probably have opportu- South America and the Caribbean. pecially in Washington, but in the past of the annual con- and two plenary sessions at the nities to meet and discuss issues Also on confronting health issues few days, it was used frequently when ferences hosted by ASALH event. with others in their fi eld. That’s that challenge black communities. describing the late Congressman Elijah the Congressio- The CBCF Town hall sessions why when they attend the nation- There can be a town hall or ple- Cummings. nal Black Caucus were 400 years: Our Legacy, Our al conferences hosted by CBCF nary session to introduce all regis- On a personal note, remembering how Foundation (CBCF) and the As- Possibilities and The Commission and ASALH, there should be an trants to black, historical warriors many people abroad treated Americans sociation for the Study of African on the Social Status of Black Men opportunity to attend numerous who may not be known to them, who lived in or traveled to their countries after the fi rst American Life and History (AS- and Boys. town hall and plenary sessions warriors such as Mary Elizabeth U.S. led attack on Iraq, I’ve chosen not to travel abroad ALH). CBCF’s 49th Annual Leg- ASALH’s plenary sessions were during which issues are analyzed Bowser, who for two years spied until someone is elected to lead our nation who shows islative Conference was held, as Moving, Marking and Making the and discussed that go beyond their for the Union Army in the Con- some sense of decency like Mr. Cummings. News about always, Sep. 11-15 in Washington Beat: A Century of African Amer- particular fi eld of study. federate White House. how our country is run since President Barack Obama D.C., while ASALH’s 104th Con- ican Migration and 400 Years of For instance, there should be More town halls and plenary left offi ce is nothing of which any American can be ference was held this year October Perseverance: Stolen From Africa sessions that provide information sessions such as the above-men- proud – but this past week, we can take pride in the de- 2-6 in Charleston, S.C. But Making Black Lives Matter. and guidelines on how black folks tioned and others would make the scriptions by many of Congressman Cummings. During two days CBCF pre- Which brings me to what I con- can more effectively use their col- CBCF and ASALH conferences We’ve had a slight pause in the meanness of spirit sented over 100 workshops, pan- sider the continuous and major lective economic resources to pro- even more valuable than they are we hear daily. Though the word decent is rarely heard els and sessions; ASALH, in its fl aws of all their conferences that mote and protect their interests in now. It would have been valuable in Washington, this week has been a bit different when three days, featured over 200 of I have attended through the years. this basically white supremacist if either or both conferences had Congressman Cummings died. His death brought out the same. The panels, workshops Both present way too many pan- society. They can also do the same included town halls and plenary the better angels of Members of Congress as he became and sessions provided an oppor- els, workshops and sessions and when subjects such as Pan-Afri- sessions on our economic, cul- the fi rst African American to lie in State at the U.S. Cap- tunity for registrants to attend and a glaringly insuffi cient number of canism as a force that can assist tural, educational, psychological itol. Positive statements came from Democrats and Re- participate in the discussion and town hall and plenary sessions. in blocking the continents of Asia, and political conditions after 400 publicans when asked to comment on Mr. Cummings. analyzing of a signifi cant number Registrants at both conferences Europe and North America from years. He was described by many as a decent man, a uniter, a North Star, a good man, kind, a warrior for causes he cared about, an advocate for the people and our democ- racy. No one argued with those descriptions. We learned that he had 12 honorary doctorates and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Howard University. He was respected by many who differed from him politically. He was held Nooses, lynching in high esteem. Various groups held memorials to this man and what he represented to them. Everyone who knew him seems to have thought they had a special relationship with and racial intimidation him. I think that demonstrates there is more to life than politics, and it was certainly true for Congressman Cum- By Julianne Malveaux mings. He was admired by many, and his loyalty to truth sponded appropriately, “Nooses ney fees. Most folks who are the Kurd allies unprotected. NNPA News Wire Columnist and justice for all is unquestioned. are an offensive symbol, with deep receiving end of noose intimida- When 45 uses the term “lynch- We’ll miss his strong voice when others are silent or Are the use of impacts to our students, faculty, tion don’t experience such a vic- ing,” he is attempting to minimize argue over trivial matters. Rep. Matt Gaetz is one of nooses as sym- staff and community. Their use to tory. the terrorist roots of lynching in those exceptions to being civil as service for Rep. Cum- bols of intimida- amplify any issue is misguided, Employees at UPS, who fi led a the United States. More than 4,000 mings was in progress. MSNBC host, Hallie Jackson, tion rising in the hurtful and contrary to UW-Madi- lawsuit earlier this year, have yet people died from lynching in this was interviewing him. He talked all over her and talked workplace? Equal son’s values of civility, respect and to receive satisfaction. Nooses country, and their lynchings didn’t about crazy stuff in an effort to shut her up so he could Employment Op- inclusion.” show up on construction sites (San happen at the hands of a Congres- use his Republican talking points. Rep. Dan Kildee, portunity Commis- Bananas were found hanging Francisco), shipyards, offi ces and sional committee, but at the end who had spoken just before Gaetz, spoke of his special sion (EEOC) data says that reports from string in the form of nooses at in public places like courthouses of ropes. Many were burned alive. relationship with Rep. Cummings, jokingly saying he of racism and discrimination are on American University after Taylor and municipal buildings. And the After they died, their bodies were learned everybody had a special relationship with him. the rise. Their data does not speak Dumpson was installed as the fi rst nooses are used not just to intimi- fi rst used for sport (some bodies It’s so refreshing to learn of all the good things Rep. to nooses, particularly. Still, it is African-American president of the date individuals, but also to remind were found with hundreds of bul- Cummings stood for, not just talking about them, but do- disturbing to peruse newspaper re- student government. The bananas communities that racism continues lets in them). Then, their remains ing something about them. Listening to Mr. Cummings’ ports to learn that at purportedly were marked with the letters AKA, to thrive. were used as keepsakes when rac- good works from so many, I was reminded of Fannie Lou “woke” workplaces and suppos- which happens to be Dumpson’s Part of the reason it seems to ist observers of lynching fought Hamer’s words when she said, “You can pray until you edly liberal campuses, racists or sorority. While the perpetrators thrive is because the leadership of for souvenirs – a fi nger, a tooth, faint, but nothing will happen until you get up and do fools (or both) are using nooses as were never identifi ed, some people our nation has openly embraced or whatever they could keep as a something.” From all the comments of who Rep. Cum- symbols of racist intimidation, just decided to take the hate to another racism. While he has not yet used gruesome reminder of their white mings was, it’s obvious he often got up to do something! as they were a century ago. level, identifying Dumpson in the nooses, he doesn’t mind his sup- supremacy. Meadows is said to have shared a special bond with Some of the places that have racist rag, The Daily Stormer. porters showing up at his rallies Nooses have no place in a civi- Mr. Cummings, saying he mentored, had a youth pro- had recent noose incidents include Andrew Anglin, the publisher of brandishing the symbols of the lized society, nor does the casual gram, helped other elected leaders and many others to Stanford University, the University The Daily Stormer, encouraged his confederacy. Indeed, he embraced mention of lynching. While Mr. achieve their dreams. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver delivered of Alabama, the University of Illi- readers to “troll storm” Dumpson, the neo-Nazi hoodlums whose ac- Trump did not create the racism an awesome prayer about the lessons we’ve learned nois and Duke University. and she got so many racist emails, tions in Charlottesville, Virginia, manifest in nooses and lynching, from him. Speaker Nancy Pelosi said he’d made a re- In September, two climate messages and threats that she cause the death of Heather Heyer. he has undoubtedly unleashed its quest to give him more freshman Members so he could change activists appeared at the feared for her life. Her grades fell, And the man who has a long expression. I would say that 45 help them achieve their dreams. Sen. Mitch McConnell supposedly progressive University and she ended up dropping a mi- history of wallowing in racist should be ashamed, but his outra- said he encouraged unity and peace. Sen. Ben Cardin of Wisconsin wearing nooses. The nor. Of course, the university made mud recently opined that he feels geous acts and his insensitive rhet- read from 2nd Timothy, “I have fought a good fi ght. I protesters say they were modeling all the usual noise about rejecting “lynched” by the Congressional oric suggest that, actually, he has have fi nished my course. I have kept the faith.” Sen. their behavior after seeing them racism. They couldn’t fi nd the per- inquiry into his outrageous behav- no shame. Chuck Schumer said his voice could shake mountains used in a European climate change petrators of the noose incident. ior, which includes pressuring the Julianne Malveaux is an author and that we have lost a giant. I agree. protest. Nonsense. If these protest- Dumpson got her victory this Ukrainian president to investigate and economist. Her latest project E. Faye Williams is president of the National Con- ers grew up in the United States, year, though. In August 2019, his political opponent, repeatedly MALVEAUX! On UDCTV is avail- gress of Black Women and host of “Wake Up and Stay they ought to have known what a judge awarded her more than violating the Emoluments Clause able on youtube.com. For booking, Woke” on WPFW-FM 89.3. www.nationalcongressbw. nooses mean. $700,000 for punitive damages, of the Constitution, and withdraw- wholesale inquiries or for more org Chancellor Rebecca Blank re- compensatory damages and attor- ing troops from Syria, leaving our info visit www.juliannemalveaux. Trump is not alone among Americans in failing to understand what a real lynching is

By Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. from a state that, the Equal Jus- to justify racial terror have never to reimpose racial subordination in furtherance of an unjust social terrorize blacks, but to reinforce Founder and President of tice Initiative reports, lynched been adequately confronted and and segregation. order.” among whites the myth that Rainbow PUSH Coalition 187 black people between 1877 are refl ected in the unprecedented In its compelling report, Whatever complaints Repub- blacks were sub-human. They D o n a l d and 1950, should know better. He – and still racially skewed – mass “Lynching in America: Confront- licans may have about an im- were not about controlling crime, Trump’s use of was a member of the Senate when incarceration in America. ing the Legacy of Racial Terror,” peachment hearing convened in but about racial control. Their the term “lynch- it voted unanimously in Decem- To this day, no Congress has the Equal Justice Initiative com- Congress under its constitutional perpetrators were celebrated, not ing” to describe ber 2018 to make lynching a fed- passed, and no president has piled records of 4,075 “racial ter- authority, it surely is not a lynch- prosecuted. the ongoing im- eral crime, calling it “the ultimate signed into law, a bill to outlaw ror lynchings” of African Ameri- ing. Lynching in the South was The Equal Justice Initiative re- peachment inqui- expression of racism in the U.S,” lynching as a federal hate crime. cans in 12 states of the South not done by fringes of the soci- ports that only 1 percent of those ry in the House and classifying it as a hate crime. Trump defended himself, say- from the post-Civil War Recon- ety taking the law in their own committing lynchings were con- naturally sparked bipartisan Trump’s casual use of the word ing that lynching is a “word that struction era to World War II. hands. It was often organized by victed of a criminal offense after outrage. The president and his is an indication of the sad reality many Democrats have used.” The report shows that “terror the community’s most prominent 1900. shameless apologist, South Caro- that America has largely failed to That’s true, but that only rein- lynchings in the American South people and condoned by offi cials. Racial terror in the South suc- lina’s Sen. Lindsey Graham, de- address the role of racial terror forces the need to confront the were not isolated hate crimes Lynchings were often grue- ceeded in re-establishing white fended the use of the word, with and violence in our history, and truth of the past. Lynching and committed by rogue vigilantes. some public spectacles, with rule and black subordination af- Graham calling the investigation its legacy in distorting our crimi- racial terror were used purpose- Lynching was targeted racial vio- victims tortured and murdered ter the Civil War. With whites a “lynching in every sense.” nal justice system. The myths of fully after the Civil War in the lence at the core of a systematic in front of picnicking spectators. Read more online at Surely Graham, who comes black criminality that were used former states of the Confederacy campaign of terror perpetrated Their intent was not simply to www.themississippilink.com

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. ELECTION 2019

www.mississippilink.com OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • B9 Hosemann and Hughes seek most powerful offi ce in Mississippi – lieutenant governor

By Adam Ganucheau The lieutenant governor’s offi ce is Mississippi Today widely considered the most powerful in Supporters of lieutenant governor state government. The position’s broad candidates Delbert Hosemann and Jay defi nition in the state Constitution gives Hughes hold signs during the Nesho- it legitimate power in both the execu- ba County Fair Wednesday, July 31, tive and legislative branches of govern- 2019. ment. Republican Secretary of State Del- The lieutenant governor is second in bert Hosemann and Democratic state the line of succession for the governor- Rep. Jay Hughes are running on simi- ship, and the lieutenant governor serves lar issues as they seek to become the as acting governor whenever the gover- next lieutenant governor, what many nor is out of state. consider the most powerful position in Because the state Constitution Mississippi state government. Delbert Hosemann (left) and Jay Hughes doesn’t spell out limits of the lieutenant Both Hosemann and Hughes have governor’s offi ce, Senate rules dictate said they want to work across party committee meetings instead of the de- the offi ce’s powers. Those rules make lines to expand Medicaid, give public liberations on the fl oors of the Senate the lieutenant governor president of the school teachers large pay increases, and House. Hughes has pointed out that Senate, granting its offi ce the power address the state’s road and bridge he’s fi led more than a dozen bills the to assign committees and committee crisis and increase legislative transpar- ERIC J. SHELTON/MISSISSIPPI TODAY, REPORT FOR AMERICA past four years to increase transparency chairs. With control of the committee ency. at the Capitol, including live streaming assignments, the lieutenant governor “We still were able to work together policies instead of working on the best federal Medicaid dollars to help unin- committee meetings and making law- routinely has the power to push or kill without people talking about each oth- headline for the next day.” sured people buy private health insur- makers’ phone calls and emails subject any piece of legislation he wants. er,” Hosemann said of the previous po- Hosemann, 72, says his fi rst legis- ance; later, Arkansas added work re- to the Open Records Act. Former state Supreme Court Justice litical era when Democrats controlled lative priority will be funding public quirements and cost sharing for certain Both candidates’ policy ideas and Michael Sullivan, dissenting from a government. “We’d talk to each other. school teacher pay raises. He has also Medicaid benefi ciaries. rhetoric about working across party monumental 1987 ruling that affi rmed We were able to go back through the discussed the desire to fully fund pre- Hughes also wants to expand Medic- lines have been seen by some as a shot the constitutionality of the offi ce’s process of having conversations about kindergarten initiatives – an idea of aid in the state by accepting additional at Reeves, the outgoing lieutenant gov- broad powers, wrote that the lieuten- a common goal… You’ll see us work- current Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and Gov. federal funds to provide health cover- ernor who is the Republican nominee ant governor is “a powerful legislative ing with everyone to get things done on Phil Bryant that escaped completion age for primarily the working poor. for governor. Reeves’ heavy-handed creature, a super-senator, vested with education, health care, infrastructure during their terms. Hosemann and Hughes also sup- leadership style during his eight years suffi cient legislative authority to virtu- and all the things Mississippi needs to Hughes, 56, has crisscrossed the port some version of a gas tax in- as lieutenant governor regularly gener- ally dominate the entire Senate.” address. We’ll solve those issues.” state for three years focusing his cam- crease. Hosemann has pitched a plan ated legislative battles, including with- “All men must tread softly in the Hughes commonly uses the line paign efforts on public school edu- that would let the state’s 82 counties in his own Republican party. presence of such power,” Sullivan “people over party” on the campaign cators. His campaign slogan, “It All decide for themselves whether or not Hosemann, who has not endorsed wrote. “Mississippians would also be trail. Starts With Education,” is plastered to increase the gas tax in those coun- Reeves in the governor’s race, has well advised to determine from their “I want to join people together,” on his campaign RV and his campaign ties. Hughes has said the state gas tax downplayed the notion of supporting candidates for the offi ce of state sena- Hughes said in a Sept. 5 debate. “I materials. He has long pushed for of 18.4 cents per gallon should be in- policies that might not have support tor, if those candidates would serve the believe in compromise, humility and higher public school teacher salaries. creased, but that he would aim to off- from the Governor’s Mansion should electorate or the lieutenant governor. respect, not my way or the highway. Hosemann told Mississippi Today set that increase with income tax cuts. Reeves win on Nov. 5. Hughes has also (The 1987 Supreme Court) decision When I was down there in Jackson, I he met with one of the architects of the And both candidates support some butted heads with Reeves the past four implies that a senator may be unable to realized that’s not how it’s running. So Arkansas Medicaid expansion plan. In increase of transparency at the Capi- years, particularly over education poli- function effectively unless he chooses I want to do that. I want to work on 2013, Arkansas drafted a plan to use tol. Hosemann proposed live-streaming cy that Hughes championed. to serve the latter.”

SAMPLE BALLOT ELECTION 2019

B10 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2019 www.mississippilink.com In the Secretary of State race, DuPree will focus on voter accessibility

By Bobby Harrison DuPree, 65, who has a doc- owned lands. Include civics class and mock Mississippi Today torate in urban studies, served DuPree, who has a back- elections in high school curric- Johnny DuPree, the Demo- four terms as mayor of Hatties- ground in real estate, said he ulum cratic nominee for Secretary of burg before he was defeated in wants the offi ce to focus on en- Raise awareness on who is State, wants to focus on expand- 2017. After losing the mayoral suring the maximum revenue is eligible to vote ing the percentage of people election, DuPree said he started earned for local school districts Develop a Secretary of State voting in Mississippi by enact- some businesses and was teach- from 16th Section land, which election certifi cation program ing no excuse early voting, al- ing a public policy class at the is public lands set aside for edu- for college credit. lowing online voter registration University of Southern Missis- cation. How Can We Increase Ac- and developing educational ef- sippi when he decided to re- A former school board mem- cess To The Polls? forts to spur civic engagement, enter politics. ber, DuPree, said he has experi- Allow voter registration up to particularly among young peo- DuPree recalled his students ence dealing with 16th Section 15 days before election ple. were bright but were not so- land issues. Streamline voter purging pro- In Mississippi people are al- cially engaged in politics and DuPree said he believes pa- cess lowed to vote early only if they the election process. He said per ballots should be used in Increase number of on-cam- will be away from home on he decided to run for secretary all elections – especially after pus voting precincts Election Day, or are disabled or of state to work to make voting what occurred earlier this year Create more effi cient and in- elderly. No excuse early voting more accessible and to encour- in the party primary elections clusive methods for early vot- is allowed in 38 states. DuPree age people to engage in the po- when online videos surfaced ing, especially for college stu- said voting is “a fundamental litical process. of people voting for one can- dents and seniors. right” and should be made as “If we don’t do something didate and the machine trying How Can We Increase Vot- easy as possible, especially for with where we are right now, to record the vote for the other er Participation? working people. we are going to end up, may- candidate. He said paper bal- Institute paper ballot systems “I do know that two-thirds of be not tomorrow, with a small lots, which some Mississippi to create accountability and au- America allow it (early voting) group of people determining counties already use, would diting measures for post-elec- and we don’t,” said DuPree. our lives,” DuPree said of voter help restore faith in the election tion processing “…I don’t know why voting apathy. process. Propose same-year state and is such a crime in Mississippi. One of the high profi le func- In an effort to improve voter federal elections to help reduce That is what it feels like, a tions of the Secretary of State’s participation, DuPree also has costs and increase voter turnout crime.” He said the state’s po- offi ce is overseeing state elec- proposed moving statewide Increase awareness of civic litical establishment is focused tions, though, in Mississippi elections to presidential years. engagement opportunities, e.g. on maintaining “the status local election offi cials have Mississippians currently have election commission offi cers, signifi cant infl uence over the elections every year when mu- poll workers, student govern- quo,” while changes need to be Johnny DuPree ERIC J. SHELTON/MISSISSIPPI TODAY, REPORT FOR AMERICA made to connect with potential process. nicipal elections are factored ment associations. young voters who need to be served as a Forrest County su- in losing to Republican Phil The offi ce also provides other in. DuPree said it would make Together, we can strengthen given reasons to feel more con- pervisor. In 2011, he became Bryant. services, such as a record keep- sense to elect as many offi cers our democracy. nected with the state to prevent the fi rst African American to DuPree spoke and answered er for the state, an overseer of as possible the same year as Together, we can make real them from leaving after gradu- win a major party nomination questions recently at a meeting charities and sports agents, reg- presidential elections, which change in mississippi. ating from college. in Mississippi for the offi ce of of the Mississippi State Uni- istrar and overseer of various draw the largest voter turnout. Together, we can do this. DuPree is the former mayor governor. He garnered nearly versity Stennis Institute/capitol types of Mississippi businesses How Can We Expand Voter Vote Johnny DuPree for of Hattiesburg and previously 40 percent of the votes in 2011 press corps. and administrator of state- Education? Secretary of State Nov. 5.

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If you are 65 or older, disabled, college student, may be out of town, or your job requires unusual hours on election day, you may vote absentee in person at your local courthouse up until Saturday, November 2nd.

VOTE NOVEMBER 5, 2019 Central District Leadership backs Simmons as next Transportation Commissioner Central District

ENDORSEMENTS RECEIVED: AFL-CIO of Mississippi METRO JACKSON and Hinds Area Offi cials DELTA Area Offi cials EAST Mississippi Area Offi cials CENTRAL Mississippi Faith Based Community Mississippi Sheriff Association Representatives Jackson Advocate Newton County Political Action League Concerned Citizens of Rankin County Local Elected and Appointed Offi cials Metro Jackson and Hinds

Representatives from the Mississippi Sheriff’s Association Local Delta Elected and Appointed Offi cials Across the MS Central District Bolivar, Sunfl ower, Washington, Issaquena, Sharkey, Humphreys

Central Mississippi Faith Based Community Rankin, Madison, Hinds, and Warren East Mississippi Area Elected Offi cials Lauderdale, Newton, Neshoba, Kemper, Noxubee, and Meridian

Mississippi Central District Endorsements A diverse group of Democrats, Republicans, Elected and Appointed Offi cials, Faith Based and Community Leaders, and Numerous Grass Roots Organizations B12 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2019 www.mississippilink.com