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VOL. 25, NO. 34 JUNE 13 - 19, 2019 50¢

Lessons from This Father’s Day

By Glenn Mollette black fathers Guest Columnist What can we as father’s do with our remaining years? We can’t turn back the clock. Any and all missed op- portunities cannot be reclaimed. Some fathers’ live with regrets while others know they did the best they could. I don’t know of too many dads who deeply feel like they have been perfect. In our younger adult and middle age years we had a lot on our plates. We were trying to make it in our jobs and keep food in the house and a roof over our heads. Most of the time we were juggling long hours. Most of us tried to do the best we could. The best you can do with your remaining years is to love your children and grandchildren and others. Call them on the phone and visit them every chance you have. Engage in personal conversations. Talk to them about their lives and what they are doing. Give advice but don’t overdo it. Try to remember how well you listened to advice when you were 30 years old. Help your family as you can but if you do it all the time you will cripple them. What are your children going to do when you are gone? They have to make it fi nancially and emotionally. Birds must learn to fl y on their own and so do our children. Most anyone can go through a lot of money in a year or two if they don’t know how to budget and live thrifty. Find opportunities to engage with family as you can. Sometimes a day trip in a car with the radio off provides a lot of casual opportunities to talk about old times and new times. Casually let your children in on things you Warren Shadd, the nation’s fi rst African-American piano manufacturer, Cinematographer Nigel Thompson recalls how his father’s lessons -– have learned in your life. They might remember them recalls how he tagged along behind his father, James Shadd, a piano and example – guided him after his father, John Thompson, died when later down the road. Ask them to tell you what they have tuner at the historic Howard Theatre. he was only 13. learned and you will probably discover your child is going through some of the same stuff you did at his or her age. By Barrington M. Salmon Father’s Day, the power and im- ignored. tant lesson they learned from a fa- TriceEdneyWire.com As a father keep it balanced. How many years do you portance of fathers in shaping the With Sunday, June 16, set aside ther, father fi gure, mentor, teacher have left? I see old dads who spend every day with their Although many fathers grouse lives of their children and grand- to honor fathers, we asked some or other male with infl uence in about the short shrift they get on children cannot be understated or men to refl ect on the most impor- Lessons Father’s Day Continued on page 3 Continued on page 3 For over 40 years, Dr. Leonard Scott’s family business has been making people smile

The Mississippi Link Newswire to release the project,” he says. Some families pass down rec- In the early years, “We had a ipes or pocket watches but Dr. little house,” Dr. Scott recalls. Leonard Scott – an Indianap- “The record label was on the olis-based dentist since 1973, top fl oor; the dental offi ce was has passed down a passion for on the fi rst fl oor and my family teeth. Not only is he a leader in lived in the basement.” All of his fi eld but his commitment to his 7 children helped out in one it has infl uenced two genera- of his businesses. tions of his own family to fol- In spite of Tyscot’s success low in his footsteps. over the years, Scott Dentistry “I wanted to be a dentist be- has always been his main fo- fore being a musician,” says cus. His daughter, Dr. Lynna the 70-year-old Dr. Scott who Scott-Diggs joined the prac- is also the founder of Tyscot tice in 2007. “I grew up in the Records, which launched the practice, watching my father careers of a who’s who in gos- work and decided when I was pel music. “I was inspired by a very young that being a dentist high school biology teacher to was one of the things I really go into medicine and my dad wanted to do with my life,” always wanted me to be a phy- she says. “Being exposed to sician. However, I had a fear of Drs. Leonard Scott, Brook Scott, Lynna Scott-Diggs, Duane Bennett III the profession at such a young blood, so I chose dentistry in- age was a huge factor in choos- stead,” he chuckles. University, he started playing rock acts such as Steppenwolf behind, started to build his bum. “We couldn’t fi nd a com- ing my career and the reason I While Dr. Scott was a pre- with a funk band, The Soul and The Byrds. However, he dental practice and helped his pany to put the album out, so in Scott dentistry major at Indiana State Messengers, which opened for eventually left secular music church choir record its fi rst al- 1976 I started Tyscot Records Continued on page 3

Tony A. Montgomery Going Down Share this issue with a friend Pastoral Installation Home with by mailing it to: Daddy Inside

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2 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK JUNE 13 - 19, 2019 www.mississippilink.com Hinds CC names Local couple selected as new vice president Mr. And Mrs. Mississippi 2019 The Mississippi Link Newswire employees including the mayor, Kathy Amos and husband Joe aldermen and administration. for Utica Campus have been selected to represent Kathy plans to use her platform the Magnolia State as Mr. & Mrs. of serving and honoring women Mississippi 2019. Kathy was of- as her community service project The Mississippi Link Newswire fi cially crowned and Joe received for the National Competition in Hinds Community College has named a the Golden Scepter as Mr. & the Mrs. Black America Pageant new vice president for the Utica Campus. Mrs. Mississippi March 23, 2019, this October in Atlanta. Sherry Franklin was named to the position in Orlando, FL. Kathy will now Kathy and the Board of Gover- following offi cial action Wednesday by the compete in the Mrs. Black Amer- nors and the Executive Board of college’s Board of Trustees. ica Pageant in October in Atlanta, Empowering Progressive Wom- Franklin, of Brandon, has been with GA. en’s Association has celebrated the college since November 2004 and has Joe and Kathy are residents and and honored pioneering and trail- served in many roles at the college includ- community leaders of the city of blazing women who have and are Kathy and Joe Amos ing Career and Technical Education director, Canton, MS. still making a difference in their Dean of Students and Career and Techni- Joe has served as senior pastor communities for the past four cal Education dean for the Rankin Campus. of Turning Point Fellowship Min- Kathy is pastor and senior years at the upcoming 5th Annu- Since 2015, she has served as associate vice istries Intl. Church for twenty- coach of SafeHouse Ministries al Honorary Inaugural Ball, Sat- president of Career & Technical Education three years. He has also served where their mission is to share urday, August 24 at 6 p.m. at the and district director of Career & Technical as a volunteer for the Madison the love of God and spread the Hilton Jackson, 1001 E. County Education. County Nursing Home for the gospel of Jesus Christ one space Line Rd., Jackson, MS. Tickets She holds undergraduate and graduate past twenty-four years. at a time. will be available as early as May degrees in business education from Jackson Kathy serves as executive pas- Joe and Kathy have pioneered 15, 2019 at www.epwanetwork. State University. Prior to her work at Hinds, tor of Turning Point where she their community for the past 10 org. Proceeds from this event she taught business and computer technolo- oversees community outreach years. They started out meeting at will go to the EPWA Scholastic gy at the Jackson Career Development Cen- events and programs and leader- the Canton City Hall in a weekly Achievers Awards Program for ter and then worked with the State Depart- ship development and training. prayer group praying for city deserving college, high school ment of Education as program coordinator Kathy is also the founder and transformation. A few years later students and women who desire for business and computer technology. Franklin president of Empowering Pro- they pitched a tent in the Canton to advance in their education, In 2018, Franklin was named recipient of gressive Women’s Association. Courtyard Square and held what career or personal growth and de- the 3E Award, Emphasis on Excellence and at churches in Utica and Learned. My moth- The organization’s mission is to we know today as “Blessing Can- velopment. Education, which is the highest honor given er was a native of Edwards and a graduate of empower women to transform ton Week,” a week of revival and Your support is greatly needed by the college. Additional recognitions for the former Utica Junior College. their communities through com- fellowship both day and night to and appreciated to help Joe and her work include being named in 2007 as “As vice president, I am committed to pro- passion, education and honor. bring forth city transformation. Kathy maximize the opportuni- Tech Prep Exemplary Site Coordinator by vide cultural, ethical and servant leadership. Empowering Progressive Many of the community lead- ties given as state title holders the Mississippi Manufacturers’ Association Working with the Utica leadership team, I Women’s Association, doing ers including the mayor, school to empower and spread hope to and the Mississippi Department of Educa- plan to strategically target and capitalize on business as EPWA, has honored superintendents (public and pri- other communities, cities and tion, Offi ce of Workforce Development and areas of opportunity for sustainable growth 150 women over the past fi ve vate), pastors and merchant lead- states throughout their reign and Vocational Education. She serves as vice in enrollment by continuing to enhance years and has educated hundreds ers partnered with them in hopes hopefully as the next Mr. & Mrs. president of the Rankin County Chamber residential housing for students, faculty and of women in the areas of person- that God would bless their city Black America 2019. of Commerce Education Committee. She is staff; by building capacity in community al, professional and leadership and transformation would take For more information on EPWA also a graduate of Leadership Rankin and collaboration and by meeting the needs of growth and development. Kathy place. go to www.epwanetwork.org or the Mississippi Community College Leader- workforce through industry training.” is also an author as well as a cer- They also had the privilege of the Mrs. & Mr. Black America ship Academy. Since 2017, the vice presidency of the Uti- tifi ed coach, speaker and trainer hosting City Appreciation Lun- Pageant at www.mrsblackameri- “My connections to the Utica community ca Campus was held by Tyrone Jackson, who with The John Maxwell Team. cheons twice a year at the Canton ca.com. You may email Joe and are deeply rooted and personal,” Franklin has accepted a position as president of Mis- She is CEO/owner of Kathy Amos City Hall where they fed up to Kathy at klaministries@gmail. said. “My father ministered for 40-plus years sissippi Delta Community College. Coaching & Consulting, LLC. 100 or more of the City of Canton com. www.mississippilink.com JUNE 13 - 19, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 3

Lessons Continued from page 1 their lives. The following are parts of with work. The main question I have is gage him in conversation and reached you’re young you don’t know what’s His musical career was deeply infu- their stories. ‘how can I fx it?” out to shake his hand, but he refused to on the other side of the mountain…I’m enced by his father who was a Jazz pia- Dr. Dana Dennard, 66, university Thompson said his father’s death respond or reciprocate. glad I had the chance to talk to dad, nist and drummer in the Drum and Bu- professor, psychologist, social justice when he was 13, threw him into a tail- “When we left, my father was angry. share and thank him for the things he did gle Corps. Growing up, he said his aunt, activist, co-owner of Nefeteri’s Restau- spin but forced him to grow up quickly. When we pulled off, he said, ‘I say yes and taught me.” Shirley Horne, and a gaggle of other rant in Tallahassee, Fla. “When he died, as often happens, sir so that your ass can eat, so that your Warren Shadd, CEO of Shadd Pia- musicians were always at the house. “My father was absent and the most you’re not sure what to do or what to brothers and sisters can eat and so your nos & Keyboard, USA, the frst African- Shadd said he is still in awe of his fa- important thing I learned from that was think,” Thompson said softly. “For a mother can eat,” he said. “He was upset American piano manufacturer in the ther’s prodigious work ethic. to be present and be a father. I was raised year after he died, I was in a haze. Moth- with me. But when we got home, he ex- world, musician and child prodigy “There were lots of lessons learned, with my grandparents. My grandfather er forced me into doing adult things like plained to me what it was like for him “Man, there are just so many lessons. such as seeing the discipline of my fa- was a model for me. The main lesson I ironing my clothes to go to school and living in southern Louisiana, overcom- It may take a minute or two,” Warren ther,” he said. “He would go to his gov- learned was to be committed and handle ironing my siblings’ clothes too. I was ing challenges, fghting with white boys, Shadd mused. He said his father, James ernment work ‘til 5, come home, shower it.” responsible for everything after that. I being let go from jobs. He told me he M. Shadd, used to tell him, “While and shave and then he would go play Dennard, who grew up in St. Peters- had to get up at three in the morning to wasn’t less than a man. He said he hoped you’re out here bullsh--ing, certain little with his band. He did this for 33 years. burg, Florida during the Jim Crow era, arrange transportation to school and take I would understand. I took away from boys are studying day and night to be He would get only one or two hours said Papa Joe wasn’t his biological care of my siblings. I didn’t think about him what my journey would be like as a your boss. He was such an aggressive sleep and then he’d be at it again. Given grandfather. how tough it was. I really didn’t realize black man, a father, someone’s husband businessman.” this, I couldn’t be a slacker.” “He married my grandmother and it until I was in my 20s.” and that I would have dignity in what- The elder Shadd was the exclusive Gary Johnson, 61, worked in the in- raised her seven children,” Dennard re- His father’s example of thinking ever I did.” piano tuner to the historic Howard The- telligence community and served in the called. “He was the male fgure in my through and solving problems had be- Another lesson learned over the en- ater – the frst African American allowed federal government, including in the life and continues to be the model. He come a part of him. “I was thrown into tirety of his namesake’s life was his to join the union – and as a child, Warren White House as a staffer for the National was very soft-spoken and tinkered with the position of being responsible for ev- work ethic. And it’s clear that he’s not said he’d tag along. Security Agency things. He was a marksman in the mili- eryone under me and to tell the truth, I made of the stock his father was, Hines “I saw Sarah Vaughn, Duke Ellington, “My father, Samuel Johnson, was the tary and took me out at age 8 to shoot a handled it pretty well. I saw my mother said. Nancy Wilson, Jimmy Smith, Joe Wil- best man at my wedding. He told me so gun. He never laid a hand on any of us, get up and get things done and my father Hines said he remembers his father liams, Pearl Bailey, Count Basie, James many things. But the thing that stood out but I never wanted to disappoint him.” used to get up and get it done as well.” coming home from one job for 15 mins, Brown and other legendary perform- was that all you really need in life is one Dennard, who’s been married for Willie Hines, 56, sector head for Am- eating then laying on the foor before go- ers,” Shadd recalled. “I was enamored good friend, and to be careful of all the more than 30 years to Dr. Sharon Den- phibious Integration in the Amphibious ing off to another job. with the pointed toe shoes and slick others around you,” Johnson said. nard and is the father of three grown Warfare Branch, for the Chief of Naval “Man, he had so many jobs…He hair joints, the pageantry, strobe lights. Johnson’s Dad, a high school dropout, children, said Sgt. Joe Johnson’s impact Operations worked at Empire and would go for a There were great lessons I learned from held several jobs, including working as has lasted his whole life and he recently “The other day, I cried from Benning week at a time in Plaquemine. He caught my father from ages 4-11 such as under- a maintenance engineer at Metropolitan wrote a dedication to his grandfather in Road to Eastern Market thinking about fsh and cleaned fsh and fleted them. standing how to do stage performances, Police Department headquarters. The a book. my father,” said Hines, a resident of He was a gas station attendant. Worked choreography. He also had me do things family car was a taxicab, he said. “My mom had me in college and I Prince George’s County, Md. “It’s be- for city government in the Water and on the piano, fx things such as chang- “Another piece of advice he told me is didn’t move out of my grandparent’s cause Father’s Day is coming.” Gas department and worked for Dow ing bridal straps and changing hammers that you do what you have to do in life house until I was eight,” he said. “The Hines said he grew up in rural south- Chemical as a contractor supporter. I re- on piano actions, especially on old up- and don’t cut corners. I have two boys frst Christmas without them tore me up. ern Louisiana in a town which had 8,000 member I went to work with him when rights. Those things subsequently are and I quit my job to be a stay-at-home Sgt. Joe Johnson was the entire man. I people. He grew up in a shotgun house I was 15 to make some money and I fell how I know how to build and rebuild dad when they were 4 and 7 years old. never saw a faw in my entire life – that’s that had no running water or indoor out in that hot sun. We were out in the pianos.” I also started my own business, Black who I came from.” plumbing. sun shoveling s--t. I fell the hell out in Shadd comes from a family of musi- Men in America. I’m always trying to Nigel Thompson, 46, flm director, “We didn’t have running water until that sun, he put me in the shade and went cians. His father was a pianist and drum- model appropriate behavior and teach visual and graphic artist, Trinidad and I was 10 years old. It was defnitely a back and continued working.” mer and had a big band; his aunt was ac- young people.” Tobago. motivator for me.” Hines said. “The frst Hines said his late father only had a claimed Jazz songstress Shirley Horne; “I created ‘Daddy Academy’ because I “I would say that the lessons I learned important lesson happened when I was 5th-grade education but raised four boys his grandmother Marie was a pianist had to teach these guys how to be men.” didn’t happen at one time,” said Thomp- 8 years old. I went with my father to the in a tough, arbitrary world rife with rac- in a ragtime band; and his grandfather As for family, his father taught him son, a noted cinematographer in demand store. My father was 37 but he addressed ism, white privilege and entitlement. Gilbert designed and built a collapsible another crucial lesson: “The other thing around the world. “I had him for 10 short a 26-year-old white boy in the store as “I grew up most of my life hating drum set. He followed his father’s foot- was to not listen to your friends when years. He was the calmest person I’ve sir and the white boy called my father white people, but he taught me to be steps to become a second-generation you’re married and never embarrass ever met in my entire life. Mom would by his frst name. That took me immedi- like water, to become fuid and taking piano tuner and technician, and he is a your wife in public…Let me put it to shout and carry on and he’d be perfectly ately to a dark place.” the shape of whatever space/form that child prodigy and a third-generation mu- you this way: In July I will have been calm. He was the one who got me into Hines said the young man tried to en- you’re put it in,” Hines said. “When sician. married for 34 years - so I listened.” the arts when I was a child.” Thompson said his father, John Thompson, was a police offcer and in his off time, he’d read poetry and was part of a theatre group. “He was grooming me for a life in the arts and he didn’t even know it,” he said. “He taught me patience and how to solve things. I am that way, particularly

Father’s Day Continued from page 1 children and grandchildren and maybe this is what you want. Personally, I don’t think it’s healthy for anybody. Husbands and wives need to stay emo- tionally connected and this means taking time to go out of town by themselves. Whether it’s vacation, hobbies or simply maintaining an independent life. I’ve seen too many dads move in with a child and then soon the child was controlling dad’s checkbook and telling dad how to spend his money. The next move of course is “fnding a home for dad,” which means as- sisted living or a nursing home. Keep your independence. Keep driv- ing. Do daily activities to keep strong. Eat healthy as possible. See good doctors and stay away from the bad ones. Finally, be a good, happy, loving and independent father. That is probably the best gift you can give your children this father’s day.

Scott Continued from page 1 think it is so important to expose children from every background to as many STEM careers as possible.” Scott’s daughter, Melanie was attending her dad’s alma mater when she met her husband Duane Bennett II who is now a dentist with two offces in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. Now, the third genera- tion of Scotts in dentistry has begun with Dr. Leonard Scott’s granddaughter, Brook Scott, who graduated from Indiana State a few weeks ago and was hooded by both her grandfather and aunt. “I decided when I was 13 that I wanted to be a dentist,” she says. “ It started with me hanging around my grandad’s dental offce. He has always been so good with his patients and they al- ways left the offce happy and satisfed… Now, I enjoy being able to remodel smiles and rebuild confdence.” She has joined the family practice which is aiming to ex- pand nationally. Meanwhile, Dr. Scott, who has over 20 million digital streams under his belt, has a new gospel radio single, “Holy Spirit” (from his 13th album, Jesus Love Lega- cy), on the market. “Dad is making people smile with his music and with his dental practice,” says his son Bryant Scott, who runs Tyscot Re- cords. “That’s a signifcant legacy to make people smile internally and externally.” 4 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK JUNE 6 - 12, 2019 www.mississippilink.com History is Lunch: Hezekiah Watkins May 29, 2019 • Mississippi Civil Rights Museum • Jackson, MS

PHOTOS BY JAY JOHNSON COMMUNITY www.mississippilink.com JUNE 13 - 19, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 5

PHOTO OF THE WEEK Annie Lee Burt celebrated her 100th Birthday June 8, 2019 with family and friends. The celebration was held at the Burns-Belfry Museum & Multicultural Center in Oxford, Mississippi.

Burt and her daughter Rosie Davis of Jackson, MS 6 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK JUNE 13 - 19, 2019 www.mississippilink.com

Senior athletes honored with Michael JPS appoints new D. Johnson scholarship awards leadership of data and accountability and climate and wellness

Bush Craddieth Holt

Dace Thomas

Mississippi Link Newswire background in training education Debra Dace has been named execu- leaders. tive director of Data and Account- Thomas has proven her commit- Participating in the scholarship awards presentation are (from left) Lesian Davis, JPS lead counselor, Latasha Holt, mother ability. Amanda Thomas has been ment to the students and parents of of Jordan Holt; Jordan Holt, $250 book scholarship winner; Michael Cormack, JPS chief of staff; Emmett Johnson, (MDJ named executive director of Climate Jackson Public Schools through 21 Foundation president and father of the late Michael D. Johnson; Rodreelas Bush, father of Rodreekas Bush; Rodreekus and Wellness. Their appointments years of service in the district. Her Bush, $1,500 scholarship winner; Gloria Johnson, mother of the late Michael D. Johnson; Tiffany Bush, mother of Rodreekas were approved by the JPS School teaching career began at French El- Bush; Hayley Craddieth, $250 book scholarship winner; Martie Craddieth, father of Hayley Craddieth; and Clarence Irby of Board at its June 4 meeting. The ef- ementary. She later moved to Boyd Entergy, a sponsor of the MDJ Memorial Foundation. fective date of service is July 1 for the and McWillie Elementary Schools 2019-2020 school year. where she taught Montessori, a pro- Dace is a resourceful educator gram she helped to establish in JPS. Mississippi Link Newswire high schools. Candidates must have lege the following year. with expertise in leading teachers After teaching for nine years, Thom- Winners of the Michael D. John- a 2.5 or higher GPA, demonstrate To carry out his legacy, Johnson’s and administrators to create efforts as became the assistant principal of son Foundation Memorial Schol- community involvement and com- family established the Michael D. that drive success within classrooms the Montessori program, serving arship were announced June 1 at plete an essay to be considered. Johnson Foundation to raise funds and in schools. She comes to JPS both McWillie and Van Winkle El- the foundation’s annual 5K held in The scholarship memorializes for scholarships to be awarded spe- from the LeFlore County School Dis- ementary Schools. Her leadership downtown Jackson. Michael D. Johnson, a Murrah grad- cifically to JPS senior athletes. trict where she served as director of skills led her to the principal position Forest Hill basketball standout uate who died after being struck by The Michael Dr. Johnson 5K Teacher Quality/Accountability and at Woodville Heights Elementary, the Rodreekas Bush won the grand a drunk driver a short time after his Walk/Run takes place each year at administrator of the Juvenile De- assistant principal position at Sykes scholarship of $1,500. Hayley Crad- high school graduation in 2005. the beginning of June. tention Center. In that capacity, she Elementary and to the position as the dieth of Murrah and Jordan Holt He excelled at both basketball and Participants meet in downtown managed and organized school-based district’s lead interventionist. of Jim Hill each won $250 book baseball but held a special love for Jackson for an 8 a.m. start. The data for review and analysis and co- Most recently, Thomas has served scholarships. The scholarships are baseball from a young age. He had day’s festivities include an awards ordinated the review and monitoring as the director of Multi-Tiered Sys- awarded on a competitive basis to accepted a scholarship to play base- presentation, a cookout and a kick- process of the district’s staff to meet tem of Supports. In that role, she has graduating senior athletes from JPS ball at Copiah-Lincoln Junior Col- ball game. the Mississippi Department of Edu- been an advocate for children with cation’s process standards. academic and behavior defcits and Before that, she was the frst super- has ensured that students received in- intendent of the Sunfower County tervention services. She has worked Consolidated School District. Dur- closely with school-level interven- Bond construction expected ing her administration from 2014- tionists and positive behavior chairs 2016, the graduation rate increased and conducted numerous sessions on to 80%, the passing rate on the Third classroom management and behavior to begin this summer Grade Reading Assessment increased management for teachers. from 89% to 93% and the district was Thomas received a bachelor of sci- ranked No. 2 in the state for growth Mississippi Link Newswire defciencies in the Corrective Action JROTC ence degree in elementary education in kindergarten readiness. She imple- from the University of Southern Mis- JPS Facilities Executive Director Plan submitted to MDE. The construc- Phase I Design Teams mented the Promise Neighborhood sissippi. She received master of edu- Don McCrackin provided an update tion activities in this phase will bring The JPS Bond Construction Design Grant to support teaching and learn- cation and education specialist de- on the progress being made on con- these schools in compliance with MDE Teams hired for Phase I consists of the ing and promoted pre-K throughout grees in leadership from Mississippi struction projects that are part of the Standard 30. Due to the immediate following: the school district through the Early College. 2019 Bond Program. According to Mc- need to address the Corrective Ac- Canizaro-Cawthon-Davis Learning Collaborative Grant. As a Thomas will steward the newly en- Crackin, construction is scheduled to tion Plan projects in addition to other Cooke Douglass Farr Lemons Ar- result of the two highly successful visioned Offce of Climate and Well- begin in June on Phase I projects. needed bond projects, the completion chitects initiatives, she was featured in the ness. As part of the district’s restruc- The projects in this frst phase in- date for construction for this group of Dale Bailey and Associates Enterprise-Tocsin’s annual publica- ture plan, Student Support Services clude completing defciencies that re- schools may extend to July 2020. Durrell Design Group, PLLC tion, “Profle” and the Delta Health will be repurposed to Climate and main in the district’s Corrective Ac- * Represents schools where defcien- Duvall Decker Alliance’s quarterly, “Delivering the Wellness and its focus enlarged in the tion Plan submitted to the Mississippi cies will be addressed based on the Eley Guild Hardy Architects Promise.” areas of climate, Positive Behavior Department of Education. The work Corrective Action Plan submitted to JBHM Architecture Dace holds a bachelor of science Intervention and Supports and social- will include restroom repairs, HVAC MDE. M3A Architecture, PLLC degree in secondary mathematics emotional supports. repairs, upgrades in libraries and labs, High Schools JPS project managers and com- from Delta State University. Her ad- “I am excited about this new role, upgrades to building entryways and Callaway* missioned architects have visited all vanced degrees include a master of and I believe that every school in more. Forest Hill* schools and other academic facilities education, an education specialist this district can improve their culture JPS Bond Construction Program Jim Hill* and met with each building’s admin- and a doctor of philosophy in educa- by changing the environment,” said Overview Lanier istration to review the programming tion leadership from the University of Thomas. The JPS Bond Construction Pro- Murrah needs (projects) as defned and listed Mississippi. She also has an extensive gram will be implemented in three Provine* in the bond referendum. Each frm is phases: Wingfeld* presently providing JPS project esti- Phase I – January 2019–July 2020 Middle Schools mates and preparing plans and specif- Phase II – January 2020–December Bailey APAC* cations for each project. The Mississippi Link [USPS 017224] is published weekly by 2020 Hardy JPS has encouraged all architec- TM The Mississippi Link, Inc. Offces located at 2659 Livings- Phase III – January 2021–December Elementary Schools tural frms to produce as many small ton Road, Jackson, MS 39213. Mailing address is P.O. Box 2021 Boyd* projects as possible that will allow the Te Mississippi Link 11307, Jackson, MS 39283-1307 or e-mail us at: editor@ An estimated 110 projects will be Green district to start the bond construction mississippilink.com; Please visit our website at: www.mis- completed in each phase with proj- Wilkins* program between May and June 2019. Volume 25 • Number 34 sissippilink.com. Phone: (601) 896-0084, Fax 896-0091, out ect costs expected to range between Van Winkle* Several project packets under $50,000 June 13 - 19, 2019 of state 1-800-748-9747. Periodical Postage Rate Paid at $5,000 and $3 million. Other Academic Facilities have been devised to allow for small Jackson, MS. Phase I Career Development Center construction frms to provide quotes in © copyright 2018. All rights reserved. Deadline: The deadline for submitting items to be considered This phase includes addressing all Capital City Alternative School an effort to enhance their opportunity for publication is Tuesday at 10 a.m. remaining schools that are listed with Performing Arts Space to participate. Publisher...... Jackie Hampton Editor...... Othor Cain Subscriptions are $32 per year; $64 for two years or $96 for Copy Editor...... Minnie Garrett three years. Graphics...... Marcus Johnson Interested in advertising in Postmaster: Photographers...... 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www.mississippilink.com JUNE 13 - 19, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 7 Mississippi State Dr. Jacqueline Walters to be to offer medical humanities certifi cate inducted into the National Black

The Mississippi Link Newswire include Barton Moffatt, as- A new medical humanities sociate professor in the De- College Alumni Hall of Fame certifi cate program at Missis- partment of Philosophy and The Mississippi Link Newswire an honor to be recognized, but Medicine.” sippi State will better prepare Religion; Molly Zuckerman, An Alcorn State University I truly hope that the life I live Walters, who is a two-time university students for post- associate professor in the De- alumna who has found success continues to be worthy of this breast cancer survivor, under- graduate success in healthcare partment of Anthropology and in the medical fi eld and enter- recognition.” stands the effects of personal occupations. Middle Eastern Cultures; as tainment will be acknowledged After years of earning a bach- health challenges. As a dedicat- Designed to broaden ana- well as Rick Travis, dean; Ni- at an upcoming event that cele- elor’s degree from Alcorn, Wal- ed teacher, she has assimilated lytical and theoretical un- cole Rader, associate dean for brates accomplished Historical- ters still remembers and credits a women’s wellness program derstandings of health and academic affairs; and Tommy ly Black College and University the university that provided her into her practice to help eradi- medicine, the program will Anderson, interim assistant (HBCU) graduates. with a blueprint for fi nding pro- cate the increasing number of help meet the professional dean for academic affairs. Dr. Jacqueline Walters, also fessional affl uence. heart disease cases amongst goals of pre-medical students “Not only will this certifi - known as “Dr. Jackie,” will “Alcorn’s history, prepara- women. and those pursuing careers in cate enhance our pre-health be inducted into the National tion and belief in me created In 2013, Dr. Walters founded healthcare, public health or al- students’ applications to pro- Black College Alumni Founda- strength in times when my life the 50 Shades of Pink Founda- lied fi elds. fessional schools, but most tion’s 2019 Hall of Fame Friday, seemed diffi cult. Remember- tion, an organization that pays Offered through the Col- importantly, studying the Sept. 27 at the Hyatt Regency ing Alcorn has always made me tribute to women and men diag- lege of Arts and Sciences and humanities helps students de- Atlanta in Georgia. realize not just the importance nosed with breast cancer, nur- administered by the dean’s velop professionalism, empa- The National Black College and the vital need for Alcorn, turing their psychological and offi ce, the interdisciplinary thy and communication skills Alumni Hall of Fame Founda- but for all HBCUs.” physical well-being. program is open to all under- needed by these future health- Walters tion, Inc. is dedicated to sus- Walters has found fame in the The charity’s mission is to graduate students. The de- care providers,” said Mary Ce- taining and growing HBCUs She credits her moral compass medical fi eld in Atlanta, Geor- treat the inner and outer beau- partments of History, Com- leste Reese, director of MSU’s through alumni recognition, and hard work for the accolades gia. She has remained in private ty of breast cancer survivors. munication, Anthropology Dr. A. Randle and Marilyn scholarships, training and tech- she receives. practice for 20 years and main- It hosts an annual fundraising and Middle Eastern Cultures, W. White Health Professions nical assistance and programs “Being inducted into the Na- tains a professional clientele luncheon in October that allows Psychology, Philosophy and Resource Center and assistant to promote humanitarian in- tional Black College Alumni that includes the Braxtons, rap- the foundation to further aware- Religion and Sociology will clinical professor of biological volvement. Hall of Fame is not only spe- per T.I., and Usher. She’s also ness through gifting, sponsor- offer courses and contributed sciences. To be recognized for her suc- cial for me, but also deeply a cast member on Bravo’s hit ship of various health initiatives to the curricula proposal. Travis said with the added cess is an honor for Walters. profound,” said Walters. “It is reality TV show, “Married to and family workshops. Certifi cate completion re- emphasis on medical humani- quires 15 credit hours (fi ve ties, students who complete courses) spanning the College the certifi cate’s criteria could of Arts and Sciences curricu- see benefi ts and advantages lum. History of medicine and when taking the MCAT or in The Mississippi Public Education PAC medical ethics is required of graduate school interviews. all certifi cate-seeking stu- “The medical humanities dents, with the additional certifi cate will help students endorses 20 incumbents in primary election three electives coming from pursuing healthcare careers the humanities and social sci- to stand out from their peers,” The Mississippi Link Newswire support they need for success County and a portion of Mon- share our interest and dedi- ences. A minimum grade of a said Travis, adding that those The Mississippi Public Edu- in school.” roe County cation to public education,” “C” is required in each course. who earn the certifi cate will cation PAC (MSPEPAC), a With less than six months Abe Hudson – HD29 – Boli- said Fye. “These candidates The program is chaired by be able to analyze contempo- nonpartisan political action until the Mississippi general var and Sunfl ower Counties are passionate advocates for Courtney Thompson, assistant rary health challenges with committee that champions election, the MSPEPAC has Kent McCarty – HD101 – the nearly half a million chil- professor in MSU’s Depart- historical perspective through public education, has endorsed chosen to endorse the follow- Lamar County dren who attend public schools ment of History. completion of the program, 20 candidates for the upcom- ing incumbents because of Carl Mickens – HD42 – across the state.” Thompson said the medical approved this spring by ing 2019 primary elections. their strong commitment to Lowndes, Noxubee and Win- The primary will take place humanities certifi cate aims MSU’s Committee on Courses MSPEPAC was founded in support public education and ston Counties Tuesday, August 6. “to strengthen students’ un- and Curricula. 2016 by a group of passion- their belief that Mississippi’s Tom Miles – HD75 – Rankin The Mississippi Public Edu- derstanding of the moral and MSU’s College of Arts and ate public school parents from public schools should be ad- and Scott Counties cation Political Action Com- ethical aspects of medical Sciences includes more than around the state who advo- equately and equitably funded. Tracey Rosebud – HD30 – mittee was created as a grass- care,” and was developed in 5,300 students, 300 full-time cate for high-quality public Mississippi House of Rep- Tallahatchie, Sunfl ower, Boli- roots effort to give parents a response to a 2015 revision to faculty members, nine doctor- schools. PAC’s mission is to resentatives var and Quitman Counties voice in the political process the Medical College Admis- al programs and 25 academic help elect pro-public-educa- Otis Anthony – HD31 – por- Cheikh Taylor – HD38 – by promoting candidates, sion Test, or MCAT, which majors offered in 14 depart- tion candidates to the Missis- tions of Bolivar, Humphreys, Oktibbeha, Clay and Lowndes measures and policies that emphasizes critical analysis ments. sippi Legislature in order to Sunfl ower and Washington Counties strengthen, support and pro- and reasoning with a focus on Complete details about the strengthen, support and pro- counties Percy Watson – HD103 – tect public education in Mis- humanities and social sciences College of Arts and Sciences tect existing public schools in Earle Banks – HD67 – Hinds Forrest County sissippi. content and increased atten- may be found at www.cas.ms- the state. County Sonya Williams-Barnes – The nonpartisan PAC rec- tion on cultural studies and state.edu. “The Mississippi Public Ed- Cedric Burnett – HD9 – Tu- HD119 – Harrison County ommends and supports candi- bioethics. Visit MSU online at www. ucation PAC has been success- nica, Quitman, Tate and Co- Mississippi Senate dates who are passionate about Other committee members msstate.edu. ful in seven special elections ahoma Counties Deborah Dawkins – SD48 – and friendly toward public ed- since we launched,” said Les- John Faulkner – HD5 – Mar- West Harrison County ucation. The organization sup- lie Fye, a founding MSPEPAC shall, Benton, Lafayette and Hillman Frazier – SD27 – ports quality public education board member. “We are look- Tate Counties Hinds County for all children in existing pub- ing forward to having an im- Debra Gibbs – HD72 – Robert Jackson – SD11 – lic schools, including our most pact in the 2019 election cycle. Hinds and Madison counties Quitman, Coahoma, Panola gifted and most vulnerable, We need to elect public educa- Karl Gibbs – HD36 – Clay and Tunica Counties and seeks to promote adequate tion champions in the Missis- and Monroe Counties Derrick Simmons – SD12 – and equitable funding for Mis- sippi Legislature, leaders who John Hines – HD50 – Boli- Bolivar, Washington and Co- sissippi’s public schools. are willing to make informed var, Issaquena and Washing- ahoma Counties For more information or to decisions to ensure our chil- ton Counties “We are excited to endorse donate online, visit www.MS- dren have the resources and Steve Holland – HD16 – Lee these 20 incumbents who PublicEducationPAC.org. Pass rate for 3rd grade reading test increases after fi rst retest

The Mississippi Link Newswire raised to get closer to mea- sessment to qualify for pro- learning to read to reading to The statewide pass rate for suring profi ciency. Once we motion to 4th grade, unless learn. If they are unsuccessful, the 3rd Grade Reading As- raised expectations, students the student meets one of the they will have diffi culty un- sessment increased to 82.8% and teachers have proven, once good cause exemptions speci- derstanding grade-level read- (28,968 students) after stu- again, they can meet higher ac- fi ed in the law. Exemptions ing material and are at risk dents had a chance to retest be- ademic standards,” said Carey apply to certain students with of falling further behind each fore the end of the school year. Wright, state superintendent disabilities, students learning year. The initial pass rate was 74.5% of education. “We must not let English or students who have In previous years, the law (26,057 students). up on our efforts to ensure that been previously retained. Lo- required 3rd graders to score The retest results show the all students are equipped with cal school districts determine above the “lowest achievement large majority of 3rd graders strong reading skills by the which of their students who level.” The new passing score, are meeting the highest read- end of 3rd grade so they can did not pass qualify for one of level 3, indicates a student is ing standard ever required un- be successful throughout their the good cause exemptions for approaching grade-level ex- der the Literacy-Based Promo- education.” promotion to 4th grade. Stu- pectations. Level 4 means a tion Act (LBPA). Of the 8,941 students who dents who did not retest may student has mastered grade- An amendment to the law in did not pass the initial test, have met one of the good cause level reading standards. 2016 raised reading-level ex- 7,445 were retested and 2,911 exemptions. Final school- and district- pectations starting in the 2018- passed the retest. Students The LBPA requires schools passing rates for the 3rd Grade 19 school year, requiring 3rd have one more opportunity to to provide intensive reading Reading Assessment and pro- graders to score at level 3 or retest before the start of the intervention services to stu- motion and retention informa- higher on the reading portion new school year. Districts will dents retained in the 3rd grade tion will be published this fall of the Mississippi Academic schedule the fi nal retest be- and to students promoted to in the Literacy-Based Promo- Assessment Program (MAAP) tween June 24 and July 12. 4th grade with a good cause tion Act Annual Report after English Language Arts (ELA) The Literacy-Based Promo- exemption. districts determine the fi nal assessment. tion Act (LBPA) requires 3rd In 3rd grade, students begin number of students who meet “The passing score was graders to pass a reading as- to make the transition from a good cause exemption. 8 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK JUNE 13 - 19, 2019 www.mississippilink.com

CSET builds Sustainable Irrigation 2019 First Lady’s System that could potentially Scholarship Luncheon has transform agribusiness $75K goal; TSU President

By L.A. Warren electrical power and the standby water jsumsnews.com supply. Glover will keynote JSU’s College of Science, Engineer- Tuluri said his desire is to see this ing and Technology (CSET) has devel- affordable system used for gardens, oped a cost-saving Sustainable Irriga- large-scale systems and in develop- tion System (SIS) that could be used ing countries, where water supply is to determine just the right amount of particularly scant. This would cut the water needed to saturate soil for gar- costs of food production and lead to a dening and agriculture. constant supply of water, as needed. The smart device, which includes Anthony Gomes, a CSET graduate sensors and an app, automatically acti- student studying computer science, vates a sprinkler system if stored rain- wrote the coding for the device and water is insuffcient. handled the smartphone applications. CSET developed SIS after a chal- Gomes said SIS simplifes garden- lenge from various organizations to ing because it saves time, money and build sustainable applications in local Ramzi Kafoury, associate professor in gauges soil temperature. areas. The American Association for JSU’s Department of Biology and direc- “You don’t have to worry about the Advancement of Science (AAAS), tor of Sustainability and Technology Sys- watering every single day. You don’t the National Science Foundation (NSF) tems in CSET have to worry about water levels. It and the United Nations’ Sustainability gets power from the sun.” He said the By L.A. Warren Program are promoting better food, use of natural rainwater to irrigate the jsumsnews.com water and energy practices. These are soil is also benefcial. For now, he, too, JSU’s second annual First Lady’s to be achieved through the develop- sees far greater use for such a system Scholarship Luncheon aims to raise ment of sustained resources, including in Asia and Africa, where water sup- $75,000 to help “well-deserving, aca- renewable solar energy, with the goal ply is far less than that of the U.S. He demically sound students.” The event, of reducing reliance on conventional agrees that population and economic with keynote speaker and Tennes- resources. growth, urbanization, current state of see State University President Glen- The importance of sustainable resources and climate change make da Baskin Glover, will be at 11 a.m. communities SIS a viable solution. Thursday, Oct. 10, in the Jackson Con- As a result, Ramzi Kafoury, associ- “With SIS, we want to help people vention Complex. ate professor in the Department of Bi- in their communities and transfer the First Lady Deborah E. Bynum said, ology and director of Sustainability and technologies to communities. We want “We are committed to helping our stu- Technology Systems in CSET, created to give them smart solutions,” Gomes dents tackle the obstacles that they face, Bynum and directed the project. He’s working said. “So, the CSET team combined and fnancial obstacles are no different. collaboratively with several CSET stu- different things out there to come up It is my desire to use the majority of all dents who were responsible for devel- Francis Tuluri, JSU professor in CSET’s with a better idea.” funds raised to support our students.” oping an app and Francis Tuluri, a JSU Department of Civil and Environmental JSU’s app helps control soil irriga- During the event, guests will hear professor in civil and environmental Engineering tion by letting users manage the on/off from Glover, who has served as chief engineering. Kafoury and Tuluri han- switch for sprinklers and the pump, he executive at TSU since January 2013. dled the circuitry and sensors. said. She is its frst female president. Under “We have to create sustainable com- So, what’s next for JSU and its new her helm, Glover has increased student munities,” said Kafoury, drawing atten- irrigation system? enrollment, alumni fundraising and re- tion to the world’s current challenges Thinking outside the box search dollars. As well, she’s the recipi- – the nexus of food, energy and water Kafoury said, “Currently, we’re ent of numerous awards and honors, resources. He shudders at the misuse of working with JSU’s Offce of Technol- including being named the 2018 Thur- fnite resources such as coal, sulfur and ogy Transfer, Commercialization and good Marshall College Fund HBCU crude that drastically impacts human Research Communications to market President of the Year. health. He cites the rise in asthma and and add potential investors.” He, too, In 2013, Diverse Issues in Higher Glover respiratory illnesses as consequences, wants to transfer this technology to the Education’s listed Glover as one of the along with global warming. community and maximize its potential “Top 25 Women in Higher Education.” Scholarship Luncheon page “The World Health Organization by reducing signifcant reliance on oil A certifed public accountant and at- • Signage at the First Lady’s Schol- predicts population growth to exceed and coal. torney, she is one of only two African- arship Luncheon 9.3 billion inhabitants by 2030,” Kaf- Gomes said he learned a lot about American women to hold the Ph.D.- • Recognition of Stage Sponsor at oury said. He winces at the thought of “this excellent solution that is inex- CPA-JD combination in the country. the First Lady’s Scholarship Luncheon resources being depleted but is encour- Anthony Gomes, JSU graduate student pensive and sustainable for individuals Also, she serves as International Presi- Emerald Sponsor aged that the world’s government lead- in the College of Science, Engineering and organizations willing to think out- dent of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority • Advertisement in the event pro- ers, scientifc communities and organi- and Technology side the box.” Inc. gram zations are attempting to address these Tuluri said, “We have to make sure Meanwhile, Bynum is urging all • One fourth page ad in the JSU Jack- issues. He’s especially pleased that this controllers program the on/off func- everything works. This mini-system stakeholders to join the effort to help sonian Magazine (2019-2020 issue) global vision is shared and encouraged tion. When rainwater is available the can be scaled up to agriculture. If we JSU reach its luncheon’s goal. • Advertising on JSU’s WJSU 88.5 by administrators at JSU. controller will cut off the main supply scale up to this level, it could take an- The following sponsorship levels are FM For their part, JSU developers of the through automation. This is the heart other year or two.” available: • One (1) reserved table for eight (8) SIS apparatus are using existing and of the controller,” he said. If natural Looking further ahead, Kafoury Title Sponsor to attend the First Lady’s Scholarship innovative technologies to confront energy is not available, the controller said, “If we can reduce misuse of wa- • Title sponsor name and logo will be Luncheon potential environmental problems. will activate traditional energy. These ter by 30 percent and increase the use part of the offcial event name • Four (4) tickets to attend the JSU The system hasn’t been commercially functions are monitored by an app. of renewable energy 30 percent to 40 • Name and logo placement on all Homecoming Football Game deployed yet, but that is expected to Furthermore, Tuluri said, the micro- percent in the near future, this would printed materials and electronic media • Listing in print and electronic me- change soon because “everything is system will interplay with solar panels, have a signifcant impact on sustaining and general marketing dia and general market in place,” Kafoury said. This device and it uses cost-effective micro-con- our resources. This technology could • Advertisement in the event program Pearl Sponsor is scalable, too, meaning that it can be trollers along with a smartphone app. signifcantly limit emissions in the at- • Full page advertisement in the JSU • Advertisement in the event pro- used for gardens and expanded to the Reliance on solar panels and rain- mosphere.” Jacksonian Magazine (2019-2020 is- gram agricultural industry. water collector Moreover, Kafoury said, entrepre- sue) • One fourth page ad in the JSU Jack- Kafoury said the technology relies The basic components for SIS are neurship and other career opportu- • Full page advertisement in the sonian Magazine (2019-2020 issue) on circuits and sensors to gauge water solar panels and a rainwater collector nities abound if JSU transfers this JSU Homecoming Football Guide and • One (1) reserved table for eight (8) content of the soil. (reservoir) – both of which are natu- knowledge and training to its students. Game Book to attend the First Lady’s Scholarship His colleague Tuluri said, “Micro- ral. These are combined with regular • Advertising on JSU’s WJSU 88.5 Luncheon FM • Two (2) tickets to attend the JSU • Two (2) reserved tables for sixteen Homecoming Football Game (16) to attend the First Lady’s Scholar- • Advertising on JSU’s WJSU 88.5 School of Social Work doctoral candidate Adams offered ship Luncheon FM • Six (6) tickets to attend the JSU • Listing in print and electronic me- teaching fellowship at West Chester University Homecoming Football Game dia and general market • Logo placement on the First Lady’s Crystal Sponsor Scholarship Luncheon page • Advertisement in the event • Signage at the First Lady’s Scholar- ship Luncheon program • Recognition of Title Sponsor at the • One (1) reserved table for First Lady’s Scholarship Luncheon eight (8) to attend the First La- Diamond Sponsor dy’s Scholarship Luncheon • Diamond Sponsor name and logo • Two (2) tickets to attend in will be part of the offcial event name By LaToya Hentz-Moore understand and appreciate the various jsumsnews.com • Name and logo placement on all First Lady’s Scholarship Lun- backgrounds of the students who will printed materials and electronic media cheon Raymond Adams has been offered an become the future change agents in so- inaugural position as the 2019 Freder- cial work practice, research and social and general marketing • Listing in print and electron- ick Douglass Teaching Fellow at West welfare policy,” says Adams. • Advertisement in the event program ic media and general market Chester University. In an effort to continue the spirit of • Half page advertisement in the JSU Sapphire Sponsor “I am elated to have this opportunity Douglass’ life of public service, the Jacksonian Magazine (2019-2020 is- sue) • Advertisement in the event to expand upon my teaching pedagogy,” Frederick Douglass Teaching Scholars program says Adams. Summer Program is designed to provide • Advertising on JSU’s WJSU 88.5 Adams will teach a one month course graduate students teaching experiences FM • One (1) reserved table for around the DSM V, which will begin and potential employment opportuni- • One (1) reserved table for eight (8) eight (8) to attend the First La- preparing master-level social work stu- ties within university settings that are to attend the First Lady’s Scholarship dy’s Scholarship Luncheon dents to recognize symptomology and strongly committed to cultural diversity. Luncheon • Four (4) tickets to attend the JSU • Listing in print and electron- conduct sound and valid assessments Currently, Adams is an assistant ic media and general market. post-graduation properly. professor in the area of Social Work at Homecoming Football Game • Logo placement on the First Lady’s “This fellowship will shape how I Southern Arkansas University. Adams STATE

www.mississippilink.com JUNE 13 - 19, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 9

Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers MDWFP/MSU pond management Project to co-sponsor free legal workshops open in Itawamba clinics across Mississippi and Attala Counties The Mississippi Link Newswire shops begin at 6 p.m. improve fi sh populations and The Mississippi Link Newswire Friday, June 7 ty Chancery Building (230 W. The Mississippi Department An hour-long presentation habitat,” said MDWFP Fisher- Mississippi Volunteer Law- 9 a.m.-12 p.m. – Neshoba Washington St., Kosciusko, of Wildlife, Fisheries, and will include topics on pond ies Biologist Ryan Jones. “We yers Project (MVLP) is co- and Kemper Counties Family MS). Parks (MDWFP) Fisheries Bu- design, fi sh stocking, harvest, talk with people each year who hosting several free pro se legal Law Clinic is open to residents Friday, June 28 reau and the Mississippi State vegetation control, liming and want to manage their ponds clinics across central Missis- of those counties only. Indi- 9 a.m.-12 p.m. – Choctaw and University Extension Service fertilization. A question-and- effectively and this is a great sippi to assist low-income resi- viduals will receive assistance Winston Counties Family Law will host pond management answer period will follow. way for us to provide how-to dents with their uncontested on irreconcilable differences Clinic is open to residents of workshops in Itawamba and Anyone interested in attend- information that can help pond family law matters. Grandpar- divorce, guardianship, name those counties only. Individuals Attala Counties. ing the workshop is asked to owners achieve their goals.” ents, relatives or family friends change, emancipation and sim- will receive assistance on irrec- The workshops will be held register by calling the Itawam- For more information re- taking care of children who are ple will matters. The clinic will oncilable differences divorce, at the Itawamba County Ex- ba County Extension Offi ce garding fi shing in Mississippi, not their own are encouraged to be held at the Neshoba County guardianship, name change, tension Offi ce located at 605- at 662 862-3201 or the Attala visit our website at www.md- attend one of the clinics below. Courthouse (401 Beacon Street, emancipation and simple will A South Cummings Street in County Extension Offi ce at wfp.com or call us at 601 432- Clients will receive legal Philadelphia, MS). The clinic is matters. The clinic is co-spon- Fulton Tuesday, June 18 and 662 289-1321. 2212. court documents prepared by co-sponsored by MVLP and the sored by MVLP and the Sixth the Attala County Extension “This workshop will allow Follow us on Facebook at licensed Mississippi attorneys Sixth Chancery District. Chancery District. The clinic Offi ce located at 715 Fair- biologists and private pond www.facebook.com/mdwfp and legal advice on specifi c Thursday, June 13 will be held at the Winston ground Road in Kosciusko owners the opportunity to dis- or on Twitter at www.twitter. matters. 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m. – Leake County Courthouse (115 South Thursday, June 20. Both work- cuss management options to com/MDWFPonline. The legal clinics are open to County Family Law Clinic is Court Ave., Louisville, MS). the public; however, interested open to Holmes, Leake, Madi- Friday, July 26 participants must register on- son and Yazoo counties. Indi- 9 a.m.-1 p.m. – Hinds County line at http://www.mvlp.net/ viduals will receive assistance Guardianship Clinic is open to pro-se-legal-clinic-schedule/ or on irreconcilable differences di- Hinds County residents only. Moon Lake reopens contact MVLP at 601 882-5001. vorce, emancipation and name Free legal advice will also be A list of the clinics and the areas change matters. The clinic is provided on the following mat- High water at Moon Lake in Coahoma County has receded to a safe level and as a result, of- of focus are below: co-sponsored by MVLP, Madi- ters: divorces, name change, fi cials have reopened the lake to recreational boating. Thursday, June 6 son County Bar Association, visitation, custody, birth certifi - For more information visit www.mdwfp.com or call 601 432-2200. Follow us on Facebook at 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Humphreys/ and Eleventh Chancery District. cate correction and emancipa- facebook.com/mdwfp or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDWFPonline. Sunfl ower Counties Family Law Friday, June 21 tion. Additional assistance will Legal Clinic is open to Hum- 9 a.m.-12 p.m. – Attala and be given on misdemeanor and phreys and Sunfl ower County Carroll Counties Family Law felony expungement matters. residents only. Individuals will Clinic is open to residents of The clinic will be held at the receive assistance on irreconcil- those counties only. Individuals Hinds County Chancery Court Congressman Bennie G. able differences divorce, deser- will receive assistance on irrec- (316 South President Street, tion divorce, name change and oncilable differences divorce, Jackson, MS). The clinic is co- uncontested guardianship mat- guardianship, name change, sponsored by MVLP, Hinds Thompson D-MS 2nd District ters. The clinic will be held at emancipation and simple will County Chancery Court, Mis- the Humphreys County Court- matters. The clinic is co-spon- sissippi Center for Legal Ser- house (102 Castleman St # 2, sored by MVLP and the Sixth vices, Mission First Legal Aid, Congressman Thompson votes Belzoni, MS 39038). This clinic Chancery District. The clinic and Forman Watkins & Krutz, is co-sponsored by MVLP. will be held at the Attala Coun- LLP. to honor nation’s values and pass American Dream and Promise Act

U.S. Representative Bennie certain criteria to fi rst obtain manent resident status (and G. Thompson (MS-02) voted conditional lawful permanent eventual citizenship). Without to pass H.R. 6, the American resident (LPR) status for 10 these permanent protections, Dream and Promise Act, land- years, and then, when they the future of our Dreamers mark legislation that provides have met certain additional and TPS and DED holders – permanent protections to our educational, military service and their contributions to our nation’s Dreamers, as well as or work requirements, to ob- economy – remain at risk. to Temporary Protected Status tain full lawful permanent This bill, simply, is de- (TPS) and Deferred Enforced resident (LPR) status. signed to promote justice Departure (DED) holders, al- Once obtaining full LPR and fairness for our nation’s lowing to contribute fully to status, Dreamers can then ap- Dreamers, and for the TPS Mississippi communities and ply for citizenship after an ad- and DED holders who had our country while providing a ditional fi ve years. fl ed ongoing armed confl ict, pathway to citizenship. Similarly, the bill establish- environmental disasters and The American Dream and es a process for TPS and DED other extraordinary condi- Promise Act establishes a pro- holders meeting certain crite- tions many years ago to come cess for Dreamers meeting ria to also obtain lawful per- to this country.

Congressman Thompson announces $781,000 to Mississippi Second Congressional District from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency

United States Representa- petroleum grant funds will be be used to conduct six Phase tive Bennie G. Thompson (D- used to conduct three Phase I and four Phase II environ- MS) announced the United I environmental assessments mental site assessments on States Environmental Pro- on the former Allen’s Canning priority sites and prepare two tection Agency has awarded facility, Delta Elastics facility, cleanup plans. Community- Brownfi eld grants to commu- and former Producer’s Feed wide petroleum grant funds nities in the Mississippi Sec- Company facility priority will be used to conduct three ond Congressional District sites, and six Phase II envi- Phase I and three Phase II en- to help local governments ronmental site assessments on vironmental site assessments redevelop vacant and unused each priority site. Grant funds on priority sites and prepare properties, transforming com- will also be used to prepare one cleanup plan. munities and local economies. six cleanup plans on each pri- Grant funds will also be • South Delta Planning and ority site, prioritize sites and used to complete additional Development District Inc., conduct community outreach Phase I and Phase II envi- Rosedale, Moorhead, Roll- activities. ronmental site assessments, ing Fork and Isola, Miss. – • Yazoo, Miss. - $300,000 establish a secondary brown- $481,000 Assessment Grant Cleanup Grant ($175,000 for fi eld inventory, conduct com- ($391,000 for hazardous sub- hazardous substances and munity outreach activities, stances and $91,000 for pe- $125,000 for petroleum). and create a Brownfi elds revi- troleum). Community-wide Community-wide hazardous talization plan for the down- hazardous substances and substances grant funds will town target area. NATIONAL

10 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK JUNE 13 - 19, 2019 www.mississippilink.com Reparations must include the costs of predatory lending New university studies track high costs of discriminatory housing

By Charlene Crowell the largest black population cen- trillion in home equity during NNPA News Wire Columnist ters in the nation. Among its key the foreclosure crisis. These In recent years, fi ndings: monies include households who the spate of ho- • During the 1950s and 1960s, managed to keep their homes micides linked to 75-95% of black families bought but lost value due to nearby questionable uses homes on contract; foreclosures. Households who of deadly weap- • These families paid an av- lost their homes to foreclosures ons and/or force, erage contract price that was also suffered from plummeting have prompted 84% more than the homes were credit scores that made future many activist organizations to worth; credit more costly. And families call for racial reparations. From • Consumers purchasing these who managed to hold on to their Trayvon Martin’s death in Flor- homes paid an additional $587 homes lost equity and became ida, to Michael Brown’s in Mis- each month above the home’s upside down on their mortgages souri, Eric Garner’s in New York fair market value; – owing more than the property and many other deaths – a cho- Lost Black Chicago wealth, is worth. Both types of experi- rus of calls for reparations has due to this predatory lending ences were widespread in neigh- mounted, even attracting interest ranged between $3.2-$4 billion. borhoods of color. among presidential candidates. “The curse of contract sales In terms of lost household While no amount of money still reverberates through Chi- wealth, nationally foreclosures could ever compensate for the cago’s black neighborhoods took $23,150. But for families loss of black lives to violent report’s recommendations and full plumbing. Further, because One late or missed payment led and their urban counterparts of color, the household loss was deaths, a growing body of re- comparing them to how few black families were not allowed to evictions that again further nationwide,” states the Duke re- nearly double – $40,297. search is delving into the under- were ever enacted, the Haas In- to live wherever they could af- drained dollars from consumers port, “and helps explain the vast CRL’s policy brief also states, lying causes for high poverty, stitute tracks the consequences ford, fi nancial exploitation oc- due to a lack of home equity. For wealth divide between blacks “We do not include in our esti- low academic performance and of recommendations that were curred whether families were the absentee owner, however, the and whites.” mate the total loss in home eq- lost wealth. Public policy insti- either ignored, diluted, or in a renting or buying a home. property was free to sell again, Now fast forward to the addi- uity that has resulted from the tutes as well as university-based few cases pursued. Published As many banks and insur- as another round of predatory tional $2.2 trillion of lost wealth crisis (estimated at $7 trillion), research from the University of by Berkeley’s Haas Institute for ance companies redlined black lending. As the exploitive costs associated with the spillover the negative impact on local California at Berkeley and Duke Fair and Inclusive Communities, neighborhoods, access to fed- continued, the only difference costs from the foreclosure cri- governments (in the form of lost University are connecting Amer- it weaves connections between erally-insured mortgages were in a subsequent sale would be sis of 2007-2012. During these tax revenue and increased costs ica’s racial wealth gap to remain- education, housing, criminal jus- extremely limited. At the same a home in even worse physical years, 12.5 million homes went of managing vacant and aban- ing discriminatory policies and tice – or the lack thereof. time, few banks loaned mort- condition. into foreclosure. doned properties) or the non- predatory lending. “Although in some respects gages to blacks either.This lack The Plunder of Black Wealth Black consumers were often fi nancial spillover costs, such as This unfortunate combination racial equality has improved in of access to credit created a ripe in Chicago: New Findings on the targeted for high-cost, unsus- increased crime, reduced school has plagued Black America over the intervening years,” states market for investors to sell or Lasting Toll of Predatory Hous- tainable mortgages even when performance and neighborhood multiple decades. And a large the report, “in other respects rent properties to black families, ing Contracts, also published this they qualifi ed for cheaper ones. blight.” part of that fi nancial exploita- today’s black citizens remain usually in need of multiple need- May, substantiates recent calls With mortgage characteristics As reparation proposals are tion is due to more than 70 years sharply disadvantaged in the ed repairs. Even so, the costs of for reparations, as it focuses on like prepayment penalties and discussed and debated, the sum of documented discriminatory criminal justice system, as well these homes came at highly in- predatory housing contracts in low teaser interest rates that later of these fi nancial tolls should housing. as in neighborhood resources, fl ated prices. Illinois’ largest city. Published ballooned to frequent and even- rightly be a key part. While the The Road Not Taken: Housing employment, and education, in In nearly all instances, home by Duke University’s Samuel tually unaffordable adjustable Kerner Commission recommen- and Criminal Justice 50 Years ways that seem barely distin- sales purchased “on contract” DuBois Cook Center on Social interest rates, a second and even dations remain viable even in After the Kerner Commission guishable from those of 1968.” came with high down payments Equity, this report analyzed over worse housing fi nancial exploi- 2019, it will take an enormous Report, returns to the fi ndings In 1968, the Kerner Commis- and higher interest rates than 50,000 documents of contract tation occurred. display of public will for them to of the now-famous report com- sion report found that in cities those in the general market. The home sales on the Windy City’s A 2013 policy brief by the be embraced and put into action. missioned by President Lyndon where riots occurred, nearly result for many of these families South and West Sides and found Center for Responsible Lend- “The Kerner Report was the Johnson. In the summer of 1967, 40% of non-white residents was an eventual inability to make disturbing costs of discriminato- ing, found that consumers of ‘road not taken’, but the road is over 150 race-related riots oc- lived in housing that was sub- both the repairs and the high ry housing in one of the nation’s color – mostly black and Latinx still there,” noted john a. powell, curred. After reviewing the 1968 standard, sometimes without monthly cost of the contract. largest cities, as well as one of – lost half of that fi gure, $1.1 the Hass Institute’s director. America’s natural gas and oil industry is hiring, building diversity

By Mike Sommers fl oor, not a ceiling. One of our top coordination with these organi- President and CEO American priorities as an industry is build- zations and many more, compa- Petroleum Institute ing a more diverse workforce, nies sponsor and participatein job The economy is booming, but and ensuring these opportunities fairs, hands-on educational labs, that doesn’t mean it’s all easy reach every community. science fairs and teacher training. street for American families. One of the biggest barriers our As great as the opportunities Costs for household essentials research has identifi ed is lack of are, it’s not all about the pay- continue to rise– with expenses awareness about the opportunities check. America’s energy profes- for healthcare up 73% over 10 in our industry. We’re partnering sionals are part of an industry years, education costs increasing with a number of organizations to that fuels the economy and pow- 58% and food bills rising 26%. change that. Through coordinated ers daily life. It’s an industry of There’s one important excep- efforts with groups like the Con- innovators – that not only leads tion: energy costs. Household gressional Black Caucus Foun- the world in production of natu- energy expenses have dropped dation, Congressional Hispanic ral gas and oil but is developing 10.5%, and Americans saved Caucus Institute, National Center the technologies that make our air $300 billion in 2016 compared for American Indian Enterprise cleaner. The United States leads to 2010. As recently as 2011, Development, Society of His- the world in reduction of carbon media reports were blaring head- panic Professional Engineers and emissions, thanks primarily to lineslike “$4 Gas Might be Here others, we’re working to spread clean natural gas. Cleaner fuels to Stay.” With the United States the word that the industry is hir- and other breakthroughs have now leading the world in pro- ing. And we’re building. helped drive combined emis- duction of natural gas and oil, Constructing the pipelines sions of the primary air pollut- families are enjoying welcome and other infrastructure needed ants down 73 percent since 1970 savings on their utility bills and at COMMENTARY tunities means there’s something job. to keep pace with record energy – while energy use and vehicle the gas pump – savings that help for everyone – across a variety of With 40 percent or more of the production – and move affordable miles have climbed. them afford other priorities that tech and health care” in recent fi elds and education levels. Ge- industry’s worker base expected energy to homes and businesses – Building a better future takes keep getting pricier. rankings. Non-retail station jobs ologists, engineers, rig workers, to retire by 2035, there’s never can support up to 1 million-plus energy, and building the best For a growing number of in the natural gas and oil industry welders, electricians, communi- been a better time to join the en- jobs per year. That means con- workforce is essential to keep American workers, the U.S. natu- pay an average annual wage of cations professionals, truck driv- ergy workforce. Studies project struction workers, welders, pipe delivering energy benefi ts to U.S. ral gas and oil industry doesn’t over $100,000 – nearly $50,000 ers, environmental consultants, we’ll see nearly 1.9 million job fi t t e r s . families. Working with our part- just mean lower bills, it means more than the U.S. average. Stud- business analysts, computer tech- opportunities over that period in We partner with the National ners in African-American and fatter paychecks. A 2018 Bloom- ies show natural gas and oil in- nicians – you name it. the oil and natural gas and pet- Building Trades Unions to train Hispanic communities, Ameri- berg report called the industry dustry workers earn more across And opportunities are grow- rochemical industries – with workers for these good jobs. ca’s natural gas and oil industry “the best bet for U.S. workers” all education levels, degree ma- ing. The industry supports 10.3 707,000 jobs, or 38% of the total, The industry also needs work- is focused on expanding oppor- thanks to its “paycheck potency” jors, gender and race/ethnicity million U.S. jobs across the projected to be fi lled by African- ers with backgrounds in STEM tunities and building the diver- – with salary levels that “topped groups and occupation types. economy — 2.7 additional jobs American and Hispanic workers. (science, technology, engineer- sity that will make our workforce all sectors, including utilities, The diversity of career oppor- for each direct natural gas and oil We consider that number a ing, and mathematics) fi elds. In even stronger. www.mississippilink.com JUNE 13 - 19, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 11

PRESERVED Whatsoever a man soweth, A daddy’s words that shall he also reap of wisdom PART 1 By Shewanda Riley We all have been in “just Columnist when” situations. These are the By Pastor Simeon R. Green III This year in situations where it appears that living in sin; and although men.” reap.” Friend, if you sow to Special to The Mississippi Link honor of Father’s no options are available and you they repented, those seeds Hosea repeatedly uses il- the fl esh, of the fl esh you are Day, I’d like to feel almost ready to give up. It To be saved, sprouted and came up. The lustrations about fi elds and going to reap. Even after you honor one of my is during these times that God fi rst you need scars followed them to their crops. Here he envisions a get saved, you will reap that spiritual fathers gives us the opportunity to ex- to recognize graves. plowed fi eld, earth that is which you have sown. who poured God- perience His power, majesty and your condition. However, many people ready to receive seeds. It is It would certainly be a sur- ly wisdom into command over the “just when” You are spirit u- have repented and gotten no longer stony and hard; it prise if you planted corn and my life when I was a member of situation. He wants us to know ally dead which right with God and wished has been carefully prepared, pumpkins came up. It’s a nat- Christian Chapel CME church that even when we have reached leaves you blind they could have changed the and it is available. Is your life ural law to reap what we sow. in Dallas, Texas. It’s been seven our human limit, He has ex- and deaf spiritually. The devil circumstances that living in ready for God to work in it? It’s true in other areas too. If years since the death of pas- traordinary plans that can turn does not want you to see the sin had created. Regrettably, You can break up the un- you gossip about your friends, tor Rev. Jerome McNeil Jr. and “just when” into “right now.” condition you are really in or they had to reap the things plowed ground of your heart you will lose their friendship. looking back, it’s become even Making the best of your sit- where you are heading. Any they had sown even after they by acknowledging your sins Every action has results. If more obvious how powerful and uation person who truly sees what had gotten right with God. and receiving God’s forgive- you plant to please your own prophetic his biblical teachings God puts us in dark situa- the devil has planned for him We read in the Holy Bible ness and guidance. You see, if desires, you’ll reap a crop of were. tions so we can learn how to be or her wants out of that mess. from the Old Testament, Ho- I was to sow a fi eld in oats and sorrow and evil. If you plant In honor of his memory, in desperate enough to talk to him Sometimes people do not sea 10:12-13 these words: then change my mind and say, to please God, you’ll reap joy this week’s column I’d like to in prayer. Prayers only change realize that their deeds will “Sow to yourselves in righ- “I really do not want oats,” I and everlasting life. share the transformative words when we get desperate enough. mark them and cause the teousness, reap in mercy; could not do anything about Next week, Part II, “What- from his many sermons over the What’s the hold up? mark of sin to follow them break up your fallow ground: it because I had already sown soever a man soweth, that years. God allows certain situations to their graves. Some people for it is time to seek the oats. The same principle is shall he also reap” Who are you walking with? to occur so we can become more have committed murder, LORD, till he come and rain true when a person sows Rev. Simeon R. Green III is If God calls you, he will en- dependent on him. Even when and though they might have righteousness upon you. Ye seeds in sin but afterward re- pastor of Joynes Road Church able you and equip you. We have God seems silent, we have to been forgiven, they would have plowed wickedness, ye pents. of God, 31 Joynes Road, to learn to be risk takers and trust that he is still working on have given anything to have have reaped iniquity; ye have Galatians 6:7 tells us, “Be Hampton VA 23669. He is a strategically yield to the will our behalf. He’s working on us changed their circumstances. eaten the fruit of lies: because not deceived; God is not member of the National Asso- of God. Don’t let what is hap- and not just for us. When God Others have sown all kinds of thou didst trust in thy way, in mocked: for whatsoever a ciation of Evangelism Church pening around you distract you delays answering our prayers, corrupt seed while they were the multitude of thy mighty man soweth, that shall he also of God, Anderson, Ind. from what is happening in you. he is not only helping us develop The miracle isn’t walking on patience, he is also helping us to water but who you are walking learn how to trust Him.

Moving the Masses Toward the Mission of the Master with. You just didn’t see it Friends and associations What you see isn’t always Pleasing everybody but God what you get. If you can use is dangerous. We should watch faith to go beyond what you can who we hang with and who we see, God has the answer for you. listen to. Since our associations Just because you are against the can be a destructive force in our wall doesn’t mean the wall can’t lives, we must be mindful of our move. infl uences. Some people bring Happy Father’s Day to all the out the best in us. We should natural, adoptive and spiritual strive to be with people who fathers who selfl essly take time 1750 give us accountability. to model God the Father’s love SUNDAY Remember what he told you for us. Worship Services www.nhcms.org In books, after every blank Shewanda Riley is a Dallas, 10:00 a.m. page, comes a new chapter. In Texas based author of “Love our lives, God will allow cir- Hangover: Moving From Pain Sunday School 8:45 a.m. cumstances to change so that to Purpose After a Relationship MONDAY we have a renewed hope in his Ends.” Email preservedbypur- Intercessory Prayer 9:00 a.m. promises. [email protected] or follow her WEDNESDAY Just when on Twitter @shewanda. Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. Classes: Children • Youth • Adult - 7:00p.m. Michael T. Williams Pastor New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Pastor, Dr. F. R. Lenoir Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship - 10:30 a.m. Live Radio Broadcast WOAD AM 1300 - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

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

12 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK JUNE 13 - 19, 2019 www.mississippilink.com We’re better Injustice revealed than that By E. Faye Williams and dramatized Trice Edney Newswire By Julianne Malveaux I can’t remember a and humanizing. It digs into the mar- form of vindication, but as they all is entitled to grace, understanding, NNPA News Wire Columnist time in my adult life row of the bones of the accused men have said, nothing can bring those and compassion. She is not entitled to when I wasn’t work- Many know them as and their families. It reminds us that years back. Some are angry, some accuse young men whose DNA was ing on justice issues the Central Park Five, the cost of unjust incarcerations is felt are depressed, and some have offered not on her, whose alleged attack on on behalf of people in but fi lmmaker Ava not only by the incarcerated but also themselves as speakers to talk about her was not verifi ed. Even as we ap- my community. I’ve DuVernay forces us by their families. We see the ways the fl aws in the criminal just-us sys- plaud her survival, we abhor the ways worked for the benefi t to see the fi ve wrong- families dealt with the unlawful im- tem. Korey Wise, who got the most she supports the corrupt Fairstein and of women who shared my views and fully convicted men prisonment of their loved ones. Some substantial fi nancial settlement be- the police offi cers who coerced false some who don’t, but it’s rare that I’m as individuals. Their hover and hug, some distance them- cause of the longest time he spent in confessions from the accused young embarrassed about something women names are names we must remember, selves, and all of the lives are com- jail, generously donated $190,000 to men. are doing. Lately, I’ve taken the time as individual, courageous, principled plicated by the economic challenges the Colorado Innocence Project. I remember 1989. I remember the to view a lot of videos on various rap- black and brown men. They are Ko- that lower-income families face. Who The ugly underbelly of this story infl ammatory press describing young pers, and tried to give them the benefi t rey Wise, Raymond Santana, Yusef can pay for a decent lawyer? For vis- is the white women who insist that black and brown men as animals off of the doubt. I understand the argument Salaam, Antron McCray, and Kevin its that may be hundreds of hours, and these young men must have been “wilding.” I remember writing and about what they do is the life they live. Richardson. too many dollars, away from a home guilty of something. Linda Fairstein, talking about the inhumanity of their Some say it’s their reality. Well, “My DuVernay’s new Netfl ix mini-se- base? Who writes? Who can’t write? the prosecutor in the case, is depicted descriptions and about the lies the life ain’t been no crystal stair” as the ries, “When They See Us,” ask what How do incarcerated people maintain as benign of the rules and withhold- press infl amed. And I remember one saying goes. I’ve had my ups and my “they” see when they see young men dignity and equilibrium? ing evidence. Why? Because she Donald Trump who was so outraged downs, but I’ve always wanted to do of color. They see criminals. They “When They See Us” is important, could. She is the epitome of Becky, that he spent $85,000 to take out full- better and I’ve tried to help others do see violence. They don’t see their not because it tells the story of fi ve of Miss Ann, of a white woman who page ads asking that fi ve young men the same. precious youth, a youth that was young men – Raymond, Yusef, An- was prepared to ruin young lives, get the death penalty for a crime they We’re better than a lot of what I see. snatched away by a racist criminal tron, Kevin and Korey – who were even though there was no evidence to did not commit. He has yet to apolo- I’ve sat for hours viewing videos that injustice system that railroaded them. scapegoated, but because it reminds tie Raymond, Yusef, Antron, Kevin gize. He doesn’t do that. He is the one made me sick, but I had a purpose. I The 1989 rape of Trisha Meili hor- us that this case is but the tip of the and Korey to the rape of Trisha Meili. who needs to be incarcerated. didn’t just want to say, “Rapping is the rifi ed New York City. But there was iceberg. Thanks to the Innocence Fairstein has been spanked in the I am grateful to DuVernay for her style and some young people who do no evidence that the fi ve accused Project and other dedicated people, court of public opinion, being so vili- sensitive production of this story, the really hate-fi lled and vulgar stuff young men were the perpetrators. these men were exonerated, their fi ed that she has stepped down from as well as to Ken Burns for an ear- don’t know any better or aren’t capable Indeed, much later, another man con- convictions vacated, and a fi nancial the board of her alma mater, Vas- lier documentary. I am mindful that of doing something reputable to make fessed to her rape. Meanwhile, Ray- settlement awarded to them, provid- sar College. But she is adamant in these accused men are the tip of the a living. mond, Yusef, Antron and Kevin were ing them with about a million dollars her insistence that she did nothing iceberg. The coercion that they expe- Then I began viewing videos that sentenced to fi ve to seven years. Each for every year incarcerated. wrong. Even though she lied. Even rienced happens every day. And I am explain how people of other races lure served at least fi ve. Korey Wise was How many young men of color, though there was a weak train of evi- thankful that the Innocence Project young people into contributing to their 16, so he was tried and convicted as though, are unjustly arrested, tried, dence, with no DNA. Even though. supports the wrongfully incarcerated. own oppression because they’re so an adult. He served 12 years and was and convicted. How many have been But she is a privileged white woman But at the bottom line, y’all, I’m mad caught up in being a star. They’re lured brutalized and beaten throughout his so railroaded that after of hours of who took her ticket to ride into au- as hell. What can we do about it? into horrible things, given money, incarceration. In jail, a rapist is just interrogation (as with Raymond, thor stardom. The Mystery Writers of Julianne Malveaux is an author fl ashy cars and everything they could one step up from a child molester, Yusef, Antron, Kevin and Korey) America chose to rescind her award. and economist. Her latest project ever hope for except decency. They’re and the racial dynamics of prison life they choose to confess to crimes Good for them. MALVEAUX! On UDCTV is avail- introduced to drugs and crime and were such that Korey was a target for they did not commit because they are And then there is the victim, Trisha able on youtube.com. For booking, spending on things they’ll never need – abuse. frightened. Their vacated sentences Meili. No one should have experi- wholesale inquiries or for more info but it becomes a part of their lifestyle. “When They See Us” is harrowing and their fi nancial settlement is some enced the brutality that she did. She visit www.juliannemalveaux.com Then one day they think they’re a star, and get “uppity” enough to ask for their own money instead of having things issued out to them. They then fi nd that other people have gotten rich on them while the rapper, with few ex- Leah Chase: “We changed the course ceptions, is actually in debt. I see beautiful and smart-appearing young women resorting to a low life of which their parents never taught them. of the world over a bowl of gumbo” I identify with them simply because they are black and women. I cringe and By Marc H. Morial hosted musicians, artists, actors and lery, and whose life inspired a beloved When he fi rst visited Dooky Chase, become drained when I see a group like President and CEO presidents. In typical fashion, she Disney character was born in Madi- the fi lm’s co-director John Musker, National Urban League the one called “City Girls” dancing and scolded President Obama for adding sonville, Louisiana, across Lake Pon- was surprised to see a photo of Gen- prancing and shamelessly using vul- “I was taught that hot sauce to her already-perfectly- chartrain from New Orleans. One of eral George Patton on the wall among garities in front of white men who ap- your job was to make seasoned gumbo. 11 children, she was 6 years old when Chase’s famed collection of African- pear to be shocked by the sight of what this earth better. I hope My earliest memories of Mrs. the Great Depression struck, and she American art. the women are doing. I keep saying to my children will carry Chase were Friday night outings with recalled wearing clothes made from “She goes, ‘That was a man that I myself, “We’re better than that.” I ask on. I hope I’ve taught my grandparents to her landmark res- grain sacks and subsisting on food admired,’” Musker recalled. “It was myself if this is why our ancestors of- them enough to keep taurant, Dooky Chase. In the days of from their own garden. just a great thing to see this warm ten died to gain opportunities for all of trying to grow, keep Jim Crow, most of the upscale restau- She arrived in New Orleans to at- and nurturing thing, but she has this us, including our sisters to be able to trying to make people understand how rants refused to serve black patrons, tend Catholic high school, and went fl inty side, too, where she can be both. be free to do anything they want to do. to enjoy life. Look at all the beautiful so Dooky Chase quickly became a on to work at a French Quarter restau- That’s what we tried to get with Tia- Some argue with me saying they’re things around you, look at the prog- cultural, social and political center for rant for $1 a day. na, that she’s very warm and vulner- exercising their freedom of speech or ress. You gotta enjoy that, you gotta black life in New Orleans. Just after World War II ended, she able but she has a passion, spine and freedom of expression. I think you will appreciate that, and I do.” – Leah When the National Urban League married jazz musician Edgar “Dooky” a backbone and she’s really trying to agree those are not freedoms that ad- Chase held our conference in New Orleans in Chase, whose parents owned a po’ boy get something done and doesn’t give vance any of our righteous causes. With the passing this week of New 2012, I was proud to hold our Board of stand in Treme. Over the years she in easily to things.” Please go to your computer and look Orleans’ Queen of Creole cuisine, Trustees meeting there. would transform the business into one Mrs. Chase always said, “In my up City Girls Act Up. Look up Cardi B, Leah Chase, a part of New Orleans No visit home to New Orleans has of the most signifi cant and celebrated dining room, we changed the course Nikki Minaj (and I am not yet asking has died. ever been complete without a meal at restaurants in the entire country. of America over a bowl of gumbo and you to look up some of the men who It was at her table where the Free- Dooky Chase and a visit to the kitchen A generation of children were intro- some fried chicken.” It was an honor encourage drug use, murder, rape, etc.) dom Riders gathered to break bread to catch up with its tireless propri- duced to Chase in the character of Ti- beyond words to count her among my Just look up the young women rappers after their dangerous journey into the etress. ana, Disney’s fi rst African-American friends, and to carry forth her legacy. I’ve named and ask yourself if this is segregated south. It was there where The woman whose portrait is en- princess, in 2009’s The Princess and what the Essence Festival should be the NAACP planned strategy. She shrined in the National Portrait Gal- the Frog. promoting as the essence of a black woman. This year, City Girls are invited to the Essence Festival along with First Lady Michelle Obama. On the one Number 45, AKA Donald Trump, is not an aberration hand, they’ve invited a woman of sub- stance, along with a group with no By A. Peter Bailey Washington and Saint Thomas Jef- by white supremacists/racists mostly of them can say that he or she was de- class. Essence Festival leaders need to TriceEdneyWire.com ferson, who bought, sold, owned and in the former Confederate States of ceived by him. He made it very clear hear from you about their choices of The American news exploited African men, women and America. Their victims included black in the Republican primary campaigns who represents black women. media is deceiving the children. He’s also a direct descendant combat veterans. Therefore, Number and in the general election campaign Lately, J.T., a member of City Girls, world when it consis- of those presidents who did absolutely 45, a draft dodger, is by no defi nition who and what he was and is. In fact, has been forced to experience “suc- tently describes Num- nothing from the Reconstruction Era an aberration. that’s one positive thing that can be cess” of her group behind federal pris- ber 45 as an aberration through the 1960’s as leaders in the As for the American voting public, said about him. on bars for a case of fraud. Her lawyer in the history of the former Confederate States of Amer- through the years the overwhelming Number 45 is the personifi cation of is actually trying to get her out on good United States presiden- ica economically and politically op- majority of them looked on, often with most white males in this country and, behavior. Look at the City Girls video cy. Equally deceiving is its describ- pressed black people, including those relish, as atrocities were committed unfortunately, a sizable number of and see if you can fi nd the good behav- ing and romanticizing the American who fought in the Civil War, World against black people. They voted for black men for whom I have coined the ior. voting public as some kind of godly War I, World War II and the Korean politicians who did little, if anything, name “Blawhis” i-e black-whites. Dr. E. Faye Williams is president of people who are devoted to liberty and and Vietnam wars respectively. to stop or punish the white suprema- When, if ever, is the American me- the National Congress of Black Women justice for all citizens of this country. Number 45 is also a direct descen- cist/racist terrorists. dia going to tell it like it is? Number and host of WPFW-FM 89.3’s “Wake Rather than being an aberration, dant of those presidents who sat by It was overwhelmingly white Amer- 45 is not an aberration, and the white Up and Stay Woke.” Number 45 is a direct descendant of passively as thousands of black folks ican men and women who put Num- American voting public is not com- the presidents, including Saint George were lynched and otherwise murdered ber 45 into the White House. Not one posed of bamboozled innocents.

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

www.mississippilink.com JUNE 13 - 19, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 13

Mississippi Optometric Association Forrest General Hospital’s Inpatient to provide eye exams at no cost Rehabilitation Center hosts open for students assessment house of newly renovated area

The Mississippi Link Newswire The Mississippi Link Newswire For the fi fth year, the Missis- The Forrest General Reha- sippi Optometric Association bilitation Center (FGRC) host- (MOA) and the Mississippi ed an open house of its newly Vision Foundation (MVF) will renovated area of the hospital. provide eye exams at no-cost to FGRC is a highly-specialized third graders who did not pass to identifying those students doctor to collect this amount. acute rehabilitation center that the state reading assessment test who have vision problems.” All children, regardless of their functions as a stand-alone re- and do not have insurance. The Statistics show that 25 per- family’s ability to pay, will be habilitation facility with all of exams are offered through July cent of all school age children seen by ODs participating in the added benefi ts of being in- 31. have vision problems and more the program. The MVF, work- side the hospital. Patients have This year, with higher stan- than 80 percent do not get the ing with industry partners, will easy access to labs, physicians dards implemented by the Mis- help they need. Results of the cover the costs for any student and emergency care. sissippi Department of Educa- MOA and MVF Third Grade who needs an exam and is not The renovated center fea- tion, one in four of the state’s Eye Exam program (aimed at covered through insurance. tures a new, dedicated en- third graders did not pass the students who did not pass the Additionally, industry part- trance, which patients and literacy promotion test. Studies third grade reading assessment) ners are working with Missis- visitors can access from the show that children who struggle reveal that 88 percent of the sippi ODs to provide glasses fourth fl oor parking garage for to read are more likely to leave students who took advantage of to any student whose eye exam added convenience. There are school without graduating; ulti- the eye exams were found to be reveals the need for corrective now all private rooms and new mately contributing to the pov- in need of some form of visual lenses. therapy equipment including erty rates in our state. intervention. When making the appoint- a new Zero G® Gait and Bal- Beth Hensarling,OTR, rehab therapy manager, and Rebecca Fleming, “We know that vision is a State Superintendent of Edu- ment, parents should tell the ance System. RPT, demonstrate the Zero G. greater predictor of academic cation Carey Wright said, “We receptionist they are schedul- The Zero G is a robotic success than socioeconomic greatly appreciate the associa- ing the third grade eye appoint- system that uses an overhead however, there is excitement! to serve our patients and fami- status. And as citizens of Mis- tion’s concern for our students’ ment. They should bring the track to support the patient. It Being able to relocate while lies even more effectively,” sissippi we have a vested inter- health and academic progress, letter notifying them that their allows patients to practice a still remaining within For- said Donna Wheeless, RPT, est in making sure all of our and this annual opportunity for child did not pass the assess- wide range of activities with- rest General Hospital, having director of Rehabilitation and students have the tools and the eye exams is a wonderful exam- ment test with them to the ap- out the risk of falling. all private rooms as well as Wellness Services. opportunity to succeed at their ple of community partnerships pointment. “FGRC fi rst opened in 1987 upgrades to the facility and For more information about highest abilities,” said Dr. Amy that will benefi t students.” To locate a participating op- within Forrest General Hospi- equipment is very exciting for inpatient rehabilitation at Crigler, MOA president. “Vi- For students who are cov- tometrist, parents of eligible tal, and we have been provid- staff. We look forward to shar- Forrest General’s Rehabilita- sion is a better predictor of aca- ered through private insurance, third graders should go to www. ing excellent care for 32 years. ing this newly renovated facil- tion Center, visit forrestgen- demic success than socioeco- applicable co-pays may apply msvisionfoundation.org or call With every new beginning, ity with its new opportunities eral.com/rehab. nomic status. We are committed due to laws that require the 601 572-0845.

Gout, summer and cookouts June Is Men’s By Glenn Ellis joints, including those of the lowing a safe, low-purine food TriceEdneyWire.com Health Month hands. It usually does take a that isn’t likely to trigger a gout Summer is few years for this to happen. attack. Men’s Health Network fi lled with fun In the chronic stage, gout If you’ve had a history of suicides is undoubtedly driven services to our fathers, sons, outdoor activi- can look a lot like Rheumatoid gout attacks, avoiding purine- In 1920, female life expec- by equally alarming disparities brothers, partners and friends. ties, increased Arthritis, causing pain and in- rich foods can help you prevent tancy in the United States was in the underlying mental-health (The Affordable Care Act, for exercise, cook- fl ammation in multiple joints. the next one. However, that’s one year longer than male. conditions that lead to suicide example, provides girls and outs, and travel “Pseudogout,” a condition in sometimes easier said than Half a century later, that gen- itself, including depression and women with annual, free, well- making it the which calcium – not uric acid done when it comes to cookout der gap had grown to 7.6 years. anxiety[v], psychosis, and sub- woman visits, which include favorite season for many, but if – forms crystals that deposit in food. How about a few tips for Over the next few decades, the stance abuse. In fact, nowhere mental-health screenings. No you have a history of gout, or the joints, can cause pain and an enjoyable time at a picnic difference shrank to 4.8 years. is the connection between sui- such coverage exists for boys are at risk for gout (history of swelling almost identical to with gout? But, over just the past two cide and an underlying mental and men.) a high uric acid, family history gout. This is why it is important The “usual suspects” that you years, while women’s life ex- health condition more obvious At the very least, the lack of of gout or prior uric acid kid- to be properly diagnosed by should avoid (or greatly lim- pectancy has remained steady, than with substance abuse. adequate mental health care ney stones), you may want to your doctor. it) high-purine meats include men’s declined, and the gen- Between 2015 and 2016, negatively impacts men’s and pay particular attention to this Treating gout requires a bacon, beef, pork and lamb. der gap has crept back up to 5 male life expectancy decreased boys’ academic endeavors and column. two-pronged approach that High-purine seafood includes years[i]. by .2 years[vi], a rather dra- achievements, their productiv- Anyone who has, or has combines medications and anchovies, sardines, scallops, Despite numerous advances matic decline over such a short ity in the workplace, the over- someone in their life who has lifestyle changes. Your doctor mackerel, trout, haddock, tuna, in medical science, men con- period of time. That decline all quality of their family life, gout, knows it is a painful form may prescribe Corticosteroid and herring. Even though ev- tinue to die at younger ages was driven, to a large extent, their ability to care for their of arthritis that can seemingly medications, such as the drug eryone loves to have a good and in greater numbers than by an even-more-dramatic 9% children and spouse or partner, slips into your life like a thief Prednisone, to control gout in- time at a cookout, beer is a sig- women of nine of the top 10 increase in the male suicide and their level of community in the night. fl ammation and pain. Medica- nifi cant gout trigger and should causes of death. rate, which, in turn, was re- engagement and the contribu- Gout is an infl ammatory dis- tions like Allopurinol (the most be avoided. Within the broader men’s lated to a parallel increase in tions they make to the social ease that occurs when excess commonly prescribed drug, that All it takes is just a little health crisis, there is one area substance abuse – in particular capital of their communities uric acid (a bodily waste prod- lower uric acid are intended to pre-planning, focus on food where differences between opiate use – among men. and our nation. uct) circulating in the blood- prevent gout attacks and keep choices, and determination and male and female mortality and Such a change in the suicide So what can we do about stream is deposited as sodium the condition from becoming before you know it, you’ll be morbidity are especially stark: rate over the course of a single the male mental-health crisis? urate crystals in certain joints. chronic. having great summer fun with mental health, the most visible year could easily be classifi ed First, most experts agree that The pain is likely to be most The real “culprit” in gout your friends and family. manifestation of which is sui- as the bellwether of a looming in order to help boys and men severe within the fi rst four to is something called purines. With appropriate treatment cide. public health catastrophe. Ac- manage the behavioral health 12 hours after it begins. After Purine compounds, whether gout can be controlled and fu- Across all ages and ethnici- tually, two catastrophes. The and mental health issues, par- the most severe pain subsides, produced in the body or from ture attacks prevented. The big- ties, American men commit second is the dramatic increase ticularly those that are inextri- some joint discomfort may last eating high-purine foods, can gest obstacles in controlling suicide at far higher rates than in opiate overdose deaths. cably linked to violence, we from a few days to a few weeks. raise uric acid levels. Excess gout are improper diagnosis women. According to the most According to the Kaiser need male-focused tools, pro- Gout happens either when uric acid can produce uric acid and noncompliance. The non- recent CDC data, between the Family Foundation, between grams, social support systems the body produces too much crystals, which then build up in compliance part is totally up to ages of 15 and 64, roughly 3.5x 2015 and 2016, those deaths and clinical care, not only in uric acid or when the body does soft tissues and joints, causing you. Do the right thing, and eat more men than women commit increased 20.4% among wom- primary care providers’ offi ces, not eliminate enough uric acid the painful symptoms of gout. smart at the cookout. suicide. From 65 to 74, male en and 31.5% for men[vii]— but also in our schools, work through urination or bowel Purines are also found in cer- Remember, I’m not a doctor. suicides outnumber females by primarily middle-aged men, environments, social support movements. Gout often starts tain foods, such as steak, organ I just sound like one. Take good more than 4:1. For those over who would otherwise be ex- networks, and community or- with excruciating pain and meats and seafood. Other foods care of yourself and live the 74, the difference is a startling pected to be among the most ganizations, both on the hyper- swelling in the big toe – and also promote higher levels of best life possible. 9.3:1[ii]. Overall, for males, productive members of their local and national levels. can often follow any type of uric acid, such as alcoholic The information included in suicide is the 7th leading cause communities and our society Second, rather than criticize trauma such as an illness or in- beverages, especially beer and this column is for educational of death. For females, it’s num- as a whole. “toxic masculinity,” we need jury. Uric acid is a normal body drinks sweetened with fruit purposes only. It is not intended ber 14[iii]. Medical providers, members to celebrate fathers and other waste product. It forms when sugar (fructose). nor implied to be a substitute One sub-population that’s of the public health commu- male role models. From a very chemicals called purines break As the “disease of kings,” for professional medical ad- profoundly affected by the epi- nity, community organizations, young age, boys grow up hear- down. or “a rich man’s disease,” you vice. The reader should always demic of male suicides is the politicians, and the media have ing that “big boys don’t cry,” Normally, uric acid dis- may be able to associate your consult his or her healthcare military. Historically, service- collectively been unable (or “play through it,” and “man solves in your blood and passes advanced risk to a more indul- provider to determine the ap- members were less likely than unwilling) to acknowledge the up.” Those powerful messages through your kidneys into your gent lifestyle. If you’re spend- propriateness of the informa- their civilian counterparts to massive scope of the mental keep boys and men from rec- urine. But sometimes either ing time in backyards and parks tion for their own situation or take their own lives. But since health issues that affect men. ognizing that they need help your body produces too much barbecuing with your friends if they have any questions re- 2001, more active duty service- As a result, tens of thousands and from reaching out to get uric acid, or your kidneys ex- and family members, there’s garding a medical condition or members (including Reserve/ of American men and boys are that help – especially with re- crete too little uric acid. When a good chance you’re (like treatment plan. Guard) have killed themselves dying and suffering from what gard to mental health issues. this happens, uric acid can build most everyone else) also put- Glenn Ellis, is a Health Advo- than have died in combat. And many experts believe are pre- Fathers and other adult male up, forming sharp, needlelike ting healthy-eating on the back cacy Communications Special- those numbers are dwarfed by ventable or treatable behav- role models can help boys and urate crystals in a joint or sur- burner; no pun intended. ist. He is the author of Which the number of veterans who ioral and mental health issues. young men understand that ex- rounding tissue that cause pain, Now, you may be asking Doctor?, and Information is the complete suicide. The effects of this collec- pressing emotions and asking infl ammation and swelling. yourself, “How am I going to Best Medicine. He is a health According to the Military tive mismanagement of mental for help are signs of strength, After that, future attacks may have a picnic without Bar-B- columnist and radio commen- Times, veterans account for a health issues in men and boys not weakness, and that caring “fl are up” off and on in other Que beef, hot dogs, or a few tator who lectures, nationally total of 14% of all adult sui- extend into nearly every as- and nurturing are far better joints – primarily those of the beers?” I feel your pain, but and internationally on health cides in the US, even though pect of American society and ways of showing you’re a man foot and knee – before becom- don’t worry you can still en- related topics. For more good only 8% of the population has have broad implications for the than committing senseless acts ing chronic. Once it becomes joy a great summer meal with health information visit: www. ever served[iv]. ways we provide (or don’t pro- of violence. chronic, gout can affect many friends and family, while fol- glennellis.com The alarming disparity in vide) preventive mental health CLASSIFIED

14 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK JUNE 13 - 19, 2019 www.mississippilink.com

LEGAL LEGAL LEGAL

NOTICE OF INTENT ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS LEGAL NOTICE TO RECEIVE SEALED BIDS BY THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY BY JACKSON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY THE JACKSON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY FOR CITY OF JACKSON CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED SERVICES The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority “JMAA” requests Sealed Bids for IN CONNECTION WITH Notice is hereby given that Proposals will be received by the City Clerk of the purchase of items identifi ed for disposal. 5TH FLOOR & WEST CONCOURSE ROOF REPLACEMENT the City of Jackson, Mississippi until 3:30p.m., Friday, June 21, 2019. The AT THE City of Jackson, Mississippi requests proposals from art groups and other JMAA will receive Bids for the property at JMAA;s administrative JACKSON-MEDGAR WILEY EVERS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT community development groups providing services to the citizens in the offi ces, Suite 300, Main Terminal Building, Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers (JMAA PROJECT NO. 005-18C) City of Jackson. International Airport, 100 International Drive, Jackson, Mississippi 39208 until 2:00 p.m. central time on Monday, June 24, 2019 (the” Deadline”). The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (“JMAA”) will receive sealed Financial assistance is available to support arts and community The outside of the envelope must be marked “Bid for the Purchase of JMAA bids at the Jackson- Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (“JAN”), development activities designed to increase awareness, understanding Personal Property”. Main Terminal Building, Suite 300, in the City of Jackson, Rankin County, and appreciation of the arts and improve the quality of life among the Mississippi, until 3:00 p.m. central time on July 12, 2019 (the “Bid Deadline”), citizens of Jackson. This solicitation seeks proposals with an emphasis on A site visit is scheduled for Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. central for construction and renovations in connection with the 5th Floor and West community exposure, history and education. time at the address indicated above. Any parties interested in viewing Concourse Roof at the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport the Items/Lots for sale are welcome to attend. No additional times will be (the “Work”). Grant awards offered by the City of Jackson shall only represent supplemental allotted to view the Items for sale. All sales are “fi nal” and “as is”. Each funding in support of arts projects and community development based Respondent must submit a separate amount and description for each “Lot” JMAA will also accept electronic sealed bids as specifi ed in the bid projects. To be eligible for funding, proposing organizations must have they are bidding on. documents. Bids will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. central time on July 12, verifi able cash match contributions that equals to at least 50% of project 2019, Electronic bids can be submitted at www.centralbidding.com. For cost. Lot 1: “Computer Equipment and Other Furniture & Equipment Lot” any questions relating to the electronic bidding process, please call Central consists of one hundred and fi fty (150) pieces of computer equipment such Bidding at 225-810-4814. A workshop on the Request for Proposals packet is scheduled for as CPU’s, monitors, iPads, eight (8) pieces of furniture such as chairs, MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2019 beginning promptly at 2:00pm. It will be held cabinets, book shelf, and sofa table, nine (9) televisions, , one (1) Stihl Once registered, Suppliers can download bid specifi cations and upload bid at the Municipal Art Gallery located at 839 North State Street Jackson, Hand-held blower, thirty-six (36) other pieces of equipment. documents. MS 39202. Those interested in submitting proposals should attend this Workshop. Lot 2: “Telephone/Cellphone Lot” consists of one hundred thirty-four (134) JMAA will publicly open and read aloud all bids at 3:15 p.m. central time telephones and cellphones, etc. on July 12, 2019 (the “Bid Opening”), in the Staff Conference Room, Third For the Request for Proposals packet, please contact Beverley Johnson- Floor of the Main Terminal Building at JAN. Durham at 601 960 0383. All proposal must be sealed and plainly marked Lot 3: “Printer Lot” consists of twenty-nine (29) printers and two (2) on the outside of the envelope: Proposal for general funds Arts and typewriters The outside or exterior of each bid envelope or container of the bid must Community Based Grants. Proposal packets must be received by the City be marked with the Bidder’s company name and Mississippi Certifi cate of Clerk’s Offi ce at City Hall, 219 South President Street by 3:30pm on JUNE Lots WILL NOT be split for any reason. Responsibility Number and with the wording: “5th Floor & West Concourse 21, 2019. The city reserves the right to reject any and all proposals. Roof Replacement at JAN, JMAA Project No. 005-18C.” Bid proposals, Interested persons may obtain a copy of Bid Tab sheet for the property by amendments to bids, or requests for withdrawal of bids received by JMAA Request for proposal documents can be downloaded from the City of going to JMAA’s website at www.jmaa.com/resources/rfprfb-center/. after the Bid Deadline will not be considered for any cause whatsoever. Jackson website: www.jacksonms.gov and may be picked up at the City JMAA invites Bidders and their authorized representatives to be present at of Jackson Department of Human and Cultural Services located at 1000 JMAA will not consider any Bids received after the Deadline for any reason the Bid Opening. Metrocenter Drive Suite 101, Jackson MS. whatsoever. Any questions regarding the sale of these Items are to be directed to Mr. Ricco Owens, Accountant, contact information is as follows: JMAA will award the Work to the Lowest and most responsive and By: Adriane Dorsey-Kidd, Director responsible Bidder as determined by JMAA in accordance with the criteria Department of Human and Cultural Services Jackson Municipal Airport Authority set forth in the Information for Bidders. The Information for Bidders contains, 100 International Drive, Suite 300 (39208) among other things, a copy of this Advertisement for Bids, Instructions to 5/30/2019, 6/6/2019, 6/13/2019, 6/20/2019 Post Offi ce Box 98109 Bidders and an Agreement to be executed by JMAA and the lowest and Jackson, Mississippi 39298-8109 most responsive and responsible Bidder. Any Addendums issued clarifying Attention: Ricco Owens, Accountant and/or changing plans and specifi cations; clarifying and/or changing LEGAL Telephone No.: (601) 939-5631, ext. 297 instructions in the Instruction to Bidders; and/or answering questions in Facsimile No.: (601) 939-3713 relation to the Instructions to Bidders, including plans and specifi cations, E-Mail: [email protected] shall become part of the Information for Bidders. Plans and specifi cations Advertisement for Electronic Bidding related to the Work are considered part of the Agreement. Bid 3098 Van Winkle Elementary School Exterior Improvements 6/6/2019 6/13/2091 6/20/2019 The Information for Bidders, including plans and specifi cations, is on fi le Sealed, written formal bid proposals for the above bid will be received by and open for public inspection at JAN at the following address: the Board of Trustees of the Jackson Public School District, in the Business LEGAL Offi ce, 662 South President Street, Jackson, Mississippi, until 2:00 P.M. Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (Local Prevailing Time) July 15, 2019, at which time and place they will Suite 300, Main Terminal Building be publicly opened and read aloud. A Pre-Bid Conference concerning the DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION 100 International Drive project for Van Winkle Elementary School Exterior Improvements will be BUREAU OF BUILDING, GROUNDS AND Jackson, Mississippi 39208 held at Van Winkle Elementary School, 1655 Whiting Road, Jackson, MS REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Telephone: (601) 939-5631 ext. 616 on June 21, 2019 at 1:30 P.M. Attendance at the pre-bid conference is non- JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI Facsimile: (601) 939-3713 mandatory but strongly suggested. Attention: Robin Byrd, Manager, Procurement ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive A copy of the plans and specifi cations for the Work are being made available informalities, and to withhold the acceptance of any bid if approved for forty- Sealed and electronic bids will be received at the Bureau of Building, via digital and original paper copy. Plan holders may register and order fi ve calendar days from the date bids are opened. Grounds and Real Property Management, 501 North West Street, Suite plans and specifi cations from the Jackson Blueprint Online Plan Room 1401 B, Jackson, Mississippi, 39201, until 2:00:00 p.m. on Tuesday, website http://planroom.jaxblue.com. There is no charge for registration Plan holders are required to register and order bid documents at www. 07/09/2019 , for: or to view the documents online. Documents are non-refundable and dalebaileyplans.com. A $100.00 Non-refundable deposit shall be required must be purchased through the website. All plan holders are required to on each set of bid specs/documents and must be purchased through the RE: GS# 422-158 Campus Road Improvements (RE-BID) have a valid email address for registration. A printed bid set is $50.00 plus website. All plan holders are required to have a valid email address for Ellisville State School $15.00 shipping and applicable sales tax and an electronic downloadable registration. Questions regarding website registration and online orders RFx #: 3160002947 set is $20.00 plus applicable sales tax. For questions regarding website please contact Plan House Printing, 607 W. Main Street, Tupelo, MS registration and online orders please contact Jackson Blueprint & Supply 38804, (662) 407-0193. Questions regarding bid documents please contact at which time they will be publicly opened and read. Contract documents at (601)353-5803. Ginger Murphree at Dale Partners, Associates, Phone: 601-352-5411 or may be obtained from: Email: [email protected]. Bid Documents may be picked up or shipped to the person making the Professional: Chas N. Clark, Associates, LTD request. Documents will not be distributed or mailed, however, until 6/13/2019, 6/20/2019 Address: 714 Hillcrest Drive payment is received. Laurel, Mississippi 39440 Phone: 601-649-5900 JMAA will hold a Pre-Bid Conference at 2:00 pm. central time on June 20, Email: [email protected] 2019 in the Community Room, Third Floor of the Main Terminal Building at JAN. Attendance at the Pre-Bid Conference is highly encouraged for all A deposit of $150.00 is required. Bid preparation will be in accordance those interested in submitting bids as a Prime Contractor for the Work and with Instructions to Bidders bound in the project manual. The Bureau of persons seeking opportunities to provide work as a Sub-Contractor. The Building, Grounds and Real Property Management reserves the right to benefi ts of attendance include networking opportunities between Prime waive irregularities and to reject any or all bids. NOTE: Telephones and Contractors and Sub-Contractors, as well as the opportunity to be on a list desks will not be available for bidders use at the bid site. of contacts that will be published to interested parties as part of the minutes from the Pre-Bid Conference; review of the plans and specifi cations; and Calvin R. Sibley, Bureau Director a site visit of the area covered in the scope of work. No site visits will be Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management scheduled other than the one provided during the Pre-Bid conference. Office 6/6/2019, 6/13/2019 JMAA reserves the right to amend the plans and specifi cations for the Work by Addendum issued before the Bid Deadline; to reject any and all bids; and to hold and examine bids for up to ninety (90) days before awarding LEGAL the Contract to perform the Work. Space If it becomes necessary to revise any aspect of this Request for Bids or DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION to provide additional information to Bidders, JMAA will issue one or more BUREAU OF BUILDING, GROUNDS AND Addenda by posting on JMAA’s website (https://jmaa.com/corporate/ REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT partner-with-us/procurement/). JMAA will also endeavor to deliver a copy JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI of each Addendum, to all persons on record with JMAA as receiving a copy for Rent of the Information for Bidders, via email. ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS JMAA has established a DBE participation goal of 20% for the Work Sealed and electronic bids will be received at the Bureau of Building, solicited by this RFB. Grounds and Real Property Management, 501 North West Street, Suite 1401 B, Jackson, Mississippi, 39201, until 2:00:00 p.m. on Tuesday, JACKSON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY 07/16/2019 , for: DATE: June 4, 2019 /s/ Perry J. Miller, A.A. E., I.A.P. Garrett RE: GS# 507-051 Nurses’ Station Renovation 6/6/2019 6/13/2019 Mississippi State Veterans Affairs Board RFx #: 3160002949 LEGAL Enterprises at which time they will be publicly opened and read. Contract documents may be obtained from: Notice of Sale Professional: Robert Lewis/Architect Abandoned Vehicle Building Address: Post Offi ce Box 1154 Clinton, Mississippi 39060-1154 Notice of Sale is hereby given in accordance with the Mississippi Statutes governing the sale of abandoned motor vehicles that the following vehicle Phone: 601-925-8180 will be sold for repair and storage charges and for cost of this sale. (Near Jackson Medical Mall) Email: [email protected] 2016 Ford MUS 1FATP8UH0G5275202 Registered to Walton, James C A deposit of $200.00 is required. Bid preparation will be in accordance Santander Consumer USA, Financial, Lien Holder 2659 Livingston Road with Instructions to Bidders bound in the project manual. The Bureau of Date of Sale: June 28, 2019 Jackson, MS 39213 Building, Grounds and Real Property Management reserves the right to Place of Sale: Archie Towing Services; waive irregularities and to reject any or all bids. NOTE: Telephones and 6700 Medgar Evers Blvd., desks will not be available for bidders use at the bid site. Jackson, MS 39213 2500 Square Feet Sellers reserve the right to bid on the above property and to reject any and Calvin R. Sibley, Bureau Director all bids. Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management Time: 10:00 A.M. Call: 601-209-9199

6/13/2019, 6/20/2019 6/13/19, 6/21/19, 06/27/19 www.mississippilink.com JUNE 13 - 19, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 15

LEGAL P ICK UP

REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR THE JACKSON-MEDGAR WILEY HE ISSISSIPPI INK EVERS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (JAN) PASSENGER BOARDING BRIDGE T M L REPLACEMENT AT AIRCRAFT GATE NO. 2 – EAST CONCOURSE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: BY THE JACKSON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY JMAA PROJECT NUMBER 001-19 JACKSON SPORTS MEDICINE VOWELL’S MARKET PLACE The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (“JMAA”) requests Statements of BULLY’S RESTAURANT Fortifi cation and I-55 5777 Terry Road Qualifi cations and Expressions of Interest (each, a “Statement of Qualifi cations”) to provide Requests for Qualifi cations (RFQ) for engineering design and construction 3118 Livingston Road MURPHY USA CITY HALL administration services in support of the Passenger Boarding Bridge Replacement CASH & CARRY 6394 Ridgewood Rd (North Jackson) Terry Road project at Aircraft Gate No. 2 located on the East Concourse at the Jackson Medgar- Wiley Evers International Airport (“JAN”). Capitol Street and Monument Street REVELL ACE HARDWARE CLINTON CITY HALL Terry Rd (South Jackson) JMAA will receive Statements of Qualifi cations to perform the Services at JMAA’s DOLLAR GENERAL 219 S President St WALGREENS administrative offi ces, Suite 300, Main Terminal Building, Jackson-Medgar Wiley 807 Berkshire St - Clinton, MS Evers International Airport, 100 International Drive, Jackson, Mississippi 39208, until GARRETT OFFICE COMPLEX 380 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave 2:00 p.m. central time on Monday, July 8, 2019 (the “Deadline”). 2659 Livingston Road TERRY CANTON JMAA will not consider any Statements of Qualifi cations received after the Deadline DOLLAR GENERAL SERVICE STATION for any reason whatsoever. Information for Respondents relating to this Request A & I 3957 Northview Dr (North Jackson) for Statements of Qualifi cations (“RFQ”) is on fi le and open for public inspection at 716 Roby Street - Canton, MS at Exit 78 the offi ces of JMAA. The Information for Respondents contains a copy of the RFQ, DOLLAR GENERAL CITY HALL General Information for Respondents, Information Required from Respondents, and B & B Criteria for Selection. 2030 N Siwell Rd 702 West North Street - Canton, MS West Cunningham Avenue DOLLAR GENERAL Interested persons may obtain a copy of the Information for Respondents from JMAA BOUTIQUE STORE 4331 Highway 80W RAYMOND by contacting Bonnie Spears, JMAA Procurement Specialist, as follows: 3355 North Liberty - Canton, MS HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE DOLLAR GENERAL Jackson Municipal Airport Authority BULLY’S STORE WELCOME CENTER 5990 Medgar Evers Blvd 100 International Drive, Suite 300 (39208) Church Street - Canton, MS 505 E. Main Street Post Offi ce Box 98109 DOLLAR GENERAL Jackson, Mississippi 39298-8109 COMMUNITY MART SUNFLOWER GROCERY 1214 Capitol St (Downtown Jackson) Attention: Bonnie Spears, Procurement Specialist 743 Ruby Street - Canton, MS 122 Old Port Gibson Street, Telephone No.: (601) 360-8623 DOLLAR GENERAL Facsimile No.: (601) 939-3713 FRYER LANE GROCERY Raymond, MS 304 Briarwood Dr E-Mail: [email protected] Martin Luther King Drive - Canton, MS LOVE FOOD MART DOLLAR GENERAL HAMLIN FLORAL DESIGN or from JMAA’s website at https://jmaa.com/corporate/partner-with-us/procurement/ 2855 McDowell Rd 120 E. Main Street, 285 Peace Street - Canton, MS Raymond, MS JMAA will hold a Pre-Submission Conference at 10:30 a.m. central time on DOLLAR GENERAL JOE’S SANDWICH & GROCERY Tuesday, June 18, 2019, in the Community Room, 3rd Floor Mezzanine Level, at 104 Terry Rd RAYMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY the Main Terminal Building at the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport, 507 Church Street - Canton, MS 126 W. Court Street, Raymond, MS 100 International Drive, Jackson, MS 39208. Attendance at the Pre-Submission J & A FUEL STORES K & K ONE STOP Conference is highly recommended for all those interested in submitting a 3249 Medgar Evers Blvd. RAYMOND CITY HALL Statement of Qualifi cations as a Prime Consultant for the work and persons seeking 110 West Fulton Street - Canton, MS 110 Courtyard Square, Raymond opportunities to provide work as a Sub-Consultant. The benefi ts of attendance LIBERTY BANK AND TRUST LACY’S INSURANCE include networking opportunities between Prime Consultant and Sub-Consultants, 2325 Livingston Rd. RAYMOND COURTHOUSE the opportunity to be on a list of contacts that will be published to interested parties as 421 Peace Street - Canton, MS part of the minutes from the Pre-Submission Conference, the opportunity to receive MCDADE’S MARKET SOUL SET BARBER SHOP UTICA detailed scope related information from the project owner, and a possible site visit of Northside Drive the area covered in the scope of work. No site visits will be scheduled other than the 257 Peace Street - Canton, MS HUBBARD’S TRUCK STOP one provided during the Pre-Bid Conference. MCDADE’S MARKET #2 TRAILER PARK GROCERY Mississippi Hwy 18 653 Duling Avenue Based on the Statement of Qualifi cations, JMAA will initiate negotiations with the 22 Westside Drive - Canton, MS PITT STOP Respondent ranked fi rst on the list. If such negotiations fail to produce an agreement, PICADILLY CAFETERIA 101 Hwy 18 & 27 in form and content, satisfactory to JMAA, within a reasonable period of time, then Jackson Medical Mall BYRAM JMAA may reject the fi rst-ranked Respondent. BOLTON 350 W Woodrow Wilson Avenue DOLLAR GENERAL BOLTON LIBRARY In that event, JMAA will follow the same process with the other Respondents, in the SHELL FOOD MART 125 Swinging Bridge Dr. order of their ranking, until a Respondent agrees to and enters into an agreement BOLTON CITY HALL satisfactory to JMAA. 5492 Watkins Drive HAVIOR’S AUTO CARE 5495 I-55 South Frontage Road JMAA reserves the right to: (1) reject any and all Statement of Qualifi cations, for any reason, any time before execution of a contract with a Respondent selected by JMAA to perform the Services.

JMAA has established a DBE participation goal of 30% for the Services solicited by this RFQ. JACKSON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY 6/6/2019 6/13/2019

Cryptogram Solution

© Feature Exchange 16 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK JUNE 13 - 19, 2019 www.mississippilink.com Tony A. Montgomery Pastoral Installation June 9, 2019 • Greater St. James Church • Jackson, MS

PHOTOS BY JAY JOHNSON www.mississippilink.com JUNE 13 - 19, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 17 Robin Givens bares her soul and states her purpose By Allison Kugel Givens PHOTOS COURTESY OF OWN PHOTOGRAPHER GUY D’ALEMA

Actress Robin Givens has story so well, but for me it wasn’t played many roles in her life; only taking a break to raise my retiring wallfl ower not being kids. It was also a break for my- among them. She burst onto the self. It’s true that you feel like you scene as the beautiful and brainy are going to maintain your place Darlene on Head of the Class, a in line; like everything is going sitcom that aired on ABC from to stop and wait for you. I had to 1986 to 1991. realize that it’s a process again. Those same years brought a You have to enjoy the process media explosion as good girl and begin again, and I really fell Givens fell in love with, married in love with acting again. When I and then divorced, boxing’s for- fi rst started acting, it wasn’t really mer world heavyweight cham- like that. Now I can go in a room pion, Mike Tyson. The tumultu- and act and do my thing and en- ous pairing was brief and quickly joy the process for what it is. Wa- devolved into a he said/she said ter seeks its own level. If you’re of accusations about abuse and good, you’re good, and it all kind domestic violence, allegations of begins again. which Tyson himself later pub- AK: Your new show, Ambi- licly conceded to. tions is premiering June 18 on RG: You’re making my life I was dealing with that guy the AK: What are the biggest mis- Givens to learn, and what do you Throughout the 1990s and the OWN Network. It seems like sound way more exciting than best way I could at twenty-two conceptions about you and fa- think you are here to teach? early 2000s, Givens picked up Oprah has always championed it is, but no I don’t. I know we years old. mous men, in general? RG: I’m the fi rst of two chil- the pieces with a string of fi lm your career. You worked with her are in this world where we want AK: I interviewed Mike, I RG: I met Eddie Murphy when dren and I have a type-A per- roles including A Rage in Harlem as an actress, and you were also things to be tantalizing, but I am think about seven years ago, and I was in my sophomore year at sonality. I always say I’m a re- with the late Gregory Hines, For- on the Oprah show quite a bit a big believer in truths. The one I liked him during our interview. Sarah Lawrence College. He had covering perfectionist. That’s est Whitaker and Danny Glover; over the years. thing I agree with when it comes Of course, it was so many years just gotten Saturday Night Live. something I’ve had to learn, and Boomerang opposite Halle Berry RG: I feel like at one point to our current state of politics is later. I don’t want to take away He wasn’t the “Eddie Murphy” there is a kind of humor in the and Givens’ former fl ame turned we were just friends. We did do that there has been plenty of fake from his ability to change and that the world now knows, at quest for perfection. It’s not very colleague, Eddie Murphy; Blank- [the mini-series] The Women of news. I feel like I was the original grow as a person. But what you that time. He was an actor that interesting, and you can never re- man opposite Damon Wayans and Brewster Place (1989) together, fake news. I would be a crazy per- experienced is valid and real, and was happy to get a job. It was the ally achieve it. That’s something Head of State with Chris Rock. which was a huge role for me. son if, given what I went through your feelings about it are valid same thing with Brad Pitt. When that life has taught me. The diffi - Steady work came her way, She and I developed a genuine in my past, I didn’t believe in the and very real. Your voice also I dated Brad, Brad couldn’t get culty that I have gone through has while sealing her reputation friendship, just as women. I don’t truth. I would never approach continues to be valuable regard- a job. I was paying for all our really taught me a sense of com- as the beautiful but dangerous think it had anything to do with working on a character with any ing domestic violence. meals and he was a struggling passion. Most people in my life femme fatale. The line between my career, per se. I do think that sense of that… thing, or that time RG: I’ve done a lot of work actor. We talked a lot about act- know that I am a compassionate, Givens’ public image and her there is something to it coming period that wasn’t even true. I with women, and it’s not only ing because we were in acting loving person. I’ve also had to fi lm work continued to blur. Dur- full circle and being here with lived through a time of absolute happening with celebrities, obvi- class together, and we loved act- learn to relax a little bit, because ing this time period, she became her now, doing this show on her bullshit at a very young age. I ously. It’s the guy at the golf club ing together. When we dated, he my brain does start overworking. a mom to two boys and retreated network. now have a son who is twenty- in Connecticut that everybody literally couldn’t pay for dinner. AK: And what are you here to from the spotlight, save for the re- AK: Do these vixen roles fi ve, who I see as a baby. I was loves. It’s the mayor of a small At the time, I had already gotten teach? lease of her 2007 memoir, Grace fi nd you, or do you seek them younger than that when all that town who’s sweet and charming the role on Head of the Class. It RG: I would say the same Will Lead Me Home, in which out? How do you always wind craziness was happening. Cer- in public. I don’t want to make was a different dynamic, where thing; sharing a sense of com- she opened up about the issue of up playing that women? I don’t tainly, I hope it made me the per- this [issue] all about me. With ev- I was the big deal to [Brad]. You passion. Life is short and time domestic violence, which she ad- know how else to put it (laughs). son that I am, but I don’t think I erything that is going on with the know what I mean? I lived it all truly is our greatest commodity. mits in the book had plagued her RG: You’re right. There was would have been able to say that #MeToo movement, we’re kind at a young age, thank God, and I It’s the one thing you never get family for generations. a time when I was having these before. of forcing a lot of men to get that get to have a good perspective on back. I lost a sister, unexpect- This was the birth of Givens, roles come to me and I remem- AK: And you probably didn’t certain things are unacceptable. reality and how it can be changed. edly, almost fi ve years ago and I women’s advocate and outspoken ber saying to my agent, “I don’t have the tools at that time to get Certain things now, thirty years AK: There was a pivotal mo- would do anything to have more crusader against domestic vio- want to do that women. I just did the facts out there the way you later, must be unacceptable. We ment in your life, when I believe of those moments. I try to tell lence. Her speaking engagements that woman.” I ended up turn- wanted to. have to do better now. you were studying at Harvard my children that there is not that culminated with one of her nu- ing something down because of RG: I was speaking with Wen- AK: You began speaking up with the intention to become a much to get here [on earth]. You merous appearances on the Oprah it. I’m nothing like these women dy Williams recently and she said about violence against women doctor, before you decided to want to have enough to spend show in which she outlined her that I play, which is unusual and to me, “Thank God social media years before the #MeToo and pivot and pursue acting. In retro- time with the people you love. intimate journey with the issue. interesting for me. I always jok- wasn’t going on at that time in #TimesUp movements took root. spect, was this the right path? You want to have dinner with the It is important to note that, ac- ingly say, “I want to grow up and your life.” And I said, “You know, RG: I didn’t plan on speaking RG: I was at Harvard Graduate people you love. If you feel like cording to The National Coali- be them.” Where I am now in my actually it would have been easi- on behalf of women, but it really School and I knew I was going to going to Paris, you want to go to tion Against Domestic Violence life, emotionally, it’s like, “Okay, er.” Now, you can literally get on did become a part of my heal- be a doctor, or so I thought at the Paris with people you love. It’s all (NCADV) more than 10 million you want me to do that? Then I’m Twitter and say “Hey, that’s not ing. My ex-husband had been on time. By the time I got to Harvard about the moments, and not the women and men (at a rate of 20 going to do it to death,” and then true.” Oprah and he had talked about I was really wanting to pursue car you drive. Happiness and joy people per minute) in the U.S. are wait for the opportunity where I AK: I was a bit taken aback hitting me in a cavalier way, like, acting. If you asked me ten years lie in simplicity, so try to keep it subjected to domestic violence, can do something completely dif- when in speaking with some “Oh, yeah I hit her,” and every- ago, I would have said I should simple. making this an issue that does ferent. people before our interview, the body [in the audience] laughed. I have become a doctor. As a mom, AK: I would agree. Let’s dive transcend gender (though women AK: Before I do an interview, general consensus was, “She did was somewhere doing a speaking I just came from visiting my son into your character, Stephanie are more likely to sustain substan- I’ll ask people if they have any Mike Tyson dirty years ago.” engagement, and someone said to and saying to him, “Get a law de- Carlisle, on Ambitions. tial physical injury at the hands of burning questions for the person RG: The only thing I did dirty me, “Robin, you can’t take this.” I gree.” My mom was raised in the RG: She doesn’t use any of the an intimate partner, at a rate of 1 I’m about to interview, and some- was that I said, “I don’t want to realized it was far bigger than me south at a time when, as a woman, things I just talked about (laughs). in 7 women to 1 in 25 men) as times I’ll take people’s questions be in a relationship where you tell and I was told I had to do some- she couldn’t go in the front door What interests me about my job well as socio-economic status. into consideration. I found out me you are going to kill me.” I thing, if not for me, then for all of a movie theatre. She could is the challenge to bring a char- In the 2010s, Givens refocused that a lot of men out there think didn’t take one cent from my ex- other women. One of the things I buy clothes at Woolworth, but acter like Stephanie Carlisle to on acting with roles on long run- you are that woman. Do you husband. I left my panties there; I always say is, “My story is your she couldn’t try them on, and she life. To get the role of Stephanie, ning daytime soap The Bold and know that? left my favorite teddy bear there. I story, and your story is my story.” couldn’t sit at the counter and eat. I borrowed a dress from The Fix the Beautiful, YouTube Red se- RG: I think women think that left everything I had in that house. AK: That was when you had I think I grew up with the sense (ABC) for the audition. Once I ries Step Up: High Water (based too. I don’t think it’s only men. The rest is fake news. I said, “I that sit-down with Oprah to air of, what she believed, which is read the script, I felt I could do on the fi lm franchise), the CW’s Whenever I’m in hair and make- want out of this relationship be- your grievances about Tyson’s that education is a great equal- this role better than anyone. I just Riverdale and ABC’s The Fix. up, they’re always like, “My God, cause I think you are going to do appearance on her show… izing factor in America. I have a needed to carry that energy into On June 18, Givens will shine as you are nothing like that person.” what you said, which is kill me.” RG: I sat down with Oprah parent who, literally, just stopped the room with me and believe female lead, Stephanie Carlisle, Me, Robin, I have a whole differ- When I see what happened to Ni- to discuss her interview with my leaving me medical school ap- it. Once I started to dissect her, in OWN’s newest drama series, ent rhythm. cole [Brown] Simpson and other ex-husband, which was the last plications any time she’d come I knew that I wanted her to be Ambitions. AK: Your energy is completely women that I talk to, that is a very thing I wanted to do. She apolo- to visit. Up until recently, I knew more than what was on the page. Throughout our conversation, different from your media image. real thing. I am here, walking, liv- gized to me. After the show, she there was an application to some I wanted to give her shades and Givens held nothing back and no But your name is still synony- ing and breathing. came into my dressing room and medical school lurking some- dimensions, a heart and make her question was off the table as she mous with Mike Tyson, the di- AK: And it was thirty years she said “Robin, as it was hap- where in the house (laughs). real. She was written as an ice offered thoughtful, sometimes vorce heard ‘round the world and ago people. You’ve had so much pening I knew it was wrong, but AK: Do you pray? If so, who queen, but there is more to her. emotionally charged, humorous those infamous interviews. going on since then. You have I didn’t know what to do.” I think or what do you pray to? My interpretation is that she is a and refl ective insights on her RG: I have a better understand- your two boys, a thriving acting that sums up a lot. Not to put the RG: I have a great relationship woman that has her own set of journey through womanhood and ing of it now than I would have if career, your advocacy work for weight of the world on Oprah. with God. For me, that has been a rules. She also has this sensibility Hollywood. you talked to me about it fi fteen women. I’m proud of you. Certainly, she is an amazing, very important relationship. He’s that she is never going to live up Allison Kugel: You took years years ago, or even ten years ago. RG: Thank you. It is a really amazing woman. But if Oprah the only father I’ve ever known. to her father, and that’s where her away from the spotlight to focus As a grown-up, I just understand interesting conversation to have, Winfrey doesn’t know what to do I would often sit down with God wanting comes from. on being a mom to your two sons. it better. I also didn’t give people because my ex-husband used in these situations, the discom- and say, “I don’t want to have to AK: Why should audiences Now you’re back with two televi- anything else to talk about for a to say to me, “I’m a hero to the fort of it, then a lot of us don’t go through this.” But it’s all gotten tune in to watch Ambitions? sion shows, the CW’s Riverdale while, and so my image got stuck guys. Women love me and guys know how to respond to that. me to where I am, both as a per- RG: I could describe it as a and the new OWN series, Ambi- there. I ran into Jay-Z at a party love me. I’m a star to the stars.” It’s much easier to put people in son and as a mom with these two guilty pleasure, but someone once tions. I remember speaking with years ago, when I was doing Chi- It’s hard to go up against all of a box and say, “She must have kids. I grew up Catholic with a said, “There is no guilt in plea- Elisabeth Shue years ago (The cago on Broadway, and even he that. I left with my life, and I left wanted his money,” than to be- sense of the ritual of Catholicism. sure.” It’s going to be that kind Karate Kid, Adventures in Baby- was fi xated on it, because it was so sorry that I put my family in lieve that somebody could punch Certainly, I have some questions of fun show where women gather sitting, The Saint) and she said just so big. such a horrifi c situation. The real- a 105-pound woman. We saw about all of that now, and some around to watch with some wine she went away to just be a mom AK: People love to talk about ity is, the guy I lived with was the it happen with (ex-NFL player) misgivings. But it is something I and popcorn. I think men will to her three kids, and when she your past relationships, not just same guy that bit [Evander] Holy- Ray Rice. Now you can’t pretend still do [observe]. And I always love it as much as women. came back, she felt like the pa- with Tyson, but with Brad Pitt fi eld’s ear in the ring. That’s the it away or give an excuse for it. say that my ex-husband [Tyson] Ambitions premieres on Tues- rade passed her by. How did you and Eddie Murphy. Do you play guy I was dealing with on a daily Now we have a responsibility to taught me, and gave me, a true day, June 18 @ 10/9c on OWN. come back with the thunder? on that image for a role like your basis; the same guy that went to not let certain things slide. We’re relationship with God. Follow Robin Givens on Twitter Robin Givens: I don’t know character, Stephanie Carlisle, on jail for rape (Givens is speaking better than that and we’ve come AK: What do you think you @therocknrobn and Instagram Elisabeth and I don’t know her Ambitions? of Tyson’s 1992 rape conviction). too far. are here on this earth as Robin @robingivens. 18 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK JUNE 13 - 19, 2019 www.mississippilink.com 189 Jaguars graduate – HCCSD’s inaugural class

Mississippi Link Newswire Look out world; here they come. Under beautiful, sunny skies over Holmes Commu- nity College’s Ras Branch Football Stadium in Goodman, Miss., 189 junior and seniors of Holmes County Central High School proudly walked across the stage Saturday, May 25, to receive the frst high school di- plomas issued by the Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools of the Holmes Coun- ty Consolidated School District (HCCSD). The bright, goal-oriented 2019 inaugural class of Jaguar scholars blazed the trail for fu- Front row L-R: Rayford Horton, Elder William Dean, Jr., April Jones, Anthony Ander- ture success adorned in their red son. Back row: James Allen, Gregory Washington, Carol Stone, Mellody Keith Valedictorian Rabria Moore and co-salutatorians Kiersten Ellis, Samatha Deering, Shakenya Hester cap and gowns. The frst gradu- ating class of the Jaguar Nation collectively earned and received nearly half a million dollars in scholarships and awards. Fifty-fve students indicated they will attend a 4-year uni- versity in the fall, while 71 stu- dents plan to enroll in a 2-year college program. Thirteen stu- dents are heading to a techni- cal school and 6 enlisted in a branch of the military. “I’m just in awe of the in- tellectual capacity of many of our scholars who will one day compete on the global stage,” said Superintendent of Schools Javonte Jefferson greets Superintendent Henderson and BOE James L. Henderson, Ed.D. James L. Henderson, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools President Anthony Anderson Tawana Jefferson receives her diploma “While we still have much work to be done regarding our “Yes, we have smart and ca- dictorian Rabria Moore and throughout the state as well as braved the humid temperatures the grandmother of graduate graduation and drop-out rates, I pable children in Holmes Coun- co-salutatorians Kiersten Ellis, out of state. Several of them are and packed the stadium as they Ry’Anna Meeks. am so very proud of our schol- ty. This historic class boasts a Samatha Deering and Shakenya now privates in various branch- cheered their graduates when For more information and/or ars in the Holmes County Con- valedictorian and three saluta- Hester. Hester also holds the es of the U.S. military with their names were called. “Al- media coverage, email Chief of solidated School District who torians – outstanding,” Hender- title of Miss HCCHS. lucrative scholarships, awards though it was hot, the ceremony Staff Deborah Antoine at dan- are determined to graduate on son said. Graduates will be attend- and incentives. was very nice, and I truly en- [email protected] or call time.” The class leaders are vale- ing colleges and universities Parents and well-wishers joyed it,” said Patricia Porter, 662 633-2454. www.mississippilink.com JUNE 13 - 19, 2019 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 19 BOOK REVIEW: “GOING DOWN HOME WITH DADDY” BYKELLY STARLING LYONS, ILLUSTRATED BY DAN MINTER C.2019, PEACHTREE BOOKS $16.95 / $22.95 CANADA • 32 PAGES

By Terri Schlichenmeyer er, that’s a question one boy Lil Alan’s hands were empty. still empty and so was his heart. did have something to share. warm family tale that feels like Columnist struggles with. Still, he had time to think. At church, he heard more fam- It was right in front of him all being snuggled in a soft blan- Getting together with your As Sis slept in the back of the When they got there, all the ily stories as everyone wor- along… ket. family this summer is going to car next to him, Lil Alan wor- adults were laughing and slap- shipped together, but he was Much like a lazy summer af- Even the youngest kids will be fun! ried and worried. ping backs and giving out hugs; sad that he still hadn’t come up ternoon, “Going Down Home understand Lil Alan’s struggle You’ll see your cousins and They were on their way to the women had been cooking with something to share. with Daddy” unwinds at a lei- for meaning, the comfort of grandparents, friends and kin, Granny’s house on the family for days and everything smelled Back at Granny’s house, he surely pace, covering a mere knowing that you’re loved, the and your aunts and uncles will farm, going to Daddy’s side of delicious for the feast. Daddy thought about what he was go- weekend but starting with a goodness of being surrounded be there, too. You’ll eat foods the annual family get-together, fi red up the tractor and took Lil ing to offer at the celebration as restless car ride. by family, and the strength of you love, play games to win, and everybody’d have some- Alan and his cousins out for a he looked at a wall full of old Since your child may be knowing where you came from. and you’ll hear stories that your thing to share for this year’s ride on the farm that had been in pictures of grandparents and looking forward to this sum- Whether your family is next family likes to tell. But what celebration. Sis would sing a the family for a long, long time. great-grandparents. He thought mers’ family reunion, that may door or half a world away, this will you bring to the family pic- song for Granny. One of Lil Al- Daddy’s Pa had been proud of of his family’s land and the seem like an odd place to begin book is great for the 4-to-7- nic? an’s cousins had made a scrap- the land and its crops, and so people who cared for it. He re- but this book isn’t just about a year-old who loves them. Isn’t In “Going Down Home with book. Another boy was reading was Daddy, and Lil Alan, too. membered stories of folks be- reunion: author Kelly Starling it time, then, to put that kid and Daddy” by Kelly Starling Ly- a story aloud. When Sunday morning rolled fore them. Lyons and illustrator Daniel “Going Down Home with Dad- ons, illustrated by Daniel Mint- Everyone had something, but around, Lil Alan’s hands were And then he knew. Lil Alan Minter wrap the event around a dy” together?

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WRTM-FM SMOOTH 100.5 FM, IS JACKSON’S URBAN RHYTHM AND BLUES STATION PLAYING FAMILIAR FAVORITES FROM THE 70’S, 80’S AND 90’S. TUNE IN TO HEAR JUST THE RIGHT MIX OF BLUES AND TODAY’S BIGGEST HITS. 20 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK JUNE 13 - 19, 2019 www.mississippilink.com Hinds County School District Weekly Update ENGAGING-EMPOWERING-ENSURING-EXCELLENCE HCSD holds annual active shooter exercise at Gary Road Intermediate School

The Hinds County School District along with and the shooter was eventually neutralized by law designed to provide training for the school district as Byram Police Department and several other local enforcement offcers. Student actors played victims well as training for local law enforcement agencies, emergency responders held its annual active and practiced exiting the school safely. School Hinds Emergency Management, AMR and the shooter training exercise June 6, 2019 at Gary Road personnel were seen walking out of the school with local Fire Department. Neal also stated that the Intermediate School. their hands in the air as they were escorted out by district is very appreciative of all of its emergency law enforcement offcials and AMR crews tended the responders, volunteers, parents, students, faculty During the drill, emergency and school personnel injured and transported them from the scene. and administrators for their support and input to simulated an active shooter situation in which shots make this exercise a success…. teamwork makes a were fred, several students were shot and injured, District spokesman John Neal said these drills are difference. Highlights from Exercise