Jackson Free Press

Mason Leaving JSU for Southern Univ.

[verbatim from the Mississippi Institutions for Higher Learning]

After a decade leading Mississippi's largest historically black institution, Jackson State University President Ronald Mason Jr. announced today that he has accepted the position as the next president of the …

Mississippi ‘Prepares for the Worst'

As expected, the oil spill caused by the explosion and sinking of BP-owned rig Deepwater Horizon April 20 reached the mouth of the Mississippi River this morning, reports CNN. The …

Reminder of Home

Snickerdoodles are a Branberg family tradition, passed down from my great grandma to my bumpa (the term I coined for my grandpa when I was very young), to my mom …

Oleta's Gifts, Greeks and Baskets

In a gray two-story building off Highway 51 in Ridgeland just below a comic book store sits a shop that celebrates the history of African American fraternities and sororities.

Books for Grads

Transitional states such as graduation can render a person wide open emotional lows and highs. This is actually the perfect moment to go out and explore the world. The following …

Maple Street Mentor

As the head coach of the Lanier High School basketball team, Thomas Billups has developed future NBA players and won state championships.

I Still Believe

My mind was restless and my thoughts wandered as I sat on the second row in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church in downtown Jackson at the Extraordinary Women's conference …

Racist Names, Beware

Ward 2 Councilman Chokwe Lumumba said he voted with a majority of the council to remove a controversial petition requirement for the renaming of city streets or facilities because he …

A Plan for Change

Otha Burton may be one of the newest appointees to the Jackson Public Schools board, but he is a veteran of city government. Burton served as chief administrative officer for …

Women's Fund Gets It Wrong … Twice

The Jackson Free Press has been a strong supporter of The Women's Fund—including giving proceeds raised by our production of "The Vagina Monologues" this year to the group. We applaud …

Pompous and Circus

To walk or not to walk, that is the question. Or is it?

A Mother's Love

The nostalgically delicious aroma of a family feast is the first thing to envelope the senses in Minnie Spicer's home in Flora. Skillets of cornbread sit on a stove worn …

Ringing After Death

Jean is sitting in a café when she hears a cell phone ring at the next table where a well-dressed man sits in front of a bowl of soup.

Fusion of Fun

Melvin Priester and Tre Pepper want Jacksonians to get down. This deejay duo, called Hot and Lonely, have joined forces to create "Might Could Real Quick," a Special Passenger Records …

City Addresses Complete Smoking Ban

Restaurant Zydeco is a place where you can get delicious crawfish pie. It is also one of the few restaurants in the city where you can still smoke, so long …

GOP's "Financial" Woes: Country Wants Reform, Libertarians Want Tea Parties Back

For the second time this week, the GOP stood together on Tuesday to block cloture on the Senate Financial Reform bill. Their party unity may, however, be working according to …

MEMA Helps Coordinate Services for Tornado Victims, Volunteers

Verbatim Statement from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency regarding services for tornado victims:

House Faces ‘Pointless' Abortion Bill, More

The Mississippi House of Representatives return to Jackson tomorrow to deal with the last remaining items of business in its 2010 legislative session, after a fierce battle over what several …

James Green

It was almost midnight May 14, 1970, when James Green, 17, made his way home from his after-school job at a grocery store, cutting through the chaotic and racially charged …

Community Events and Public Meetings

9 a.m.-6 p.m., Mississippi Afterburner Jet Rally at John Bell Williams Airport (4100 Airport Road, Bolton). See radio-controlled jet and unmanned aerial vehicle demonstrations. The event is part of Radio …