v18n10 - Legislative Preview 2020 by Jackson Free Press Magazine

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contents

JACKSONIAN

January 8 - 21, 2020 • Vol. 18 No. 10

ON THE COVER photo illustration by Kristin Brenemen

4 Editor’s Note 7 Talks

9 ‘The Breaking Point’ Ashton Pittman recaps MDOC’s meltdown in the wake of recent deaths of prison inmates.

12 opinion 14 Cover Story

hen colleges open the fall semester, a Jackson native will take his writing skills and experience eastward. Murrah High School senior Jeffrey Caliedo has been accepted to Yale University on a full scholarship. His admission to the prestigious Ivy League university exemplifies a fitting new chapter in the life of the 17-year-old scholar, writer and public speaker. Caliedo, a talented writer, serves as the editor of both Murrah’s school newsletter, “The Hoofbeat,” and its literary magazine, “The Pleiades.” His essay “Igneous,” which recounts deep and personal experiences of his childhood, won a Scholastic Gold Key award. “I love growing up in Mississippi a lot. There are a lot of happy memories I have, but at the same time being a black and Asian kid growing up in the Deep South was traumatic at times and had a lot of encounters that were not ideal,” Caliedo says. “It’s welcoming and exclusionary all in one.” Caliedo expanded the theme into a portfolio titled “Silenced Voices” for his senior portfolio submission to Scholastic. The work, along with the mentorship and camaraderie he found at Murrah, helped the young author realize that the hobby he had loved since childhood could manifest into something much bigger. “I’ve always been super passionate about writing, but I never knew it could be a full-time thing until high school,” Caliedo says.

Jeffrey Caliedo “The welcoming environment at Pleiades and being constantly surrounded by writers helped me see writing as a valid career option and not just something I do for fun.” The senior now aspires to write and publish a book chronicling the experiences of his life in Mississippi. Caliedo’s success in speaking and performing complements his writing ability. He has garnered several accolades at numerous speech and debate competitions including qualifying for the National Speech and Debate Association Competition for the last three years. He serves the captain of his school’s speech and debate team and was announced as a winner of the National Speech and Debate Association Academic All-American award in December. “I used to have really big stage fright and anxiety about public speaking and performing, and (my sixth-grade U.S. history teacher) told me to sign up for the debate team,” Caliedo says. “I was not that good at it right away, either, but the environment was so welcoming and supportive that I kept doing it. I found my niche.” On top of his various accolades, Caliedo participates in the APAC program and Murrah’s Base Pair program, and was a student journalist in the Mississippi Youth Media Project. At Yale, he plans to study comparative literature and Spanish as a second language. — Torsheta Jackson

Learn the origins of one of Jackson’s many great food trucks, along with its menu.

20 events

20 Illusionary History McGrone examines the varying histories of “The Lost Book of Adana Moreau.”

23 sPORTS 24 Music 26 music listings 28 Puzzles 28 Sorensen 29 astro 29 Classifieds 30 Wellness

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Acacia Clark

18 Sherria’s Chicken Coop

editor’s note

by Nate Schumann, Deputy Editor

or someone whose least favorite subject in school was history, I have a habit of remembering exact dates for seemingly random events in my life. One date that has been committed to my memory is Jan. 8, 2019, precisely a year ago from the date this editor’s note is published. Have you any guesses as to what the significance of this date is? Well, I suppose the headline clued you in. Yes, today marks a year since I began working for the Jackson Free Press. Much has happened since I meekly walked through that door. Before I get into that, though, allow me to tell you my “JFP story.” I touched upon how I started working at the JFP in my first editor’s note, but there is more to the tale. A series of happenstances led to my joining the JFP, and when I think about how everything had to occur exactly how they did, I am sometimes blown away by the power of cause-and-effect. Ultimately, I

January 8 - 21, 2020 • jfp.ms

I am sometimes blown away by … causeand-effect.

could argue that I owe my previous job for my current job. One of my jobs during college was calling for Plaza Bingo in Laurel, which The Good Samaritan Center, based here in Jackson, runs. At Plaza, I forged a solid employeremployee relationship with our CEO, Kathy Clem. I left bingo to finish my final semester at USM, but my girlfriend Hannah remained at Plaza as she worked to pay for her own college education. Plaza hosts an annual Christmas party for its staff, so December 2018 I attended as Hannah’s guest. While visiting my old coworkers, I caught up with Kathy, who asked my plans for the future since I had graduated earlier that month. I explained how I hoped to somehow find a path to be an editor, and she was excited for me. I didn’t think much more of the moment, but apparently Kathy kept me in mind, because when she saw an advertisement the JFP was circulating for a position as an editorial assistant, she screenshot-

ted the ad and sent it to Hannah to share with me. To be honest, I had not applied to many places since graduating a couple weeks earlier, but I took a shot. I emailed then-managing editor Amber Helsel about my inquiry for the job, and I attached my résumé and a cover letter. She quickly responded and asked if I could come up for an interview that Friday. I had previously interned for the University Press of Mississippi here in Jackson, so I had no qualms about returning for a new opportunity toward a path I longed to venture. Dressed in dark gray slacks, a charcoal button-up and a pair of brown shoes that clashed with the rest of my attire, I made my way to Capital Towers and found the entrance to the JFP. I stood outside the door for a moment to ready myself when, to my right, Amber (whose appearance I did not know beforehand) seemingly materialized from nowhere (OK, so she had exited the restroom on our floor, which happened to be near where I was standing; point was, I was startled, ha). She asked if I was Nate, and after confirming my identity, she introduced herself and walked me inside. I like to think not having to ring the doorbell helped ease my nervousness, somehow. Amber directed me to the “Zen Den,” where I broke the ice by commenting on Micah’s superhero T-shirt. I am a huge comic nerd, so I felt more at ease by chatting with Micah before he and Amber began the interview. Before long, Donna joined the fray, shaking my hand and seating herself in an adjacent chair before immediately striking with “Do you procrastinate?” The directness of the question nearly threw me off, but I answered honestly. I said that most of us can fall into a place where we find our-

Nick Judin

A Series of Very Fortunate Events: My First JFP-iversary

Deputy Editor Nate Schumann holds a copy of last year’s Best of Jackson issue, which was the first issue he helped put together when he first first joined the JFP as an assistant editor under then-managing editor Amber Helsel.

selves procrastinating, but that we have to take steps to help motivate us and push us through those moments, like prioritizing and creating subgoals. Donna smiled and nodded her head, and I sighed in relief— because then I felt comfortable with all three of my interviewers. The interview progressed, and the more I spoke with my future coworkers, the more I felt like the JFP may be the place for me. As I left to return to Laurel, Donna passed me as I awaited the elevator and said, “See you soon!” to which I immediately responded, “I hope!” That weekend, while playing card games with some friends, I checked my email and saw one from Amber saying I was hired and could start that week. Ecstatic, I leapt from my chair and nearly knocked my cards off the table. Now, while I had been offered the position, at my starting point of 15 hours

contributors

Nick Judin

Torsheta Jackson

Caleb McCluskey

Newly appointed State Reporter Nick Judin grew up in Jackson and graduated from the University of Mississippi. This month, he becomes our primary reporter at the Mississippi Capitol. He wrote the legislative preview for this issue. Send him tips at nick@jacksonfreepress.com.

Freelance writer Torsheta Jackson is originally from Shuqualak, Miss. A wife and mother of four, she freelances and is a certified lactation counselor. She wrote the Jacksonian feature on Jeffrey Caliedo, Jackson’s newest Yale man.

Freelance writer Caleb McCluskey is from from Lucedale, Miss., and is a recent graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi. He uses his degree in journalism mostly to take fancy pictures of dogs. He wrote the food feature on Sherria’s Chicken Coop 2Go.

per week, earning enough money to pay for my own place here in Jackson would have been tough. Fortunately, Lady Luck was not through with me, yet. As it happened, one of my best friends from high school, Mason, had recently taken up a program through Nissan here in Jackson wherein he would work for them for a year, and then they would help pay for him to finish his schooling at Mississippi State University. Mason graciously let me stay at his apartment for the six months remaining in his lease. By the time I got my own place here in Jackson, I had worked my way up to being a full-time employee. Soon afterward, as anyone who read my previous editor’s note may know, I took on Amber’s responsibilities mid-September when she left journalism to work at Teen Health Mississippi a floor below us. Since adopting my current title of deputy editor, I have dramatically grown as an editor in the nearly four months I have been in this role. Right now, I am preparing for our Best of Jackson issue, which was the first issue I had the chance to work on when I first arrived here, bringing me full-circle. If I had not called bingo balls for a year, if I had not begun dating Hannah, if I had not gone to that Christmas party and told Kathy about my goals, if Kathy had not sent me the JFP ad, if Mason had not been in that program, if any of these key factors had occurred, I would not be where I am today. And that is why Jan. 8 is a date that will be burned in my memory for years to come. Happy JFP-iversary to me! Send tips to nate@jacksonfreepress.com.

WITH A MILLSAPS DEGREE, YOUR DREAM JOB IS WITHIN REACH. TEN YEARS AFTER ENTERING SCHOOL, MILLSAPS GRADUATES HAVE THE HIGHEST AVERAGE SALARY OF GRADUATES FROM ANY COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY IN MISSISSIPPI.*

WE TAKE YOU HIGHER. MILLSAPS.EDU * SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION COLLEGE SCORECARD WWW.COLLEGESCORECARD.ED.GOV

A TRIBUTE TO THE

January 8 - 21, 2020 • jfp.ms

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020 6–8 P.M. OLD CAPITOL MUSEUM

The Center for Art & Public Exchange at the Mississippi Museum of Art presents

#BEYOND THE CAVE ARTIST SHOWCASE 1.18.2020 | 6-11 PM FREE Admission* Join us for this community driven program highlighting Nick Cave: Feat. In the form of a calland-response, four emerging cultural producers from the Jackson area have been challenged to react to the socially-engaged exhibition and respond to the work through creative expression. Mentorship with artist Nick Cave has informed this provocative showcase of performance, spoken word, and live visual art.

FEATURED PERFORMERS INCLUDE

January 8 - 21, 2020 • jfp.ms

D. Horton @ks_dhorton Devmaccc @macccdev Dre Dys @dredys_ Flowerchile @flowerchilechile Hank @iam_hank JT the Poet @simplyjtthepoet_ Kim Shadey @thekimshadey MDub @mdubcreative NeoSoooul @neo.tsa Satty Mown Vitamin Cea @thevitamincea

New Year NEW HABITS Join NOW to take advantage of our $1 enrollment fee with a 12 month commitment. Healthplex Jackson 601.968-1766 baptistonline.org/mbmc

The evening will conclude with Jackson Indie Music Festival’s Silent Party and a DJ set inspired by the work of Nick Cave: Feat. *Tickets may be reserved through Eventbrite. Only the FIRST 50 people through the door will receive a VIP wristband to get into the exhibition to watch live performances. Space is limited.

380 South Lamar St. • Downtown Jackson • 601.960.1515 @MSMUSEUMART.ORG get connected:

Get Better

Stephen WIlson / File PHoto

torytelling & e, s i ur

news, cul t

TALK JXN ence ver rre

U.S. District Attorney Mike Hurst announced Project EJECT on Dec. 7, 2018 with then-Jackson Police Chief Lee Vance (left) and former FBI Special Agent Christopher Freeze (right).

Police Task Forces ‘Waste of Time’ for Violence Prevention?

ionel Walker was driving with his family in Jackson on New Year’s Eve morning when an SUV pulled up next to his vehicle on Medgar Evers Boulevard, and at least one man began firing gunshots at Walker’s car. In addition to Walker, his partner Lucenda Snell sat in the passenger seat with Snell’s two children and her mother in the backseat. A trail of bullets followed Walker’s vehicle for nearly a mile to a Church’s Chicken restaurant further west, until the family ended up back at the intersection of Medgar Evers and Rutledge Avenue, where the shooting had started. Walker and Snell were not injured. But the suspect shot Snell’s 13-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son, who were sitting in the back of the car alongside their grandmother Tammy Snell. The baby boy suffered a gunshot wound to the head, and the young girl was shot in the arm, fracturing her bone. The infant was in critical condition at the

University of Mississippi Medical Center as of Dec. 31. At a press conference later that day, JPD Public Information Officer Sam Brown told reporters that the shooting appeared to target the people in the vehicle. Police had not determined a motive for the shootings at press time. Less than a week earlier, JPD Chief James E. Davis had held another press conference to highlight the results of his department’s renewed efforts to curb gun violence in Jackson on the heels of what he called “a very violent week” in the city. Speaking from JPD headquarters on Dec. 26, Davis announced 82 arrests through a new task force called “Operation Targeting Gun Violence.” He described the task force as a collaborative effort between 40 JPD detectives; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; and the U.S. Marshals Service. Davis revealed the task force three

days after U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi Mike Hurst blasted Jackson local elected officials for being too soft on crime. Hurst singled out local judges in Jackson, accusing them of releasing violent offenders from jail and compromising the public safety of the city’s residents. He also suggested that local politicians downplayed violent crimes in Jackson. “To the politicians: Quit denying there’s a gun problem in Jackson. Quit denying there’s a crime problem, a drug problem, a gang problem, in our capital city,” Hurst said at his press conference. Hurst pointed to 25 arrests in Jackson between Dec. 17 and Dec. 20 through Project Guardian—another joint initiative between federal, state and local agencies to combat crime—as proof of elevated crime levels in Jackson. Hurst did not respond to a Jackson Free Press interview request. ‘A Criminologist’s Nightmare’? In 2018, Jackson saw 84 murders, its

highest homicide rate in 20 years and a 31% increase from the previous year. The spike in deadly violence happened to coincide exactly with Hurst’s and JPD’s December 2017 announcement of another joint task force promising to reduce violence: Project EJECT (Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together), the local version of an old federal policy plan then-U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions brought back. Under Project EJECT, which thenJPD Chief Lee Vance supported, the U.S. attorney’s office could prosecute those arrested for gun-related crimes, resulting in people being sent away to distant prisons across state lines. Vance, who soon left JPD, is the new sheriff of Hinds County. David Kennedy, a criminologist at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, once described Project EJECT to this newspaper as an “evidence-free strategy” and “a criminologist’s nightmare,” even though Hurst had claimed to the Jackson more TASK FORCES, p 8

January 8 - 21, 2020 • jfp.ms

by Seyma Bayram

news,

storytelling & re, ir tu

cu l

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@jxnfreepress

@jacksonfreepress

@jxnfreepress

— Hinds County Senior Circuit Judge Tomie Green

Ward 2 City Councilman Melvin Priester Jr. believes that solving Jackson’s gun-violence epidemic requires deep, structural changes within the local justice system as well as youth-outreach efforts.

to what goes on in the local court system. “It’s hard for me to understand how you criticize a system that you’re not operating in in terms of criminal cases,” she said. Task Forces: ‘A Waste of Time’? Likewise, Ward 2 Councilman Melvin Priester Jr., who often addresses violence publicly, responds that Jackson leaders do not deny or try to understate the problem of gun violence in the capital city. “I genuinely believe attorney Hurst is approaching this problem from a place of genuine concern and a desire to make Jack-

son better,” Priester said in an interview. “... (But) we have some differences in opinion about how to achieve the ultimate goal of decreasing gun violence.” Priester said decreasing gun violence and other violent crimes requires deep structural and cultural changes within the local justice system, changes that require “pure cooperation” between the DA’s office, local judges, law enforcement and even schools. He pointed to recommendations from a 2016 Mississippi Legislature-funded BOTEC study on crime and the justice system in Jackson as viable solutions.

“The concern a lot of people have about things like Project EJECT is you aren’t necessarily getting the deterrents you want because there is so little hope among some of the people that are doing some of these crimes that it doesn’t change their calculus in terms or committing a crime or not committing crime,” Priester said. “That’s why it’s so important for us to really … focus on things like intervening with younger people before they become truly ensnared in the criminal-justice process,” Priester continued. He added that “(creating) a more efficient pathway

Let’s Go Walking, Jacksonians 1) Ridgeland Multi-Use Path (Natchez Trace Parkway, mileposts 101-103, Ridgeland) This trail parallels the path from Highland Colony Parkway to Harbor Drive and connects to the Natchez Trace Multi-Use Trail. 2) TC Squared Walking Trail (Tougaloo College) This trail at Tougaloo is a third of a mile long. 3) Parham Bridges Walking Trail (5055 Old Canton Road) Not just a park, Parham Bridges also has a walkin’ path. 4) LeFleur’s Bluff State Park (3315 Lakeland Terrace) LeFleur’s Bluff State Park features 305 acres of lakes and forests to hike.

5) Campus Gold Trail and Academic Green Trail (Belhaven University) Belhaven has two campus trails. 6) Museum Trail This 5-mile trail connects downtown Jackson to Lakeland Drive. It will provide Jacksonians with a path to cultural attractions such as the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and Museum of Mississippi History, and the Mississippi Farmers Market. 7) Clinton Community Nature Center (617 Dunton Road, Clinton) The nature center features 2.1 miles of shaded walking trails, an amphitheater, native plants, wildlife and more. 8) Natchez Multi-Use Trail (Natchez

Trace Parkway, mileposts 105.6-100.7) On this trail, you can hang out at the Reservoir Overlook at milepost 105.6 and then head to the Choctaw Agency parking area at 100.7. 9) Cypress Swamp (Natchez Trace Parkway, milepost 122, Canton) This swamp is home to many types of trees and animals, and also has a loop trail that is a fifth of a mile long. 10) Flowood Nature Park (4077 Flowood Dr., Flowood) This park is home to paved trails that follow a path through patches of woods and a lake. This list is not complete. See and add more at jfp.ms/walkingtrails.

Stephen Wilson./file Photo

Free Press that Project EJECT was based on the Kennedy-led Operation Ceasefire. Also known as the Boston Gun Project, Operation Ceasefire was a policing strategy in Boston in 1996 that backers say resulted in a significant reduction in gun violence and youth homicides there. Law-enforcement efforts to combat violent crime in Jackson in recent years have increasingly focused on the creation of multi-agency task forces. A task force’s purpose is to identify high-crime regions or criminal activity, gather intelligence, and serve subpoenas, warrants and indictments related to those crimes. They are not necessarily designed to prevent or handle crimes in real time. A person arrested for a crime may have committed the offense days, months or even years ago. Hurst’s Dec. 23 press conference highlighted Project Guardian, another U.S. Department of Justice initiative launched in November 2019. The nationwide initiative aims to reduce gun violence across the country through collaborative efforts between federal, state and local agencies. The DOJ describes it as “a complementary effort to the success of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN),” the umbrella initiative under which Hurst’s office implemented Project EJECT. Brown said “Operation Targeting Gun Violence” is not related to Project EJECT, although he confirmed that the City of Jackson and JPD are still participating in Project EJECT. The mayor was not available to comment by press time. But despite the task-force proliferation, violent crime rates in Jackson have surged since 2017. The JPD confirmed that Jackson had seen 82 homicides in 2019, down just 2% from a dramatic spike in homicide last year. Hinds County Senior Circuit Judge Tomie Green said Hurst’s accusation that local judges are contributing to increases in violent crime by releasing dangerous individuals was surprising, inaccurate and inappropriate. “I’ve never discussed nor has he attempted to discuss with me, and as far as I know, any other circuit judge in Hinds County, about our process, and any problems we might have,” Green said, adding that, as a U.S. attorney, Hurst is not privy

“Nobody seems to want to give up guns, but they want to quickly blame someone with guns.”

TALK JXN

PRISONS

MDOC Hits ‘Breaking Point’ by Ashton Pittman

Overcrowding, Underfunding On New Year’s Eve, just days after the lockdown began, MDOC Commissioner Pelicia Hall submitted her resignation to Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant, saying in a press statement that “while there have been many challenges, my administration has kept its focus on that goal.”

of Mississippi, have pointed to a lack of funding to explain rising prison violence. For eight years, Bryant and Reeves have overseen MDOC. Reeves, in particular, has served during that time as president of the Mississippi Senate, where he had the power to push for prison reforms and better funding for corrections in the Ashton Pittman

ess than an hour into 2020, Sunflower County Coroner Heather Burton took a phone call from the Mississippi Department of Corrections. An inmate had died at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman in a “gang-related riot,” MDOC personnel told her. She arrived at the prison and pronounced 25year-old Walter Gates dead at 12:22 a.m. Days earlier, on Dec. 29, MDOC had locked down all prisons statewide after 40year-old Terrandance Robbins died in what the State termed a “major disturbance” at the Mississippi Correctional Institution in Leakesville. By Jan. 2, four inmates at Mississippi’s prisons, starting with Dobbins, had died violently, including 26-year-old Gregory Emary, who died during a fight at the Chickasaw County Regional Facility that morning in Houston, Miss., and Roosevelt Holliman, who also died that morning amid an uprising at Parchman. “All available resources are being used to address disturbances occurring around the state,” MDOC said in a Jan. 2 press statement. “The MDOC is being responsible in investigating the violence.” Despite those efforts, another death occurred the next day, when 36-year-old Denorris Howell died during a fight with his cellmate, MDOC said. The agency claimed that his death was unrelated to the “major disturbances” happening at prisons across the state. The lockdown on all State prisons lasted until Jan. 7, when MDOC announced the end of the lockdown for all but two prisons—the Chickasaw County and Yazoo County correctional facilities.

Supporters of prisoner rights and family members of inmates gathered outside the Mississippi Capitol on Jan. 7 to protest prison conditions and the ongoing crisis at MDOC that led to five inmate deaths between Dec. 29 and Jan. 3.

Mississippi’s outgoing governor, Phil Bryant, and incoming governor, Tate Reeves, were both quick to primarily attribute the deaths to “gang violence.” But inmate deaths are not a new phenomenon in Mississippi. Some family members and activist organizations, like the American Civil Liberties Union

state if he had wanted. While prisons are often overcrowded, MDOC has about 500 unfilled staff positions. In a press statement last July, the ACLU cited low pay as a contributing factor to MDOC’s recruitment problems. Hall asked the Mississippi Legislature

last year to appropriate $7 million for pay raises for MDOC employees. The Legislature, though, which has chronically underfunded a number of state agencies in recent years, appropriated just $1.5 million during the 2019 legislative session. As of last summer, around 500 MDOC positions remained unfilled. ‘The Breaking Point’ “Mississippi politicians talk about how tough they are when it comes to fighting crime, but we need to ask whether they are being smart,” MacArthur Justice Center Director Cliff Johnson said in a joint statement with the ACLU last year. “You can’t throw people in prison for years on end for every offense under the sun and then act shocked when the prison population swells to 20,000, and you can’t afford the astronomical price tag that goes along with having one of the highest incarceration rates in the world.” In that press statement, the ACLU strongly criticized the State’s justice system. “Dramatic increases in imprisonment over the last 40 years have brought prisons and jails across the state to the breaking point,” then-Interim Director of the American Civil Liberties of Mississippi Josh Tom said in the July 2, 2019, statement. “Changes in law and policy, not crime rates, explain most of this increase.” Read full and historic coverage of Mississippi’s prisons crisis at jacksonfreepress.com/ prisons. Follow reporter Ashton Pittman on Twitter @ashtonpittman. Send tips to ashton@jacksonfreepress.com.

between arrest and trial” is also critical, given the county’s problem with prolonged pretrial detention. Ron Noblet, a Los-Angeles-based gang and violence expert who was a lead investigator in the BOTEC study on crime and gangs in Jackson, says task forces and overpolicing are generally ineffective in preventing violence. “The primary reason for a task force is to make local officials and the general public feel good,” Noblet said in an interview in early January 2020. “Task force(s) almost inevitably are a waste of time and money, and usually the people indicted, if there’s indictments, are already locked up, or on the run and very seldom somebody they arrest.” As part of Project EJECT, Hurst has heralded multiagency sweeps that not only bring in gun-related arrests, which are the stated point of the Project Safe Neighborhood/Project EJECT strategy, but also arrests for gang

membership, fraud and drug sales. In Los Angeles, Noblet heads the gang-intervention team at the Urban Peace Institute, where he conducts outreach to families, works to de-escalates violence, and strategizes ways to improve police and community relations. Tackling the root of violence, he maintains, requires tackling disinvestment in communities. “I would bet that many of those killings are in the ‘bottoms’ (of Jackson),” Noblet said in an interview, reflecting on areas he studied in Jackson with high homicide rates and gang violence, as well as blight. The real cause of violence, Noblet maintains, is poverty, poor education, and drug addiction and trafficking, among other markers of socioeconomic disenfranchisement. Police should work on building long-term relationships with community members rather than act-

ing as an “occupying force” during big sweeps, he added. At an Oct. 18 Jackson Police Department COMSTAT meeting, Ryan James, a supervisory special agent with the FBI’s Jackson division, pointed to yet another task force: the FBI’s Violent Crime Task Force. “For us, our Violent Crime Task Force … we’re kind of trying to shift focus a little bit from the Project EJECT stuff, which you guys have heard of for the last three years,” the FBI’s James said. “We are trying to take a more proactive approach, to the extent that you guys, you know, on patrol or whatever, get informants that are willing to or can or know where guns are located, we’ll spend some money and go buy those and, you know, hit those houses. … We can throw some resources behind that just to try to get these (guns) off the more TASK FORCES, p 10

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TASK FORCES

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TASK FORCES from page 9

street before they’re using them (in) frivolous fights that turn into homicides.” Preventing Gun Violence JPD Chief Davis broke down the nature of the arrests through “Operation Targeting Violence” during his Dec. 26 public appearance. Police made 53 felony arrests and charged 33 people with misdemeanors. Twenty-two people face murder, aggravated assault or armed robbery charges, and six were arrested for felony possession of a firearm. JPD seized 18 guns “from the hands

I disagreeing to one of us picking up a gun and shooting because we don’t know any better,” Noblet said in the interview. Meaningful intervention, Noblet added, requires counseling those who are vulnerable to committing crimes before they resort to violence, especially in the aftermath of violence that has just occurred, which can lead to further retaliatory actions. “It takes time, and it takes patience, and it takes a willingness to sit and listen to the screaming and the yelling and the anger,” he said of effective intervention. Noblet’s suggestion is in line with a SEYMA BAYRAM

January 8 - 21, 2020 • jfp.ms

Hinds County Senior Circuit Judge Tomie Green believes that efforts to solve the gun-violence epidemic in Jackson and elsewhere must include honest discussions around gun culture and laws.

of very dangerous individuals,” Davis said. The JPD also made three murder arrests during that period—19-year-olds Kenterious Jones and Desmond Boothe and 21-year-old Tatyana Mack for the shooting death of Jorge Velazquez Morales, 29, on Interstate 20 on Dec. 6. The easy availability of guns in Mississippi, which Vance has said is due in part to lax gun laws in the state, becomes especially lethal when they end up in the hands of those who lack conflict-resolution skills. People who resort to violence often do so because they simply have not been taught how to work through conflict other than through violence, Noblet said. “Conflict by itself is necessary, it is a necessary thing to grow, but conflict too often by people who have not had any training … can escalate from just you and

credible-messenger and violence-interruption strategy the City of Jackson is trying to launch this year, wherein people conduct on-the-ground outreach to dissuade at-risk youth and adults from partaking in criminal activity and often viral violence. The model requires that messengers, who themselves have been victims or perpetrators of crimes—frequently both— come from the same backgrounds as those they are trying to counsel. This shared background distinguishes credible messengers from traditional counselors and allows them to reach those who are most vulnerable and who may not otherwise respond to advice. Studies show that credible messaging and violence interruption work when implemented full-time and with adequate funding. Though the City of Jackson has

earmarked a small amount of money toward launching the program and has some outside startup money, funding remains the biggest obstacle to implementing an impactful and sustainable initiative here. Police Growing Gangs? Public announcements about task forces and police sweeps may be a publicrelations tool in times of spikes in violence, but they may actually have the effect of increasing violence and crime over time, experts like Noblet say. Increased police aggressiveness through sweeps, task forces and overall increased police presence can make an area ripe for further gang recruitment, the gang expert warned. Hopelessness in a community, reflected through sustained police presence and profiling, is a major reason that young people join gangs in the first place—for a feeling of belonging and brotherhood. “There would be no gangs if families were cohesive, if there was hope in the community or within a family. There is no reason for a gang if there is hope,” Noblet said. Because of the nature of policing— especially gang enforcement—innocent families or people who happen to be in close proximity to where a crime has occurred inevitably end up affected or caught up in the criminal-justice system, despite their innocence, Noblet said. This can further erode trust between law enforcement and a community plagued by high levels of crime, he added. Judge Tomie Green says law-enforcement agencies and public officials need to consider gun violence within the larger context of legislation and work together to arrive at solutions—not just point fingers at one another. Green said local judges do not simply release people from jail, responding to both Hurst and popular political accusations that ignore the unconstitutionality of prolonged pretrial detention before indictment, which is rampant in the county and state. In 2016, the Hinds County Detention Center was placed under a federal consent decree precisely for that reason, following a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into the jail. In 2017, the Mississippi Supreme Court ruled that circuit judges must review a person’s conditions for release at the start of each circuit term if that person had been in jail pre-indictment for over 90 days. Four years after the DOJ’s investigation, the Hinds County Detention Center is still not meeting federal compliance standards, owing to staffing issues, which fall under the purview of the sheriff’s office, and facility insecurities, which the Hinds

County Board of Supervisors oversees. “Nobody is just being let out over and over again,” Green said. “But people have to have evidence at trial or (if) the person pleads guilty, to justify holding them in jail. Police officers charge murders, but there may be some circumstances that cause … prosecutors to re-look at cases. And either there is not enough evidence, or there is a defense to the evidence, but each case stands on its own.” Judge Green emphasized that efforts to solve the gun-violence epidemic must include a reckoning with the culture and legislation around guns at both the national and local levels. “We’re in a nation that is in love with guns, and the South is certainly not an exception,” Green said. “Nobody seems to want to give up guns, but they want to quickly blame someone with guns.” “We’ve got to find a way that our laws are not so liberal. … It’s not going to stop until we recognize that we’ve got a problem with guns throughout the nation.” Follow City Reporter Seyma Bayram on Twitter @SeymaBayram0. Send tips to seyma@jacksonfreepress.com. Read solutions approaches at jfp.ms/preventingviolence. MOST VIRAL STORIES AT JFP.MS: 1. “Mississippi Prison Deaths Follow Warnings of Meager Funding, Shortages” by Ashton Pittman 2. “Jeffrey Cornelius” by Dustin Cardon 3. “DOSSIER: Chuck Todd’s ‘Naive’ Screw-up Is Warning for Mississippi Reporting, Too” by Donna Ladd 4. “Hood Wants 15-week Abortion Ban Appeal Reconsidered by Full 5th Circuit” by Ashton Pittman 5. “Hyde-Smith Bill Targets Medication Abortions with ‘SAVE Moms and Babies Act’” by Nick Judin EVENTS TO CHECK OUT AT JFPEVENTS. COM: 1. Bravo III – A Night in Vienna, Jan. 11 2. Storytelling Festival, Jan. 18 3. Womanist Rally, Jan. 18 4. MLK National Day of Service Book Drive, Jan. 20 5. Mr. Showmanship: An Evening with Liberace, Jan. 20

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Jessica L. KeLLy

am one of four daughters who descends from a very long line of ancestral educators. They instilled in me that education is the rudiment to a forward-thinking life of exploration, self-discovery and financial stability. Many people associate a career in education with years of formal schooling, studying long hours, assessments, grading scales, pass/fail standings, and nothing more. With this association, some people now see education as stressful, antiquated, unnecessary and a financial burden. But education is a life-long act of inquiring, sorting fact from fiction, uncovering and discovering new ways to innovate, cultivate and revolutionize ideas that have not yet been fully realized or even born. Educators were once regarded as a means to intellectual enlightenment and community leaders. We were revered, honored, and met with community and parental assistance. Now, to be politically correct, I’ll allow the readers to fill in the blank(s) as to how educators are regarded. But allow me to point you in the direction of incessant viral videos of violence against educators (on primary and secondary levels) and the daily unremitting world news reports of mental-health issues of our young people

January 8 - 21, 2020 • jfp.ms

We worry the most about those considered to be “the worst ones.”

(both treated and untreated). Communities will show up, and rightfully so, to condemn the fatal violence our young people commit against one another, but never speak to the empty seats at public forums that seek the community’s input in moving the community forward through the development of its youth. Educators make the invaluable sacrifice of time with their own children, husbands, wives, and family to educate, encourage, parent, doctor, police, finance, advocate, love and enlighten the young lives we touch every single day. Contrary to popular belief, being an educator does not end on Fridays. Being an educator does not end during holiday

Photo by Green Chameleon on UnsPlash

Educator: What About Us? Who Will Help the Helpers?

Editor-in-Chief and CEO Donna Ladd Publisher & President Todd Stauffer Associate Publisher Kimberly Griffin Creative Director Kristin Brenemen REPORTERS AND WRITERS City Reporter Seyma Bayram State Reporter Nick Judin Politics Reporter Ashton Pittman Culture Writer Aliyah Veal JFPDaily.com Editor Dustin Cardon Contributing Writers Dustin Cardon, Bryan Flynn, Alex Forbes, Jenna Gibson, Tunga Otis Torsheta Jackson, Mike McDonald, Anne B. Mckee EDITORS AND PRODUCTION Deputy Editor Nate Schumann Editorial Assistant Azia Wiggins Consulting Editor JoAnne Prichard Morris

Educator Jessica Kelly says all segments of the community should support teachers. Their work is hard and, too often, thankless.

breaks and the summertime. Being an educator is a 365-day profession. We take these young people home with us in our minds, our hearts and our spirits. We worry the most about those considered to be “the worst ones.” We have anxiety about these gifts’ lives. Our families feel that they know our students, because we talk about them so much. We seek to move them forward every day, not just in school, but in life. We celebrate the achievements of our students in a big way, because we know even seemingly minute milestones can be the difference in our students’ success in life or their failure in life. We worry about who is not feeding them, clothing them, encouraging and assisting them outside of school. Our hearts ache and bleed when they are abused, arrested, murdered and spiritually broken. We worry that no one is assisting us with teaching them how to put their feelings into perspective, that anger and violence should not be their initial reaction to everything. We worry that no one teaches them that they are at school to not only receive intellectual lessons, but also life lessons. We are angered and experience extreme sadness when we hear parents/caregivers say out loud and in front of our students: “I don’t have time for this,” “I’m sick of you,” “Your brothers and sisters don’t give me these problems,” “Don’t call me about him/her anymore,” “Call the police, don’t call me.” Imagine how they feel, internalize it, and take it out on themselves, their peers and their teachers. Imagine if you were enduring this on

a daily basis. We still have to go home to our families and be a fully engaged mommy or daddy, wife or husband, all while still worrying about lesson plans, interventions, observations, evaluations, audits, grading papers, individualized instruction and behavior plans. So, what about us? Where is the help for the helpers? Who educates us on how to manage and instruct ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), EMD (Emotionally Disturbed), TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), DMDD (Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder), adolescent anxiety and adolescent depression all in the same classroom? Where are the businessmen and women who own businesses in our communities? They take our money, but don’t invest their time in the very community that finances their livelihoods. Where are the dads, the ministers, the deacons, the uncles, the older brothers, the older male cousins and the grandfathers? Men, and male teachers, are vital due to the lack of positive male influence in the lives of many children in our communities. We need all of you to seek to raise, understand and parent our children—not for the 30-second spotlight on the news, not for the social-media likes, not for the viral videos, but for the very existence all of our children. You are our help. Where are you? What about us? Jessica L. Kelly teaches in Jackson Public Schools. This column does not necessarily reflect the views of the JFP.

ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY Senior Designer Zilpha Young Contributing Photographers Seyma Bayram, Acacia Clark, Imani Khayyam, Ashton Pittman, Brandon Smith ONLINE & DIGITAL SERVICES Digital Web Developer Ryan Jones Web Editor Dustin Cardon Social Media Assistant Robin Johnson Web Designer Montroe Headd Let’s Talk Jackson Editor Kourtney Moncure SALES AND MARKETING (601-362-6121 x11) Sales and Marketing Coordinator and Writer Andrea Dilworth Advertising Designer Zilpha Young Events Assistant Leslyn Smith DISTRIBUTION Distribution Coordinator Ken Steere Distribution Team Yvonne Champion, Ruby Parks, Eddie Williams TALK TO US: Letters letters@jacksonfreepress.com Editorial editor@jacksonfreepress.com Queries submissions@jacksonfreepress.com Listings events@jacksonfreepress.com Advertising ads@jacksonfreepress.com Publisher todd@jacksonfreepress.com News tips news@jacksonfreepress.com Jackson Free Press 125 South Congress Street, Suite 1324 Jackson, Mississippi 39201 Editorial and Sales (601) 362-6121 Fax (601) 510-9019 Daily updates at jacksonfreepress.com The Jackson Free Press is the city’s award-winning, locally owned news magazine, reaching more than 35,000 readers per issue via more than 600 distribution locations in the Jackson metro area—and an average of over 35,000 visitors per week at www. jacksonfreepress.com. The Jackson Free Press is free for pick-up by readers; one copy per person, please. First-class subscriptions are available to “gold level” and higher members of the JFP VIP Club (jfp.ms/ vip). The views expressed in this magazine and at jacksonfreepress.com are not necessarily those of the publisher or management of Jackson Free Press Inc. © Copyright 2019 Jackson Free Press Inc.

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2020 Legislative Preview

GOP In Charge, But Conflict Ahead? by Nick Judin

January 8 - 21, 2020 • jfp.ms

“W 14

e won it all!” cried Gov. Phil Bryant, exultant in victory behind the podium at the GOP’s election-night party at the West Jackson on Tuesday, Nov. 5. “We know who we are!” Mississippi, in the twilight of Bryant’s gubernatorial career, had held onto its ruby-red reputation. At the podium, Bryant recalled a time when Mississippi seemed just out of reach of Republican control. It was the 1980s, a period nationwide of revitalization for the GOP, the decade of trickle-down Reaganism. In Mississippi, though, it was the era of William Winter, a segregationist turned public-education-friendly Dem-

ocrat years after the Dixiecrats started defecting to a new Republican Party. The high-water mark was the transformational Education Reform Act of 1982 and the raft of reformers, including future Gov. Ray Mabus and Secretary of State Dick Molpus. “They called ’em ‘the boys of spring,’” Bryant teased gleefully about distant history. “People thought they could walk on water.” It was a particularly barbed rebuke to a moment many thought to be revolutionary and a new era of humanity for Mississippi. And Bryant’s triumphalism has cause: Gov.-elect Tate Reeves’ tenure in office will bring the GOP to 20 years of uninterrupted executive control in Mississippi and an equally complete

grasp over the Legislature. If the era of Donald Trump will foster a renaissance of Mississippian progressivism similar to Winter’s, it will surely happen somewhere outside the halls of power. Republicans ran the table in Mississippi 2019’s elections, leaving the state in the hands of Reeves and the Legislature to new Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, the new president of the Senate, and House Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton. The executive shuffle complements a greater share of Republican legislators in the Mississippi Senate than in living memory. In spite of a small Democratic minority gain in the Mississippi House, the outcome is clear: The GOP is in control. After Bryant spoke, newly elected

State Auditor Shad White addressed the outgoing governor directly. “You may not be on the ballot,” White said, “but your legacy is.” Political Daylight? The GOP’s newfound dominance in Mississippi does not mean a pacified Legislature, outgoing House Minority Leader Rep. David Baria, D-Bay St. Louis, says. Baria believes that real political daylight exists between the two men now inheriting the most powerful positions in the state. That distance is philosophical as well as material: both differ wildly in their belief in the role of government in public policy and their approach to the

2020 Legislative Preview Medicaid Expansion In the past, Hosemann has told this newspaper that he is considering Medicaid expansion. “The critical component to me for expansion is that it breaks even,”

Gov.-elect Tate Reeves will preside over a redder Mississippi government than in recent memory. But he may face dissent within his own party over the role of government spending, from health care to infrastructure.

2008 found failings on the part of the department that served as the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services’ predecessor, have repeatedly pressured the federal court system to take over the agency. Its current commissioner, Jess Dickinson, recently announced his retirement and will leave with Phil Bryant. Outgoing Rep. Greg Snowden, RMeridian, who previously served on the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, said he believes that the incoming lieutenant governor will not allow either of the state’s public-welfare institutions to fail. Snowden anticipates that the Legislature will appropriate the missing funding during the actual session. But the survival of these institutions may depend as much upon leadership as it does funding. Gov. Reeves will find a replacement for Commissioner Jess Dickinson early in 2020, and outgoing Mississippi Department of Human Services Director Christopher Freeze alongside him. Justice Reeves’ decision will likely lead to the appointment of a receiver for the Department of Mental Health who will guide the institution’s next steps.

Hosemann said last January. “I can’t afford to do $250 million or $500 million to expand health care, and still pay my teachers or pay for infrastructure.” To satisfy those needs, Hosemann says Mississippi should pursue models comparable to Arkansas’ work requirements for continuing Medicaid coverage, or Indiana’s two-tier system of Medicaid coverage based on payment of monthly premiums. At a press conference in December, Hosemann did not embrace Medicaid expansion for this session, but did not reject it outright either. “The appetite is for health care,” he said, again pointing to Arkansas and Indiana. This makes Medicaid expansion the most prominent faultline between the political wills of Hosemann and Reeves, a project Reeves blocked in his capacity as lieutenant governor as far back as 2013. A 2012 U.S. Supreme Court decision made the Medicaid expansion optional by declaring its enforcement unconstitutional. The expansion aims squarely at Mississippians between those below the poverty line and those whose income and job benefits make private insurance feasible: the Medicaid gap. Estimates for the number expansion would affect more PREVIEW p 16

January 8 - 21, 2020 • jfp.ms

Outgoing Democratic Leader David Baria believes Delbert Hosemann stands for a different brand of politics than Reeves.

is making greater strides toward its courtmandated goals than the state’s mentalhealth services. Litigators representing the plaintiffs in the Olivia Y. case, which in

Nick Judin

Financial Temperance Hosemann lauds Reeves and Gunn for presiding over years of austerity. “We are fully funded in our rainy-day fund. That saves us about $50 (million) to $80 million per year,” he said Dec. 17 at the Capitol, adding that Reeves had claimed the State had set aside more than $1 billion in additional capital. In October, Gov. Phil Bryant celebrated the rainy-day fund reaching its legal limit of $554.8 million. But Mississippi’s financial temperance is not without its pitfalls. The state’s public welfare services have reached a crisis point. U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves placed the mental-health system on the path to receivership, writing a scathing decision in September that the state “unlawfully discriminates against persons with serious mental illness.” The opinion detailed a litany of critical failures in the state’s system, and comes after years of warnings—from both within the state and beyond— that the structure, not just the quality of treatment, is badly outdated. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ opinion centered the need for community-based mental-health solutions. A majority of the state’s districts are critically underserved, based on this metric. Mississippi’s child-welfare system is at a similar crossroads. Federal receivership is a possibility for Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services as well, though experts reached for this story unanimously stated that the agency AShton Pittman

legislative freedom afforded to committee chairs and other legislators. “I believe based on what I know about Delbert Hosemann and what I heard him say at his election-night victory speech, that he is going to be more open to ideas that have been championed by Democrats and Republicans alike— ideas that would move Mississippi forward,” Baria said in an interview. Chief among those ideas is Medicaid expansion, which Hosemann has repeatedly indicated his willingness to consider. Reeves, however, unequivocally opposes expansion. The top-to-bottom control Republicans now hold in Mississippi’s branches of government is likely to reveal internal divisions over the many spending opportunities that even the most parsimonious legislators acknowledge are now on the table. In the past, Baria said, “we couldn’t get any traction with Republicans, and we certainly couldn’t get any support from Tate Reeves.” But Hosemann represents “a more centrist position than Reeves,” Baria added about the new Senate president. Hosemann’s legislative leadership, too, may contrast with Reeves. Baria lamented changes in how bills are typically drafted over the last decade. “Legislation is not being openly crafted in the committee, it’s being crafted in the caucus meeting,” he said. The Republican caucus meetings are not open to the public or the press, a fact Baria suggests is “violative of the Open Meetings Act and House rules. Because they constitute more than a majority of the House of Representatives when they call the caucus.” The power of that supermajority caucus means that legislation is conceived and deliberated upon with no public awareness. “You have a small cadre of people close to the speaker (Philip Gunn) making decisions for everyone. The train, once it leaves the station, rarely gets derailed,” Baria said. “Hosemann says he’s going to be more open and inclusive, and I take him at his word.” Speaker Gunn’s team declined a request for an interview. Reeves’ team requested written advance questions for the governor-elect, which violates the Jackson Free Press’ reporting ethics policy. Hosemann, at a campaign event last year, spoke of when “we worked across the aisle, back when Democrats controlled the House of Representatives and Republicans controlled the other side.” The next four years will test his commitment to that bygone past.

2020 Legislative Preview

range up to 300,000 citizens, though Hosemann told the Jackson Free Press that he believes the number is between 100,000 to 200,000. “There are other ways to more instantaneously affect health care for individuals,” Hosemann said. In a follow-up request for specifics, Hosemann’s team declined an interview and sent a prepared statement suggesting non-specific plans were in the works. What is concrete, however, is that the perceived pitfalls of Medicaid expansion are a key concern. “When we do this, we have to learn from anybody else’s mistakes,” Hosemann said on Dec. 17. Baria is not convinced Medicaid expansion will happen this session, but stressed the necessity of decisive action. “Every day that goes by in Mississippi without expanding Medicaid, we lose $3 million,” he said. The Mississippi Hospital Association’s “Mississippi Cares” program represents the middle ground of Medicaid “reform.” The program combines the reform provisions of Arkansas and Indiana, providing opt-in premiums of $20 a month to employed residents in the Medicaid gap. Hospitals in the MHA would cover the 10% that federal funds do not cover, allowing Mississippi use federal money currently left on the table each year without additional contributions from the State’s budget. Snowden, like Hosemann, and almost every other Republican legislator reached for this story, was noncommittal but willing to entertain the idea. Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Ellisville, explained the unease as conservative unwillingness to provide entitlements that might grow in cost over time. “We know that Medicaid tends to expand. That creates a drain for other portions of the state budget,” McDaniel said in an interview at his home. He was as dismissive as Reeves on the subject of Medicaid expansion. “Any expansion at this stage takes us down a fiscally unsustainable path,” he said. Rep. Jarvis Dortch, D-Jackson, doubts the value of reform provisions in a program like Medicaid. Dortch brought up a Center on Budget and Policy Proposals study that showed work requirements causing thousands of individuals to lose their health care, with no increase in employment. “It’s having health insurance,” Dortch stressed, “that actually leads people to work more. Because they’re healthy.” Many means-testing provi-

sions, Dortch said, are “just far-right policies that don’t really help anybody.” But, he acknowledged, Democratic legislators likely will have to accept some additions they disagree with. Roughly 37% of Mississippians carry some form of medical debt, the highest of any state in the nation. The inability to pay for medical care has a material effect: The state ranks last in the nation in metric after metric, from infant mortality to life expectancy. Beyond the impact of debt on residents, Mississippi’s mountain of health-care debt has left roughly half of its rural hospitals at risk of closure, a rate more than twice the national average.

rate of inflation since the last raise, passed in 2014. Reeves’ plan would bring Mississippi in line with surrounding states’ present teacher salaries. As of the 2018-2019 school year, the National Education Association ranked Mississippi’s teacher pay as the lowest in the nation. Lt. Gov.-elect Delbert Hosemann was positive about the potential for greater teacher pay at the Capitol on Dec. 17, insisting he would aim higher than Reeves had estimated. Hosemann insisted that Mississippi teachers deserved the “respect” of prompt action to improve their compensation. “Why do we have to be average? Nick Judin

January 8 - 21, 2020 • jfp.ms

from page 15

Delbert Hosemann is the new Mississippi lieutenant governor, arguably the most powerful leadership role in the state. His influence may bring sunlight to the presently obscured legislative process.

Teacher Pay Public-teacher pay parity with the rest of the nation may be the only broadly accepted priority in the Legislature this year. But the outcome likely will not be swift enough to offer Mississippi teachers truly competitive salaries. Gov.-elect Reeves ran on a platform of a $4,300 raise for teachers, but that increase would take place over five years, possibly still leaving Mississippi with the worst paid public-school teachers in the country. “If that raise happens over five years, will it leave us in a better spot or will other states have moved on?” Dortch said. As lieutenant governor, Reeves blocked a $4,000 pay bump over two years last session, opting for a flat raise of $1,500. That increase failed to keep up with the

Why can’t we be above? I’m not held to $4,000,” Hosemann told the Jackson Free Press. “When we get to a point that our teachers are not making an economic decision whether they teach or not, then I’ll have gotten there.” Abortion Abortion restrictions are an issue many expect to see rising from Mississippi’s Legislature, but lawmakers suggested that more significant legislation on abortion rights was unlikely this session. Sen. Joey Fillingane, R-Sumrall, one of the Mississippi GOP’s leading anti-abortion crusaders, acknowledged that a waitand-see approach is likely, thanks to the large number of currently ongoing legal battles over past legislation.

“I think it’s a little unsure right now, because you do have several test cases headed to the (U.S.) Supreme Court,” he said in an interview. That may include legislation he pushed. In 2019, Fillingane was one of the primary sponsors of SB 2116, a bill that bans abortions after the detection of a fetal heartbeat, which can start as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. Gov. Phil Bryant signed that bill into law in late March of 2019, but later in May District Judge Carlton Reeves granted a temporary injunction against the law. Mississippi’s efforts to block abortion depend on the outcome of another state’s: Louisiana. Currently, the U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to decide June Medical Services v. Gee, over Act 620, Louisiana’s implementation of the admitting-privileges law. Act 620 requires all doctors employed at abortion clinics to have admitting privileges at a hospital no further than 30 miles away. While advocates tout the restriction as a measure of protection for women seeking abortions who face medical complications, abortion-rights activists point out that its practical effect is the virtual outlawing of abortion access. For Louisiana, full adoption of the admitting-privileges law would mean every abortion clinic in the state would close except for one. Fillingane seems confident that the fight will continue at a higher court. “I have every reason to believe that this most recent ruling from the Fifth Circuit will also be appealed. I think the governor has also indicated that,” he said. The legislator is content, for the moment, to see how Trump’s remaking of the judiciary will affect these pending cases. “We’re at the mercy of the U.S. Supreme Court,” Fillangane said, while lauding the efforts of his party to restrict abortions in Mississippi in recent years. Long term, however, Fillingane’s desire is for a post-Roe v. Wade America, and a Mississippi free to determine its own tight control over abortion access inside the state. “I would envision seeing legislation that would say that there would be no abortions except to save the life of the mother,” Fillangane said. He was direct when asked if that exception would include cases of incest and rape. “It would not,” he said. Email state reporter Nick Judin at nick@jacksonfreepress.com and follow him on Twitter at @nickjudin. Ashton Pittman contributed to this story.

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illie Williams Jr. grew up watching his father’s success in his various small businesses, which sparked a life-long wish to grow his own business while striking his path. From a clothing store to a nightclub to a car lot, Williams has owned many businesses, but he ventured into the restaurant industry and now owns and runs Sherria’s Chicken Coop 2Go. “I’ve been a business owner almost my whole adult life,” Williams says. “My dad has owned businesses my whole life, and I always worked during the summertime and saw how he prospered, so that made me want to be , too.” Named after his mother who died in 2003, Sherria’s is a food truck that can be found at 1505 Terry Road from Tuesday through Friday each week from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m., sometimes staying open until 9 p.m. Williams, 41, says he thanks his mother for his cooking skills and all of the recipes on his menu. “My mom would always say, ‘You’re going to mess around with some girl that doesn’t know how to cook, and you’re going to starve to death,’” Williams says. “She always had me in the kitchen, so all of my recipes come from her. Williams’ food truck serves a wide variety of food from all-American burgers to soulful fried chicken or even lamb chops and shrimp with garlic sauce. He says he is extremely proud of his food truck’s diverse food selection because he noticed many trucks have very limited menus. “I took my same menu and the same recipes that I used at my restaurant, migrated them to my truck,” Williams says. “I offer a pretty big menu for it to be a food truck. I have about 20 or 30 (items) that

you can choose from daily. … I’m going to give you a five-star meal, coming off of a food truck.” The food truck started as a brick and mortar establishment, but Williams says he did not like the overhead that comes with a building. He began to study up on food trucks and went through the transition to how his business currently stands. He says his overhead was cut down significantly, but the quality of food and service remained because he was able to move his equipment from the restaurant to the food truck. He also says that while Sherria’s is a truck, they do have a dining area with seating available for those who wish to sit and eat, as well as a projector on-site for people who want to watch television. “We only had eight legal trucks (in Jackson), so that made me want to tap into that market,” Williams says. “I try to mastermind everything that I do, so once I tapped into that market, I saw how I could cut down on my overhead and make the same kind of profits or even more profit.” Williams moved to Jackson in 2000 and started his restaurant in 2010, which later became the food truck in 2017. He says he is well known in his neighborhood for his cooking and has great reception because of that reputation. “I try to focus on areas that I am known, like my neighborhood,” Williams says. “Most of (my neighbors) know my cooking. They just ran with it, and I didn’t have a problem with customers after that.” Williams says when he is not cooking at the food truck, he likes to spend time camping and fishing. To learn more about Sherria’s Chicken Coop 2 Go, visit sherrias-chicken-coop-2go. business.site or find it on Instagram.

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Looking for something great to do in Jackson? Visit JFPEVENTS.COM for more. and immigrant family safety. Free admission; call 601-813-6161; womanists.com.

JFP SPONSORED Womanist Rally Jan. 18, 11 a.m., at Mississippi Civil Rights Museum (222 North St., Suite 2205). The Womanist Alliance of Jackson hosts the annual Women’s March to stand in solidarity with sister organizations marching across the nation including Washington, D.C. The organization advocates for policies defending issues that impact women’s lives such as reproductive rights

HOLIDAY MLK National Day of Service Book Drive Jan. 20, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at Beth Israel Congregation (5315 Old Canton Road). The Central MS Hub for Volunteers and Nonprofits hosts a book drive in honor of Martin Luthor King

Jr. on the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the nationally observed holiday. The book drive benefits the Institute of Southern Jewish Life’s 2020 Literacy Achievement Bonanza. Donations of new or gently used books for elementary students welcomed. ISJL’s goal is to collect 1,000 books for the spring break literacy day camp held later this year. Participants of the camp receive free books each day. Donations accepted; call 601-968-0061, ext. 13; email karla.edwards@ alliancems.org; find it on Facebook.

MLK Night of Culture: “I Question America” Jan. 20, 6-7:30 p.m., at Two Mississippi Museums (222 North St.). In honor of MLK Day, the program honors women who led the struggle for freedom in Mississippi, including Fannie Lou Hamer, Victoria Gray Adams, Annie Devine, Joyce and Dorie Ladner, Joan Mulholland, Clarie Collins Harvey and Myrlie Evers. Amanda Furdge serves as the master of ceremony. DJ JKeyes provides music. Attendees are invited to sing, create an artistic piece or perform spoken

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Exploring Alternate Worlds within a Contemporary Space by Carlton McGrone

January 8 - 21, 2020 • jfp.ms

Michelle Kaffko

here’s no greater joy than falling into a piece of metafiction—fiction that is about the novel to untampered philosophical heights. Zapata essentially erases “actual” history fiction—with little to no pretense. A consistently rising trend within literary fiction, and presents alternate timelines. By doing so, he offers reflections on the purpose of rethese works tempt the veil of reality, testing the boundary of allegorical allusion. I’m cording history if infinite universes, and therefore infinite possibilities, exist. In effect, he is constantly drawn to incredibly surreal fiction because of its frank writing, presenting questioning whether or not we are experiencing “actual” history on Earth as we know it. real-life controversies in very unconventional ways. These sort of existential ponderences only serve to heighten the extremity of Saul’s That said, to call “The Lost Book of Adana Moreau” metafiction wouldn’t be exactly central task as he struggles to quite literally preserve and pass on the memories and history accurate because it manages a blending of speculative discussions, meta writing, surreal situ- of a woman shoved aside within the realm of science-fiction writing. Like his late historian ations and almost-fantastical realism grandfather, Saul articulates that one’s that, by all means, should result in a memories construct the entirety of very messy manuscript. nations, whether they be genuine However, Michael Zapata is or fictitious, and a true death only clearly no stranger to contemporary follows the end of one’s memories. high concept. In the span of a very Zapata demonstrates this poetic tight novel, he bounces through parmatter in a scene where a German allel Earths with the mission of preimmigrant, being born before the serving various fictional histories. unification of Germany, insists This novel is told through a that she is a native of the Kingdom dual narrative that takes place both of Prussia. Despite the eventual rise throughout time and within fictional of a Frankenstein culture from the worlds. One such modern-day point destruction and re-pasting of anof view comes from Saul Drower, other, the long-dead immigrant’s who discovers an unpublished manmemories play in Saul’s grandfather’s uscript of the titular, and relatively cassettes. Mid-way through, Zapata unknown, Adana Moreau. Tasked by his recently deceased cements his thoughts on these rather grandfather to return the manuscript complex notions by offering his own to Adana’s son, Maxwell Moreau, answer to the question that he has Saul treks through the ruined streets presented, ushering the novel into its of a post-Katrina New Orleans to initial building moment that makes Michael Zapata uses dual narrative to explore the application of history in his new book. preserve the memories of an author us latch on to Saul’s unlikely quest. lost to history. Saul’s grandfather’s words ring out: Our other voice comes from a “History, like fiction, was illusory, if mid-1900s Maxwell Moreau as he goes through his personal bildungsroman—a journey not an outright line, but we exist because of it and it existed because of us.” His grandfather’s through the protagonist’s formative years—alongside Saul’s narrative. We learn of Adana’s memory in-hand, Saul is determined to make sure that this ultimately forgotten writer be legacy as an immigrant, mother and author, publishing her instant-hit, science-fiction novel remembered by not only her son but the world. “The Lost City” and writing the unpublished “Model Earth” just before passing. Beginning Zapata does not hesitate to give a knowing wink through his characters. Much like his even before his birth, Maxwell’s story takes the reader through various moments of his early protagonist’s grandfather’s published collections of historic writings, Zapata’s own memory, years, fleshing out New Orleans and the South through the lens of a pirate’s son. his personal fictional history, will be preserved with this novel. Effortlessly twining reality’s I was enthralled by Maxwell’s and Saul’s fascination with infinite parallel dimensions, conflicts and societal issues with a mind-bending concept, he leaves us wondering if the the science in which Maxwell specializes while a professor at a university in Chile. Combin- world that we’re experiencing is, in fact, an “actual” history. ing this traditionally science-fiction idea with the contemporary notion of “history” propels

Looking for something great to do in Jackson? Visit JFPEVENTS.COM for more. 576-6000; email nicole.smith@mmns.ms.gov; mdwfp.com.

1 Year Anniversary and Pet Adoption Event with CARA is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Camp Bow Wow Ridgeland (381 Highway 51, Ridgeland). The dog day care center partners with CARA to host a pet adoption event for its one-year anniversary. Hollywood Feed, Ganna’s Candles and Ms T’s Sweets & Treats on-site with goodies. Includes PIXABAY a raffle for free days at Camp Bow Wow. Free admission, adoption costs TBA; call 601-707-5710; find it on Facebook.

word at the event by completing a form found at mdah.ms.gov/mlk-night-culture. Free admission; call 601-576-6800; email info@mscivilrightsmuseum.com; find it on Facebook.

COMMUNITY Events at Two Mississippi Museums (222 North St.) • History Is Lunch: The Glorious 8th of January Jan. 8, noon-1 p.m. Author and historian Clay Williams presents “The Glorious 8th of January! A Date Overlooked in History” as part of the History Is Lunch series. Free admission; call 601-576-6800; find it on Facebook. • History Happy Hour Jan. 9, 5-7 p.m. The museums hold an event in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women’s right to vote. The program focuses on the pivotal roles of women throughout Mississippi history. The event features 15-minute flash tours, complimentary food, live entertainment from the Jazz Beautiful ensemble, and activities highlighting the museums’ collections and exhibits. Specialty cocktails available for sale. Free admission, drink prices vary; call 601-576-6800; find it on Facebook. Events at Van’s Comics, Cards & Games (731 S. Pear Orchard Road, Suite 1, Ridgeland) • Rick Rollz into Van’s Jan. 11, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Documentarian and retired Navy Corpsman Rick Rollz hosts a series on board and card games, stopping at Van’s for his next filming location. Free admission; call 601-898-9950; find it on Facebook. • All Ages Pokémon League Jan. 11, Jan. 18, noon-4 p.m. Participants gather each Saturday to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Free admission; call 601-898-9950; find it on Facebook. Possibilities and Limitations: 100 Years of Women’s Suffrage Jan. 14, 7-9 p.m., at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.). In honor of the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, the event features a panel of speakers who examine the efforts of Mississippi women to achieve full and equitable participation in democracy. Speakers include historians Rebecca Tuuri from the University of Southern Mississippi, Shennette Garrett-Scott from the University of Mississippi and Nathan Shrader from Millsaps College. Sponsored by the Mississippi chapter of the League of Women Voters. Free admission; call 601-974-1000; email communications@millsaps.edu; find it on Facebook. Storytelling Festival Jan. 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Museum Blvd.). The museum hosts the event celebrating

storytelling in its various forms, focusing on both storytellers from Mississippi’s past and its present. Includes special guests Doris Jones, Shanina Carmichael and more. Sponsored by the Mississippi Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. $10 general admission, free for members; call 601-981-5469; email erin@mcm. ms; mschildrensmuseum.org. Disney Trivia Night Jan. 21, 6:30-9:30 p.m., at Pelican Cove Grill (3999 Harborwalk Drive, Suite A, Ridgeland). Participants are invited to wear their favorite Disney-inspired outfits and test their knowledge on Disney-themed trivia. No more than six people are allowed on each team. $10 per person, 20% automatic special event gratuity; call 601-605-1865; email pelicancovegrill@yahoo.com; find it on Facebook.

KIDS Tinkergarten Free Trial Jan. 11, 10-11 a.m., Jan. 12, 3-4 p.m.at Strawberry Patch Park (271 St. Augustine Drive, Madison). The class invites families to come and engage in organized outdoor play. For this trial event, attendees paint the winter sky in an imaginative way. Free admission; email erikka.dawson@mail.tinkergarten. com; tinkergarten.com. Events at Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Museum Blvd.) • Visiting Artist: Kinetic Etchings Jan. 11, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Visiting artist Kat Wilson of Kinetic Etchings leads dance workshops for children. Program included in general admission or museum membership. Supported in parts by funding from the Mississippi Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. $10 general admission, free for members; call 601-981-5469; email erin@ mcm.ms; mschildrensmuseum.org. • Magic Mondays at MCM Jan. 20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The museum extends its hours and hosts a Food Lab program at 3:30 p.m. $10 general admission, free for MCM members; call 601709-5469; email sbranson@mcm.ms. Hoot & Holler Family Creation Lab Jan. 12, 2-3:30 p.m., at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). A museum educator leads families with children ages 6-10 in an art project taking inspiration from a different artist each month. This event takes place on the second Sunday of each month. $10 per child; call 601-960-1515; email mdrake@msmuseumart.org;. Family Fun Science Night Jan. 16, 6-8 p.m., at Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive). The museum hosts a familyoriented event so that parents and children can learn more about science as they perform experiments together. Admission TBA; call 601-

Teacups & Tiaras Jan. 19, 1 p.m., at Madison the City (1004 Madison Ave., Madison). The mother-daughter tea event features photo booths, a ballet dance routine as entertainment, a mini fashion show by Hope Hollow’s campers, a dance party, tea food and lots of Disney princesses to meet-and-greet and take photos with attendees. All proceeds for the event are given to support Hope Hollow Ministries, whose mission is to enrich the lives of children and adults with special needs by providing fun, meaningful camps and programs in a Christian-based environment filled with love, adventure, compassion and fellowship. Admission TBA; call 601-8530291; email Bmayfield@madisonthecity.com; find it on Facebook.

FOOD & DRINK “A Decent Proposal” Dinner Theater at Amerigo Jan. 13, 7-9 p.m., at Amerigo (155 Market St., Flowood). The Detectives and Amerigo present an interactive, comedic, theatrical performance while participants dine. Cocktails and seating begin 6 p.m. $49, plus tax and gratuity; call 601-291-7444; email thedetectives@ymail. com; thedetectives.biz. Lazy Magnolia BEER Tasting Jan. 17, 5-8 p.m., at Craft Beer Cellar Ridgeland (500 Highway 51 N., Ridgeland). The brewery holds a beer-tasting event where attendees are able to sample various brews. ; call 601-790-7474; email ridgeland@ craftbeercellar.com; find it on Facebook. “A Decent Proposal” Dinner Theater at Char Jan. 20, 7-9 p.m., at Char Restaurant (Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road ). The Detectives and Char present and interactive, comedic, theatrical

SUNDAY 1/12 Hometown Bride Expo is from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at The Vault Venue (202 N. College St.). The expo provides attendees with opportunities to meet wedding planning professionals, hair and makeup experts, wedding gown and

performance while participants dine. Cocktails and seating begin 6 p.m. $49, plus tax and gratuity; call 601-291-7444; email thedetectives@ ymail.com; thedetectives.biz. More Than Dinner: French Night Jan. 21, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., at The Manship (1200 N. State St., Suite 100). The Manship holds a special French-inspired dinner event featuring a four-course meal including charcuterie, prawn, moules et frites, duck confit and crème brûlée de France, as well as various wines. Includes a cocktail hour. $100 per person; call 601-3984562; email info@themanshipjackson.com; exploretock.com.

SPORTS & WELLNESS Yoga to Prepare for Birth - Expecting Couples Workshop Jan. 11, 2-5 p.m., at Recover Cryo Spa (7048 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland). The birth preparation event includes a couples yoga class and workshop to help couples stay calm and centered throughout the birthing experience. The workshop includes yoga postures, rebozo (birth scarf) relaxation techniques, light touch massage, acupressure points, guided imagery, visualizations, meditations and breathing techniques. Hired doulas, midwifes, OB/L&D nurses are welcome to attend for free. Limited space. $20 yoga class only, $50 couple workshop; call 601-278-9954; email BlissBabyYogaDoula@ gmail.com; find it on Facebook. Latin Dance Party Jan. 11, Jan. 18, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., at Salsa Mississippi Club & Studio (605 Duling Ave.). Salsa Mississippi Club & Studio hosts a Latin dance party every Saturday that includes a free dance lesson. $5 student/military, $10 general admission; call 601-213-6355; find it on Facebook. Free West African Dance Class Jan. 12, Jan. 19, 2-3:30 p.m., at Central United Methodist Family Life Center (517 N. Farish St.). Shanina Carmichael teaches participants the art of West African dance. Open to all ages and experience levels. Includes live music by Alkebulan Music Philosophy. Attendees can stay until 4 p.m. to learn choreography for performances. Donations encouraged. Free admission, donations accepted; call 601-983-9305; email shanina.carmichael@ gmail.com; find it on Facebook. WWE: Live Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m., at Mississippi Coliseum (1207 Mississippi St.). Wrestlers perform at the live WWE event. $26-$695; scorebig.com.

STAGE & SCREEN

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tuxedo retailers, decor specialists, caterers, florists, travel agents, DJs, photographers, videographers and more. Includes interactive stations and live models. Free admission; call 601-260-9277; email events@ thevaultvenue.com; find it on Facebook.

Ron White Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m., at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.). The twice Grammy-nominated comedian performs. Two VIP options available: “100 Proof” and “200 Proof.” 100 Proof tickets ($140) include premium seating and an autographed note from White. 200 Proof tickets ($214) include premium seating, an autographed note, a VIP access pass personally signed by White, a photo with White, a Q&A and exclusive merchandise. $39.50-$65 general admission, $140-$214 VIP; call 601-960-1537; thaliamarahall.net. Mississippi Magic Lessons with Elizabeth Gilbert Jan. 21, 7-8:30 p.m., at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.). The author known for her memoir “Eat, Pray, Love” records a live production of her podcast. Gilbert leads singer-

January 8 - 21, 2020 • jfp.ms

SATURDAY 1/11

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S L AT E

the best in sports over the next two weeks by Bryan Flynn, follow at jfp.ms/sports

January 8 - 21, 2020 • jfp.ms

College football players acting badly can giveth and taketh away. Mississippi State University head football coach Joe Moorehead saved his job by a University of Mississippi player acting badly. He lost his job by his own linebacker acting badly.

Thursday, Jan. 9 Women’s college basketball (6-8:30pm SECN): Mississippi State University v. University of Missouri. Friday, Jan. 10 NBA (6-8:30pm ESPN): New Orleans Pelicans v. New York Knicks. Saturday, Jan. 11 NLF (3:30-7pm NBC): Minnesota Vikings v. San Francisco 49ers. Sunday, Jan. 12 NFL (5:30-9pm Fox): Seattle Seahawks v. Green Bay Packers. Monday, Jan. 13 College football (7-11pm ESPN): Clemson Tigers v. LSU. Tuesday, Jan. 14 Men’s college basketball (6-8:30pm ESPN2): University of Mississippi v. University of Florida. Wednesday, Jan. 15 Men’s college basketball (8-10:30pm ESPN2): Auburn University v. University of Alabama. Thursday, Jan. 16 Women’s college basketball (7-9:30pm SECN): MSU v. LSU Friday, Jan. 17 Men’s college basketball (6-8:30pm ESPN2): University of Dayton v. Saint Louis University. Saturday, Jan. 18 College football (3-7pm NFLN): 2020 East-West Shrine Game. Sunday, Jan. 19 NFL (5:30-9pm Fox): NFC Championship Game. Monday, Jan 20 Women’s college basketball (6-8:30pm ESPN2); MSU v. USC. Tuesday, Jan. 21 Men’s college basketball (8-10:30pm SECN): UM v. University of Tennessee. Wednesday, Jan. 22 Men’s college basketball (6-8:30pm SECN): MSU v. University of Arkansas.

songwriter Teneia through a “creative breakthrough.” Features live performances by Bobby Rush, Teneia, Valerie Ponzio and Scott Albert Johnson. Also includes a panel discussion moderated by Michelle McAdoo on how musicians can operate on a high level in a pressure-filled industry while taking care of themselves. JFP sponsored. $10 ticket; email aron@greaterjacksonartscouncil.com; .

CONCERTS & FESTIVALS Charlie’s Effin’ Karaoke Jan. 8, Jan. 15, Jan. 22, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., at Ole Tavern (416 George St.). Ole Tavern hosts a karaoke event that includes $10 beer buckets and $2 Bartenders choice shots from 9 p.m. to close. free admission; call 601960-2700; find it on Facebook. Events at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.) • Seth Power Album Release Party with Ryan Warnick Jan. 10, 8-11 p.m. Music artist Seth Power performs as part of his album release party. Ryan Warnick also performs as a special guest. Seating is first-come, first-serve. A $5 upcharge is taken for persons under 21. $10 advanced, $12 at-door; call 601-292-7121; find it on Facebook. • Marbin Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m. The Chicagobased, progressive, jazz-rock band performs. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to enter. Seating is first-come, first-serve. Persons under 21 must pay a $5 upcharge. $10 general admission; call 601-292-7121; dulinghall.ticketfly.com. • Mr. Showmanship: An Evening with Liberace Jan. 20, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Mississippi Opera hosts the concert as a salute to Wladziu Valentino Liberace, a prominent virtuoso pianist of the 20th century. David Maiocco performs, dressed in a flashy fashion similar to how Liberace once did. Part of the Cabaret @ Duling Hall series. Sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi. Funded in parts by the Mississippi Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. $25 advanced, $30 at-door; call 601-960-2300; email bookkeeper@imaginarycompany.com; msopera.org. Bravo III - A Night in Vienna Jan. 11, 7:30-9:30 p.m., at Thalia Mara Hall (201 E. Pascagoula St.). Leading soprano Erin Wall, acclaimed for her musicality and versatility, gives voice to this blockbuster evening of Vienna’s best, from the beautiful and introspective appeal of Strauss’ “Four Last Songs,” to the deeply-moving lure of Mahler’s 4th Symphony. The box office will reopen at Thalia Mara Hall one hour prior to the concert’s start. $27-$74 adult, $5 student/ children ages 4-18; call 601-960-1565; email rroberts@msorchestra.com; msorchestra.com. Phillip Yarbrough Jan. 11, 7:30 p.m., at McB’s Bar & Grill (815 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland). Music artist Phillip Yarbrough performs live. Admission TBA; call 601-956-8362; find it on Facebook. Vitamin Cea // Hookup Culture Jan. 17, 8 p.m., at Offbeat (151 Wesley Ave.). Local hiphop and rap artist Vitamin Cea performs. Doors open at 7 p.m. $5 admission; call 601-376-9404. Re:Rap Hip-Hop Showcase Jan. 18, 6:30 p.m., at The Murals (750 N. Jefferson St.). As part of Jackson Indie Music Week, the showcase features rap and hip-hop artists including JusLegacy,

Melo, Cymba, TDotVDot and James Virgodo. $35 event pass; find it on Facebook. Liverpool Legends Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m., at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E Pascagoula St.). The Beatles tribute band, comprised of four musicians/actors personally selected Louise Harrison, sister of the late George Harrison, performs. The members emulate the original band’s aesthetic, mannerisms and even their accents to further enhance the performance. $40-$60 general admission; call 601-960-1537; thaliamarahall.net. Love Letter Kill Shot Tour Jan. 19, 4-7 p.m., at Funtime Skateland Park (123 Legion Lake Road, Pearl). Award winning music artists Disciple and The Protest perform live as part of the “Love Letter Kill Shot Tour.” Free admission; call 601-939-0880; email info@funtimeskate. com; find it on Facebook.

LITERARY SIGNINGS Events at Lemuria Bookstore (4465 I-55 N.) • “The Broken Road” Book Signing Jan. 9, 5 p.m. Peggy Wallace Kennedy signs copies of her book. $28 signed copy; call 601-366-7619; lemuriabooks.com. • “Clean Getaway” Book Signing Jan. 10, 5 p.m. Nic Stone signs copies of his book and holds a conversation with Angie Thomas. $16.99 signed copy; call 601-366-7619; lemuriabooks.com.

Brick Display, built by retired clinical psychologist Scott Crawford, who lives with progressive multiple sclerosis. Free admission; call 601- 9601557, Ext 224; find it on Facebook. Events at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.) • Creative Healing Studio Jan. 15, 12:30-2 p.m. Art therapist Susan Anand leads the bimonthly art activity for adults being treated for cancer or those who have previously been diagnosed with cancer. All skill levels welcome. Registration required. Free admission; call 601-960-1515; email smainlay@aol.com; msmuseumart.org. • Beyond the Cave: Call and Response Jan. 18, 6-11 p.m. Four emerging cultural producers from the Jackson area engage with the “Nick Cave: Feat.” exhibit by presenting creative works they made in response to it. The showcase includes performance, spoken word and live visual art. The evening concludes with Jackson Indie Music Week’s Silent Party that features a DJ set inspired by the exhibit. Doors open 5 p.m. Only the first 50 people through the door receives a VIP wristband to view the live art shows. Limited space. Free admission; call 601-960-1515; email ywilliams@msmuseumart.org; find it on Facebook. “The Robot Zoo” Exhibit Debut Jan. 18, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive). The museum debuts its new exhibit, “The Robot Zoo,” which features robotic animals that represent

THURSDAY 1/16 Fondren Fitness Fun Run is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Fondren Fitness (2807 Old Canton Road). Runners meet up every third Thursday outside of Fondren Fitness to run three miles around the neighborhood. The run ends at a different local business each month. Free admission; call 601-540-0338; find it on Facebook. PIXABAY

CREATIVE CLASSES Events at Market House (5647 Highway 80 E., Suite 1, Pearl) • Chunky Knit Blanket Workshop Jan. 11, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The workshop guides participants in creating large-knit blankets. Attendees take home their finished products. Materials included. Private workshops available if the date for this one is inconvenient. $60 per person (materials included); call 769-233-8739; email allyavaj@aol.com; find it on Facebook. • Noodle Board Workshop Jan. 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m. The workshop guides attendees through making noodle boards, otherwise known as stove top covers. Attendees choose their own stain, paint and pencil for their projects. Materials included. Participants take their work home with them. $125 per person (materials included); call 769-233-8739.

ARTS & EXHIBITS Keep Building Jackson Celebrates 10th Anniversary Jan. 8-11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.). The arts center hosts the “Keep Building Jackson!”

the builds of their real-life counterparts in an informational manner, helping explain how the animals move the way they do. $6 adult, $4 child, kids ages 3 and under free, members free; call 601-576-6000; email nicole.smith@mmns. ms.gov; mdwfp.com. Shut Up andWrite/Create Workshops Feb. 8 (writing); March 21 (creativity). Join Donna Ladd’s popular Saturday workshops for inspiration, tools and interactive activities to jumpstart your writing and creative pursuits. For a great deal, visit writingtochange.com or write class@ writingtochange.com. 601-966-0834.

PROFESSIONAL & BIZ Refill Jackson Initiative Info Session Jan. 9, 3-3:30 p.m., at Refill Cafe (136 S. Adams St.). Refill Cafe relays information to attendees on its 10-week workforce training program, which begins Jan. 20. Attendees meet the program’s faculty and staff. The program is for people ages 18-24. Free admission; call 601-540-7231; email jordan@refilljackson.org; find it on Facebook. Connect: Networking for Entrepreneurs Jan. 9, 4:30-6:30 p.m., at Cultivation Food Hall (1200 Eastover Drive, Suite 125). Innovate Mississippi

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The William Winter Institute for Racial

To curious minds, courageous hearts, Reconciliation will host an event in recognition of and adventurous spirits: We’ll see you soon. The 2020 National Day of Racial Healing:

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Be one of the first to experience the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, opening side-by-side December 9, 2017, in Jackson, Mississippi.

RSVP Now at www.winterinstitute.org

Plan your visit now.

For Group Rates and More: museumofmshistory.com mscivilrightsmuseum.com

Are you a Best of Jackson Finalist? Then You’re Invited To the Best of Jackson Party!

Location: Two Mississippi Museums Craig H. Neilsen Auditorium 222 North State Street, Jackson, MS Time: 1 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

The National Day of Racial Healing was established by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) in 2017 to promote healing as a critical path for ending racial bias and creating a society in which all children can thrive. The National Day of Racial Healing is part of WKKF’s Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) effort; a national and community-based process designed to bring transformational and sustainable change to communities, while addressing the historic and contemporary effects of racism.

For tickets and information, contact

party@jacksonfreepress.com 601.362.6121 ext.21

January 8 - 21, 2020 • jfp.ms

(If no dental insurance coverage)

MUSIC

Thalia Mara Hall: Winter Music(al) Preview by Nate Schumann

halia Mara Hall has a long history of presenting local, national and international talent. Now that we have entered the winter months of 2020, it’s a great time to take a peek at the music-centered performances that Jacksonians can look forward to from the 2,040-seat theater before spring. Liverpool Legends (Jan. 18) Louise Harrison, sister of the late George Harrison from the original Beatles group, hand-selected members of the Liverpool Legends. In addition to emulating the Beatles’ music, the members also mimic the aesthetics, mannerisms and accents of John, Paul, George and Ringo to further enhance the experience of each performance. The Liverpool Legends will perform at Thalia Mara Hall on Jan. 18 starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $40 to $60.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra (Feb. 10) Glenn Miller was an American composer and bandleader during the swing era of the 1930s and ’40s. With his orchestra, founded in 1939, he scored 16 number-one records and 69 top 10 hits in only four years. Miller’s orchestra continues to perform his tunes to this day, years after his passing, and now the group is making its way to Jackson. The orchestra will perform on Feb. 10 starting at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $47 to $68.

nine level starting from 6:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., while the performance itself begins at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 22. Tickets range from $27 to $74. ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’™ in Concert (Feb. 29) “Harry Potter” is yet another movie franchise known for its iconic music. For the event, audience members will be able to view a high-definition screening of the second film in the series while the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ (also the primary composer for “Star Wars”) score. The show will be held on Feb. 29 starting at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $50 to $115.

Best and Brightest (Feb. 22) In the virtuosic showcase hosted by the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, international pianist and acclaimed Beethoven interpreter Anton Nel performs a rendition of Beethoven’s 5th piano concerto, commonly known as “The Emperor.” Dr. Timothy Coker will hold a lecture on the prepared arrangement prior to the concert on the mezzacourtesy Liverpool Legends

Pops II: ‘Star Wars’ (Feb. 1) The “Star Wars” franchise is known for many things, including its expansive universe and various media, but one often-praised facet of the series is its musical scores. John Williams composed the iconic tunes found in all of the main films, as well as some of the spin-offs. The Mississippi Symphony Opera presents a performance featuring music from Episodes I through XIII, along with “Rogue One,” whose music was composed by Michael Giacchino. The show will take place on Feb. 1 starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $27 to $74.

‘Cats’ (Feb. 13-14) Broadway in Jackson delivers a performance of the record-breaking musical just in time for Valentine’s Day. Inspired by a poetry collection by T. S. Eliot, Andrew Lloyd Webber composed the music for “Cats,” which premiered in 1981. The seven-time Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of a tribe of cats as they decide who will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life. The show is on both Feb. 13 and Feb. 14 starting at 8 p.m. each day. Tickets range from $60 to $120.

Liverpool Legends will perform at Thalia Mara Hall.

The Temptations (March 8) The five-member vocal group known for its influence on the R&B and soul genres has been performing for more than 50 years and now makes its way to Jackson in a performance held at Thalia Mara Hall. While the Temptations has had a rotation of members over its history, its founder Otis Williams still leads the group. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. on March 8. Tickets range from $35 to $65. ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’ (March 11) The jukebox musical recounts the early life and career of musical icon Carole King, born Carol Klein. The story depicts how the Brooklyn-born artist fought her way into the record business as a teenager and became a wife and songwriter by her 20s before her career as a performer kicked off in the wake of a devolving personal life. The show will take place on March 11 starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $55 to $125. To learn more about upcoming shows at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.), call 601-960-1537 or visit thaliamarahall.net.

Looking for something great to do in Jackson? Visit JFPEVENTS.COM for more.

January 8 - 21, 2020 • jfp.ms

presents an opportunity for local entrepreneurs, mentors, and innovation ecosystem leaders to network, connect and form meaningful relationships. Cash bar. Food available for purchase. Free admission, food and drink prices vary; call 601-960-3610; find it on Facebook.

The Right Way to Start a 501C 3 Nonprofit Jan. 15, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy (201 W. Capitol St., Suite 700). The one-day workshop provides the legal and practical steps to successfully organize and secure state and federal approval to operate as a tax-exempt organization. Includes a guidebook developed by the Mississippi Center for Nonprofits (valued at $49). $149 admission; call 601-968-0061; email jeffery.duplessis@alliancems.org. MWLA January Metro Area Meeting Jan. 15, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Rickhouse by the Manship (717 Poplar Blvd.). The Mississippi

Women Lawyers Association host the first meeting of the year where a judicial panel discuss their perspectives on law practice in Mississippi. Free admission; call 601-398-4562; find it on Facebook. Black Women’s Business Expo Jan. 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at Clyde Muse Convention Center (515 Country Place Parkway, Pearl). The expo promotes black women-owned businesses. The event features a lineup of speakers, entrepreneurs and experts. Also includes vendors displaying products and services, education networking and more. $25 admission; call 601238-5312; email melissabanks818@gmail.com; eventbrite.com.

BE THE CHANGE Pop-up Recycling Drop-off Event Jan. 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Jax-Zen Healing Arts Center

(155 Wesley Ave.). The center partners with Environmentality to host the recycling event. Participants may bring bags or bins of recyclables to the center that meet the guidelines found at environmentality.org/materials.php. Small processing fee TBA; call 769-233-8746; email contact@jax-zenfloat.com; find it on Facebook. JDRF Hope Gala Jan. 18, 6-11 p.m., at The Westin Jackson (407 S. Congress St.). JDRF hosts the gala to raise funds for Type 1 Diabetes research. The event features a cocktail reception, a seated inner, silent auctions and live auctions. Followed by an after-party with drinks, dancing, snacks, dueling piano performances and more. $200 gala and after-party, $45 after-party only; call 601-981-1184; email mississippi@jdrf.org. “Black It Out” - The Official All Black Party w/Purpose Jan. 18, 7 p.m., at Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.). Comedienne Rita Brent hosts the community

fundraising event that includes performances by recording artist Tonya Boyd-Canon and friends, sound control by DJ and producer Mannie Fresh and music by DJ Sam Brown from 99.7. Metro Corvette Club of Jackson, MS MOVE, Inc. and local/celebrity models plan to attend and help raise funds to continue building up local Black communities. Admission TBA; call 601-918-4350; jacksonconventioncomplex.com.

Check jfpevents.com for updates and more listings, or to add your own events online. You can also email event details to events@ jacksonfreepress.com to be added to the calendar. The deadline is noon the Wednesday prior to the week of publication.

F R E E

P R E S S

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January 8 - 21, 2020 • jfp.ms

and implicit or explicit biases.”

NBC

1/8 - 1/22 Wednesday 1/8 1908 Provisions - Ronnie Brown 6:30 p.m. Alumni House, Pearl - Doug Hurd 7 p.m. Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Fitzgerald’s - Larry Brewer 6 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - New Bourbon Street Jazz Band 7 p.m. Kathryn’s - Gator Trio 6:30 p.m. Martin’s - Open Mic 9 p.m. Pelican Cove - Robin Blakeney 6:30 p.m. Shucker’s - Sonny & Co. 7:30 p.m. Table 100 - Andy Henderson 6 p.m.

Thursday 1/9 Cerami’s, Flowood - Sid Thompson 6:30 p.m. Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Drago’s - Chad Perry 6 p.m. Fenian’s - Live Music 9 p.m. F. Jones Corner - Live Music 11 p.m. $5 Genna Benna, Brandon - Zach Bridges 7 p.m. Georgia Blue, Flowood - Jason Turner 7 p.m. Georgia Blue, Madison - Brandon Greer Duo 7 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - D’Lo Trio 7 p.m Iron Horse Grill - Jesse Robinson 6 p.m. Kathryn’s - Jeff Reynold’s Quartet 6:30 p.m. Pelican Cove - Travelin Jane Duo 6 p.m. Shucker’s - Acoustic Crossroads 7:30 p.m. Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

January 8 - 21, 2020 • jfp.ms

Friday 1/10

1908 Provisions - Chuck Bryan 6:30 p.m. Alumni House, Pearl - Larry Brewer 7 p.m. Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - Spunk Monkees 8 p.m. Bar 3911 - DJ Taboo 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Bonny Blair’s, Brandon - Lovin Ledbetter 9 p.m. Char - Ronnie Brown 6 p.m. Drago’s - Ralph Miller 6 p.m. Duling Hall - Seth Power Album Release Party w/ Ryan Warnick 6 p.m. F. Jones Corner - Live Music midnight $10 Genna Benna, Brandon - Dan Confait 7 p.m. Georgia Blue, Flowood - Scott Stricklin 7 p.m. Georgia Blue, Madison - Shaun Patterson 7 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - Lovett Brothers 7 p.m. Iron Horse Grill - Lonn’e George 8 p.m.

See more music at jfp.ms/musiclistings. To be included in print, email listings to music@jacksonfreepress.com.

Zach Bridges

Kathryn’s - Travelin Jane 7 p.m. Pelican Cove - Keys vs. Strings 6 p.m. Shucker’s - Topher Brown 5:30 p.m.; Miles Flatt 8 p.m. $5; Jason Turner 10 p.m. Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Saturday 1/11 Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - Mojiles 8 p.m. Bar 3911 - Drag Performance & Dance Party feat. DJ Taboo 8 p.m.-3 a.m. free before 10 p.m. Char - John Clark 6 p.m. CS’s - Karaoke 8 p.m. F. Jones Corner - Live Music midnight $10 Genna Benna, Brandon - Casey Phillips 7 p.m. Georgia Blue, Flowood - Brian Jones 7 p.m. Georgia Blue, Madison - Chad Wesley 7 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - Barstow Revival 7 p.m. Iron Horse Grill - Anissa 9 p.m. ISH - Uptown Saturday: Gerald Richardson 8 p.m. Kathryn’s - Acoustic Crossroads 7 p.m. Pelican Cove - Phil Yarborough 6 p.m. Shucker’s - Steele Heart 3:30 p.m.; Miles Flatt 8 p.m. $5; Chad Perry 10 p.m. Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Table 100 - Chalmers Davis 6 p.m.

Thursday 1/16

F. Jones Corner - The Blues Man 10 p.m. $5; Sherman Lee Dillon & The MS Sound midnight $10 Genna Benna, Brandon - Shaun Patterson 7 p.m. Georgia Blue, Flowood - Candy Lee Dobbs 7 p.m. Georgia Blue, Madison - Scott Stricklin 7 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - Kent Morris 7 p.m. Iron Horse Grill - Ted Hefko 9 p.m. Kathryn’s - Fade2Blue 7 p.m. Offbeat - Vitamin Cea 8 p.m. Pelican Cove - Terry & Charlotte 6 p.m. Shucker’s - Geena & Buzz 5:30 p.m.; Hairicane 8 p.m. $5; Brian Jones 10 p.m. Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Drago’s - Joseph LaSalla 6 p.m. Fenian’s - Live Music 9 p.m. F. Jones Corner - Chris Minter & The KJ Funkmasters 11 p.m. $5 Genna Benna, Brandon - Brian Jones 7 p.m. Georgia Blue, Flowood - Shaun Patterson 7 p.m. Georgia Blue, Madison - Todd Smith 7 p.m. Kathryn’s - Scott Turner Trio 6:30 p.m. Pelican Cove - Mike & Skip 6 p.m. Shucker’s - Larry Brewer & Hunter

Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - Epic 8 p.m. Bar 3911 - Drag Performance & Dance Party feat. DJ Taboo 8 p.m.-3 a.m. free before 10 p.m. Char - John Clark 6 p.m. CS’s - Karaoke 8 p.m. F. Jones Corner - Big Money Mel & Small Change Wayne 10 p.m. $5; Sheman Lee Dillon & The MS Sound midnight $10 Genna Benna, Brandon - Brad Biard 7 p.m.

Wednesday 1/15 1908 Provisions - Ronnie Brown 6:30 p.m. Alumni House, Pearl - Jerry Brooks & Jack Beal 7 p.m. Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - Indie Music Week (Red Room) 7 p.m. Fitzgerald’s - Johnny Crocker 7 p.m. Kathryn’s - Larry Brewer & Doug Hurd 6:30 p.m. Pelican Cove - Carlos Calabrese 6 p.m. Shucker’s - Sonny & Co. 7:30 p.m. Table 100 - Andy Henderson 6 p.m.

Sunday 1/12 1908 Provisions - Knight Bruce 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Char - Big Easy Three 11 a.m.; Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Kathryn’s - The XtremeZ Band 6 p.m. Pelican Cove - Larry Brewer 12 p.m.; Victoria Lynn & Kyle Graves 5 p.m. Shucker’s - Acoustic Crossroads 3:30 p.m. Table 100 - Raphael Semmes Trio 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dan Michael Colbert 6-9 p.m. Wellington’s - Andy Hardwick 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Saturday 1/18

Drew Dempsey

Monday 1/20 Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Duling Hall - An Evening with Liberace: Mr. Showmanship - Cabaret Series 7:30 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - CMBS presents Blue Monday 7 p.m. $5

Kathryn’s - Joseph LaSalla 6:30 p.m. Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

Tuesday 1/21 Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Drago’s - Johnny Crocker 6 p.m. Fitzgerald’s - Chad Perry 6 p.m. Kathryn’s - The Road Hogs 6:30 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - Dinner, Drinks and Jazz: Raphael Semmes & Friends 9 p.m. Table 100 - Chalmers Davis 6 p.m.

Wednesday 1/22 Vitamin Cea

Monday 1/13 Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Duling Hall - Marbin 5:30 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - CMBS presents Blue Monday 7 p.m. $5 Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m. Tuesday 1/14 Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Drago’s - Todd Thompson & Bob Pieczky 6 p.m. Fenian’s - Open Mic 9 p.m. Fitzgerald’s - Buzz Pickens 7 p.m. Kathryn’s - Skip & Mike 6:30 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - Dinner, Drinks and Jazz: Raphael Semmes & Friends 9 p.m.

Sunday 1/19 1908 Provisions - Knight Bruce 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Char - Big Easy Three 11 a.m.; Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Kathryn’s - Wayward Jones 6 p.m. Pelican Cove - Ronnie & Hunter 12 p.m.; Barnes & Cokely 5 p.m. Shucker’s - The Chill 3:30 p.m. Table 100 - Raphael Semmes Trio 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dan Michael Colbert 6-9 p.m. Wellington’s - Andy Hardwick 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Gibson 7:30 p.m. Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

Friday 1/17 1908 Provisions - Chuck Bryan 6:30 p.m. Alumni House, Pearl - Hunter Gibson & Ginger Gorman 7 p.m. Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - Dat Band 8 p.m. Bar 3911 - DJ Taboo 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Bonny Blair’s, Brandon - Lovin Ledbetter 9 p.m. Char - Ronnie Brown 6 p.m. Drago’s - Larry Brewer 6 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Shaun Patterson 7 p.m. Georgia Blue, Madison - Casey Phillips 7 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - Indie Music Week (Big Room) 7 p.m. Iron Horse Grill - Barry Leach 9 p.m. Kathryn’s - The Lucky Hand Blues Band 7 p.m. Pelican Cove - Charade Unplugged 6 p.m. Shucker’s - Big Al & The Heavyweights 3:30 p.m.; Hairicane 8 p.m. $5; Todd Smith 10 p.m. Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

1908 Provisions - Ronnie Brown 6:30 p.m. Alumni House, Pearl - Gena & David Steele 7 p.m. Brandon Amphitheater - Live Music 6 p.m. Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - New Bourbon Street Jazz Band 7 p.m. Duling Hall - Live Music 6 p.m. ISH - Live Music 6 p.m. Jackson Yacht Club - Larry Brewer & Doug Hurd 5:30 p.m. Kathryn’s - Live Music 6:30 p.m. Martin’s - Open Mic 9 p.m. Offbeat - Live Music 6 p.m. Pelican Cove - Live Music 6 p.m. Shucker’s - Live Music 7:30 p.m. Table 100 - Andy Henderson 6 p.m.

ING ON OF FUN!

Offsite & Onsite CATERING AVAILABLE

January

DAILY BLUE PLACE SPECIALS

Music/Events

Wednesday 1/8

Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-7pm!

Taco Tuesay $2 Tacos All Day (Excludes shrimp and fish tacos)

February

Friday 1/17

Kent Morris

Lovett Brothers

Dining Room - 7pm - Free

Saturday 1/18

Barstow Revival

Jackson Indie Music Week

Dining Room - 7pm - Free

Big Room - 8:00pm

Monday 1/13

Monday 1/20

Central MS Blues Society presents:

Saturday 1/11

7 8 12

Blue Monday Blue Monday

14 16

$2 off Shrimp and Fish Tacos

Sat-Sun

Dining Room - 7 - 11pm

$3 Members $5 Non-Members

Tuesday 1/14

Tuesday 1/21

Dinner Drinks & Jazz with Raphael Semmes and Friends

Dining Room - 6pm

Upcoming

21 27 28

1 COMPLETE SHOW LISTINGS & TICKETS

www.dulinghall.com

1/21 - Dinner, Drinks and Jazz with Raphael Semmes and friends 1/22 - New Bourbon Street Jazz Band 1/23 - D’Lo Trio 1/24 - Bill, Temperance and Jeﬀ

1/24 - Seth Powers in the Red Room 1/27 - CMBS presents Blues Monday 1/28 - Dinner, Drinks and Jazz with Raphael Semmes and friends 1/31 - Jason Turner 1/31 - Cary Hudson and Cary Morin

We’re now on Waitr!

MARCH

2820 N State St (601) 487-6082 greenghosttacos.com

Restaurant Open

Dining Room - 7:00pm - Free

Friday

Endless Mimosas $15 $6 Bloody Mary’s & Micheladas

D’Lo Trio Friday 1/10

$2 off Quesadillas

Ladies Day! 1/2 priced Salads and Bowls Happy Hour Starts at 4 p.m. for Ladies

Thursday 1/16

Dining Room - 6:00pm - Free

Wednesday Thursday

Red Room - 6:00pm

Thursday 1/9

Scrub Day 20% Off Your Meal with Scrubs or a Hospital Badge * Dine in only.

Tuesday

Jackson Indie Music Week

New Bourbon Street Jazz Band Dining Room - 6:00pm - Free

$5 Margaritas, $5 Mezcalitas, $3 Patron Shots $1 off all beer

Monday

Wednesday 1/15

visit halandmals.com for a full menu and concert schedule 601.948.0888

200 s. Commerce St.

January 8 - 21, 2020 • jfp.ms

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2

Last Week’s Answers 52 Gloom and ___ 53 Figure out group emotions, maybe 58 Replacement 59 Wrigley Field judges 60 Boy band that sang “Girl on TV” 61 She, in Brazil 62 Surgeon for whom a mouthwash is named 63 Some purchases for vape pens 65 Prefix meaning “insect” 66 Their capacity is measured in BTUs 67 Attila’s band 68 “Quiz Show” figure Charles Van ___ 69 1950s White House nickname 70 ___-bitty

BY MATT JONES

41 With “of,” in total agreement 42 Shapes up quickly 45 Barely defeat 46 Was unable to 47 Diplomat’s building 49 Podcast staffer 51 “I couldn’t find it” 54 HBO series set in New Orleans 55 “Great blue” marsh bird 56 Good for something 57 Actress Gretchen of “Boardwalk Empire”

63 “___ Ho” (“Slumdog Millionaire” song) 64 ___ Beta Kappa ©2019 Jonesin’ Crosswords (jonesincrosswords@gmail.com) For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Must be 18+. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800 655-6548. Reference puzzle #923.

Editor’s Note: Psycho Sudoku by Matt Jones has been discontinued.

Down

“Double Up” --the middle two from all five. Across

1 “Downton Abbey” countess 5 PokÈmon protagonist 8 Fix, as the end of a pool cue 13 Strong cards 14 “SmackDown!” org. 15 High grade 17 Johnny Carson’s predecessor 19 “Sorry Not Sorry” singer Demi 20 Magic, on a scoreboard 21 Like toast without butter 22 So far 23 “Weetzie Bat” author Francesca ___ Block

24 Get a sense of importance, say 26 Children’s author Blyton 28 E-mail address part 29 Ancient Roman road 30 Indian restaurant appetizer 33 Hospital count 36 Places with IVs 37 “The Battle With the Slum” author and social reformer 40 ___ A. Bank (menswear retailer) 43 “Don’t move!” 44 Super Bowl XLI halftime headliner 48 Actress Hathaway of “Ocean’s 8” 50 1010, in binary

1 Persuades 2 Instrument in a Legend of Zelda title 3 Win back 4 Inquire of 5 In the know 6 Began to convince 7 She/___ pronouns 8 Chief Wiggum’s kid 9 Melodramatize 10 Copenhagen’s ___ Gardens 11 How short messages may be sent 12 Bring off, slangily 16 Seeders 18 Adobe file format 22 Say out loud 25 Legislative persuader 27 Gp. that oversees the ATF 31 Airline based in Stockholm 32 False front 34 Slight decrease 35 Knightly title 38 Hall’s partner 39 PBS’s “Science Kid” 40 Rapper in the Fyre Festival documentaries

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AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):

In a poem titled “The Mess-iah,” spiritual teacher Jeff Foster counsels us, “Fall in love with the mess of your life . . . the wild, uncontrollable, unplanned, unexpected moments of existence. Dignify the mess with your loving attention, your gratitude. Because if you love the mess enough, you will become a Mess-iah.” I bring this to your attention, Aquarius, because I suspect you’ll have a better chance to ascend to the role of Mess-iah in the coming weeks and months than you have had in many years.

I say “To hell with being in an intimate relationship with a trouble-maker who fights with fate and quarrels with the sky.” I can’t imagine any bond that would be more unpleasant and serve me worse. What about you, Cancerian? Do you find Rumi’s definition glamorous and romantic? I hope not. If you do, I advise you to consider changing your mind. 2020 will be an excellent time to be precise in articulating the kinds of alliances that are healthy for you. They shouldn’t resemble Rumi’s description. (Rumi translation by Zara Houshmand.)

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20):

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):

ARIES (March 21-April 19):

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

Comedian John Cleese believes that “sometimes we hang onto people or relationships long after they’ve ceased to be of any use to either of you.” That’s why he has chosen to live in such a way that his web of alliances is constantly evolving. “I’m always meeting new people,” he says, “and my list of friends seems to change quite a bit.” According to my analysis of the astrological omens, Pisces, 2020 will be a propitious year for you to experiment with Cleese’s approach. You’ll have the chance to meet a greater number of interesting new people in the coming months than you have in a long time. (And don’t be afraid to phase out connections that have become a drain.)

When comedian John Cleese was 61, his mother died. She was 101. Cleese testifies, “Just towards the end, as she began to run out of energy, she did actually stop trying to tell me what to do most of the time.” I bet you’ll experience a similar phenomenon in 2020—only bigger and better. Fewer people will try to tell you what to do than at any previous time of your life. As a result, you’ll be freer to be yourself exactly as you want to be. You’ll have unprecedented power to express your uniqueness.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20):

GEMINI (May 21-June 20):

It’s common to feel attracted to people because of the way they look and dress and carry themselves. But here’s the problem: If you pursue an actual connection with someone whose appearance you like, there’s no guarantee it will turn out to be interesting and meaningful. That’s because the most important factor in becoming close to someone is not their cute face or body or style, but rather their ability to converse with you in ways you find interesting. And that’s a relatively rare phenomenon. As philosopher Mortimer Adler observed, “Love without conversation is impossible.” I bring these thoughts to your attention, Gemini, because I believe that in 2020 you could have some of the best conversations you’ve ever had—and as a result experience the richest intimacy.

CANCER (June 21-July 22):

Mystic poet Rumi told us the kind of person he was attracted to. “I want a trouble-maker for a lover,” he wrote. “Blood spiller, blood drinker, a heart of flame, who quarrels with the sky and fights with fate, who burns like fire on the rushing sea.” In response to that testimony, I say, “Boo! Ugh! Yuck!”

I’ll present two possible scenarios that could unfold for you in 2020. Which scenario actually occurs will depend on how willing you are to transform yourself. Scenario #1. Love is awake, and you’re asleep. Love is ready for you but you’re not ready for love. Love is hard to recognize because you think it still looks like it did in the past. Love changed its name, and you didn’t notice. Scenario #2. Love is awake and you’re waking up. Love is ready for you and you’re making yourself ready for love. Love is older and wiser now, and you recognize its new guise. Love changed its name, and you found out. (Thanks to Sarah and Phil Kaye for the inspiration for this horoscope.)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):

Renowned Greek sculptor Praxiteles created some famous and beloved statues in the fourth century B.C. One of his pieces, showing the gods Hermes and Dionysus, was displayed inside the Temple of Hera in Olympia. But a few centuries later an earthquake demolished the Temple and buried the statue. There it remained until 1877, when archaeologists dug it out of the rubble. I foresee a metaphorically equivalent recovery in your life, Libra—especially if you’re willing to excavate an old mess or investigate a debris field or explore a faded ruin.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):

Over a period of 74 years, the Scorpio philosopher and author Voltaire (1694–1778) wrote so many letters to so many people that they were eventually published in a series of 98 books, plus nine additional volumes of appendixes and indexes. I would love to see you communicate that abundantly and meticulously in 2020, Scorpio. The cosmic rhythms will tend to bring you good fortune if you do.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

Picasso was one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. He was also the richest. At the end of his life, experts estimate his worth was as much as $250 million, equivalent to $1.3 billion today. But in his earlier adulthood, while Picasso was turning himself into a genius and creating his early masterpieces, he lived and worked in a small, seedy, unheated room with no running water and a toilet he shared with twenty people. If there will be ever in your life be a semblance of Picasso’s financial transformation, Sagittarius, I’m guessing it would begin this year.

Homework: Figure out how you might transform yourself in order for the world to give you what you yearn for. FreeWillAstrology.com

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E RE N

O RO M

Renowned Taurus philosopher Bertrand Russell was sent to jail in 1918 because of his pacifism and anti-war activism. He liked being there. “I found prison in many ways quite agreeable,” he said. “I had no engagements, no difficult decisions to make, no fear of callers, no interruptions to my work. I read enormously; I wrote a book.” The book he produced, Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy, is today regarded as a classic. In 2020, I would love to see you Tauruses cave out an equally luxurious sabbatical without having to go through the inconvenience of being incarcerated. I’m confident you can do this.

The 18th-century comic novel Tristram Shandy is still being translated, adapted, and published today. Its popularity persists. Likewise, the 18th-century novel Moll Flanders, which features a rowdy, eccentric heroine who was unusual for her era, has had modern incarnations in TV, film, and radio. Then there’s the 19th-century satirical novel Vanity Fair. It’s considered a classic even now, and appears on lists of bestloved books. The authors of these three books had one thing in common: They had to pay to have their books published. No authority in the book business had any faith in them. You may have similar challenges in 2020, Leo—and rise to the occasion with equally good results. Believe in yourself!

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Let’s get 2020 started with a proper send-off. According to my reading of the astrological omens, the coming months will bring you opportunities to achieve a host of liberations. Among the things from which you could be at least partially emancipated: stale old suffering; shrunken expectations; people who don’t appreciate you for who you really are; and beliefs and theories that don’t serve you any more. (There may be others!) Here’s an inspirational maxim, courtesy of poet Mary Oliver: “Said the river: imagine everything you can imagine, then keep on going.”

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CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

5 Tips for Leading a Healthier Life this New Year by Nate Schumann

January 8 - 21, 2020 • jfp.ms

hen the New Year rolls around, many of us resolve to become healthier, whether that means we watch our nutritional intake, begin an exercise regimen or pursue other paths to better health. Sometimes, in our efforts to live more healthily, we as people go too big too soon and find ourselves breaking our resolutions. As such, I grew curious as to how I could become a healthier Nate during 2020 by pursuing relatively small goals that could lead to a sizeable difference. To that end, I asked friends of mine who are professional fitness trainers, sports coaches and nutritionists to give me some tips, and now I am sharing an assortment of their recommendations to you. None of them are extreme “do this exercise program” or “follow this specific diet.” I’m not a medical professional, nor will I pretend to be one. No, no, these are just five simple suggestions to keep in mind if you are wanting to be a healthier you. Not all may be applicable to your personal goals, and that’s fine. Trust your gut, consult your doctor, and take or leave these tips as you see fit.

Sleep. We all get busy with life at times and find ourselves getting less sleep than we ought to have. I know I do. You know you do, too. While it may seem easy to simply drink some coffee in the morning and push through, not getting enough sleep can affect your physical and mental health in various ways. Sleep helps with somatic recovery and hormone regulation, and you just may find yourself a bit more chipper in the morning if you find ways to have a more consistently adequate sleep schedule.

2 3

Hydrate. Adult humans’ bodies are 60% water and their blood 90%. As such, hydration is incredibly important. Drinking water lubricates the joints, delivers oxygen throughout the body, regulates body temperature, flushes bodily waste, maintains blood pressure, helps prevent kidney damage and more. Therefore, replacing some of our daily beverages with water or simply adding more water to our regular intake can help our bodies function better. Practice portion control. Most of us are aware of what foods are healthier than others. Some of us may eat healthy foods on a regular basis but still find ourselves at undesirable body weights and the like. For me, one of my issues is that I love healthy food ... too much. I find myself overeating a bunch, and that is something that should be more easily managed. I know when my body has had enough sustenance to last until my next meal. Thus, for 2020, I am resolving to cut back on how much I eat per meal so that I am actually content with being only “content,” rather than “full.”

4 5

When exercising, start small. My friend Kristin Wikstrom, the track coach for Lakewood Ranch High School in Bradenton, Fla., says starting small is vital to her budding athletes’ health. She recommends any increase in workout regimens being no more than 10% at one time, as doing so helps prevent injury and allows the body to gradually adjust to the increased changes—a tip she learned from her own coaches during her days running track at the collegiate level. Don’t go at it alone. Finding a partner or a group of like-minded individuals can help you stay with whatever health habits you are pursuing. Consistency is key and having others who are willing to hold you accountable can help you maintain it. And with any luck, you will be able to return the favor by keeping your partner or group accountable as well. This creates a cycle of building each other up, and that encouragement could help tip the scales in your efforts.

PHOTO BY ALEXANDRA GORN ON UNSPLASH

WELLNESS

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