[Collier] When the Clock TicksThe incessant tick-tock of the biological clock has been the cause of anxiety for women who haven't yet had children but want them, and those who are still waiting for "the one." I've never bought into the internal clock phenomenon …
[Stiggers] You Are Making Us So HotMr. Announcement: "Kunta 'Rahsheed X' Toby and the George Washington Carver Holistic Health Commission of Tuskeegee, Alabama, present 'Global Warming in the Ghetto,' a documentary film about climate changes in poor neighborhoods."
[Kamikaze] Punked ... AgainPolitics sucks! More so, politicians suck! Around these parts, the whole damn lot of you should be ashamed. This is a wake-up call to everyone serving in public office in this city: the ones I support and the ones I …
Just the (Correct) Facts, Ma'am, on James Ford Seale CaseIt's been interesting to watch the national media coverage of the arrest of James Ford Seale for the kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping of Henry Dee and Charles Moore in 1964. In some ways, the story has been a …
[Hutchinson] Justice Demands MoreThe headline in many news accounts screamed "1964 killings finally solved." The headline referred to the indictment of suspected Klansman James Ford Seale on federal kidnapping charges in the murder of Charles Moore and Henry Dee in Mississippi. The two …
[Stiggers] Shafted by the Shift?Grandpa Pookie: "Greetings, members of the Illumi-Nappy-Headed, Sausage Sandwich Sisters Electric Slide for World Peace and Rent Money, Stop the Ham Hocks and Decrease the Pork Grease Coalition, Women in Church Hats (Union # 297 1/3), and Ghetto Science Homeland …
We're Sorry for the Murders of Dee and MooreWhen Thomas Moore came back to Mississippi in July 2005 looking for justice for the 1964 murders of his brother, Charles, and his friend, Henry Dee, he didn't know if he'd find it.
[Collier] When the Flavor Just Ain't Right"You know, it's not the world that was my oppressor, because what the world does to you, if the world does it to you long enough and effectively enough, you begin to do to yourself," James Baldwin once said. He …
[Stiggers] Aunt Tee Tee's SuperhighwayMomma Church Hat: "You're watching 'Dateline TV: Ghetto Science Team Neighborhood Watch Edition.' I'm reporting live from the front porch of Aunt Tee Tee Hustle. For two weeks, neighbors and close friends have witnessed some very unusual activity at her …
[Kamikaze] Don't Be A HaterI've had a pretty prosperous 2007 so far—getting called an "idiot" by a right-wing fanatic while co-hosting the Kim Wade Show; blogging back and forth with a few independent thinkers on the JFP Web site; winning a Lifetime Achievement Award …
Only the Best Will DoI grew up thinking I lived in the worst state in the country. I wasn't alone: I was surrounded by people with a collective inferiority complex—especially the ones who protested the most about what other people think of us, and …
[Gregory] I Want EverythingNew Year's Day, the SciFi channel ran a "Twilight Zone" marathon—the old black-and-white ones. I watched for a few hours because I love that they allow the weirdo host to smoke during his introductions and that they created most of …
[Stiggers] An Already Angry SistaTaaQweema: "I'm Boneqweesha's star student and Suma Cum Lawd Have Mercy graduate of the Hair Did University school of Cosmetology. You're watching 'Ask 'TaaQweema,' the new call-in and advice television show. Before I close, I must address a question via …
Back To BasicsThis week, the Democratic Congress is likely to pass expanded federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research, although President George W. Bush will almost certainly veto the bill. The Republican Congress passed similar legislation this summer, but President Bush used the …
‘Black Power', According To Dr. KingIn January, many of us make efforts to remember a visionary and his dream. If only briefly, we try to imagine the utopian society Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. described instead of facing the lives we actually lead. King spent …
[Stiggers] Work It, Miss WandaBonqweesha Jones: "Welcome to 'Lookin' Good in the 'Hood Ghetto Make Over' television show, brought to you by the Hair Did University School of Cosmetology. Tonight my H.D.U. students will transform a plain Crunchie Burga World employee into a well-dressed …
Where the 'Southern Strategy' BelongsYou have to watch closely, or you might not pay any mind to earth-shattering statements heard these days in Mississippi. For instance: "Mississippi will not take a back seat to anyone. We've made progress, and we're going to show it …
[Gregory] Killing Me SoftlyI have a Polaroid of myself taken sometime in this past year stuck in the edge of a mirror in the living room. One would think I was horribly conceited. This is probably true in some respects, but it isn't …
[Stiggers] 'I'm Black, and I'm Proud!'Brotha Hustle: "Welcome to my street-corner tribute to the late, great musician, singer, songwriter and performer Mr. James Brown. Many of you know about his musical achievements and influence.
[Kamikaze] When Politicians AttackI'm sure by now you've read enough reviews of 2006. You've probably read as many predictions for 2007.
A Voice From The Capitol2007 should be an interesting year for the Mississippi Legislature. First, for obvious reasons, it is an election year. All of us will be trying to put our best foot forward to push for legislation to show our constituents why …
In Hindsight, We Need OversightAs 2006 comes to a close, it's become achingly clear that Jacksonians are going to need to do something about the way we're governed. The indicators are clear and, oddly enough, they closely mirror what's going on in this country …
[Braden] Absolutely Perfect 2006I've decided to send this yankeefied newsletter as proof that we are not an agoraphobic family—we just don't like spending time with folks who don't really want to spend time with us, either. My new husband has informed me that …
[Stiggers] Broke, Busted, Can't Be TrustedRev. Cletus: "This is your Reverend Cletus Car Sales radio broadcast! Remember: If you need to get from point A to B, see one of my deacons at the car lot to receive your blessing—a nice, used car. And for …
[Greggs] No, Are You OK?As some of you know, I've been a social worker in this great state for about eight years now. Just don't tell that to the men I date. They'd have a hard time figuring out how I've been working a …
[Stiggers] Good Ole Boy ObamaMr. Announcement: "This episode of 'All God's Churn Got Shoes,' features the directorial debut of 'Little Baby Sista X' and Kunta 'Rahsheed X,' Toby's sister.
Jackson, We Still Have A ProblemIt's been a tough week or so over at Frank Melton's house. First, we broke the news online on Dec. 4 that the young man he is accused of mentoring into helping destroy a Ridgeway Street duplex was arrested for …
[Lott] Turning Dirt Into EnergyAs the holidays quickly approach, the price of gasoline is rising. Americans have come to expect an explanation for energy prices that yo-yo up and down in a volatile, seemingly never-ending cycle. But there's hope. In fact, Mississippians are largely …