I've seen Wil and Kev perform several times. These two guys are simply awesome! You don't find this kind of unique talent on the violin and especially among young blacks. I can give witness because my middle son played violin until he became a teenager. That's when the teasing started and the violin for him became a "sissy" instrument.

Best of luck to these two musical talents!

@Scott1962

5. When businesses leave - so do tax dollars. 6. The dwendling Black middle class can not afford to carry this City's bills. We had a Moyor who understood this and Jackson was slowly but surely coming back. You see, it's about relationships. It is also about loving and caring for your city. When I read Mott, Ladd and others from the JFP, I feel the sincerity of their hopes and wishes for Jackson. 7. The re-opening of public swimming pools carried a hugh price tag because roots had destroyed the structures after being closed for 20+years. 8. Many of Jackson's restaurants either closed or moved to areas attracting white patrons. Again, these actions caused a severe decrease in the City's tax base.

So, when there are comments about how good your schools are; how safe your communities are; how beautiful your streets are, ect., It comes as a slap in the face when those of us who have stayed know exactly how, when and WHY you have become what you are ex.(Madison).

I do not say these things to begrudge your community: I only ask that you allow for our message. There are many good things that are happening in Jackson and for sure, there are many good people who are aware of our racist past and the events that have caused many of our present problems.

Jackson is healing. STOP scratching in our healing sore!

PLEASE?

@Scott1962

I know that your blog is directed to Donna Ladd; however, after reading it, I felt a need to respond.

The GERM (beginning) of Jackson's problem started with White-Flight. Whites did not want to live next door or down the street, for that matter, from Blacks. Whites did not want their children to go to school with Black children. From these thoughts and feelings came actions: 1. Whites moved to suburbs 2. Whites set up council schools. 3. Whites took money, text book and other school supplies to help with operational expenses. 4. Whites who moved to the suburbs continued to work in Jackson, but, spent their money in the suburbs. 5. Whites moved many business to the suburbs; just close enough for blacks to shop, i.e., North Park Mall. 6. Whites took an appreciable amount of the City's tax base -leaving a dwendling middle class of Blacks - to carry the load for infrastructure repairs/renewal, pay for our teachers, fire-fighters, policemen and women, streets, museums and yes, the Jackson ZOO. 7. Whites did not want their children to swin in public swimming pools with blacks. 8. Whites did not want to even sit in a restaurant where blacks were being served.

Now, you can call these thoughts and behaviors what ever makes you comfortable; however, for me, these were acts of racism and caused the following: 1. When Whites move to the suburbs, many of the properties did not sell. Many continue to remain boarded up or grass and weeds have taken them over. 2. When Whites left Jackson Public Schools, their money left for each child that was taken out. 3. When text books and supplies were taken from JPS, it took years to recover and even today, there is a shortage - some kids do not have books. 4. Whites and some Blacks and Others continue to work in Jackson but spend their money in the suburbs.
Continued

....and Jackson State University is only a hop-skip and a jump from the Zoo. Please, stop making excuses for the location of the zoo. The only problem that is not being voiced is that the zoo is located in Jackson, MS and with a ratio of 80% black and 20% white and other.

This was the reason for White flight in the 70s: (The british - i mean, the blacks are coming). Until we deal honestly and openly with the race problem here, the excuses will continue and zoo doo will clog the minds of people who should know better.

Great article, ladd. Sorry to hear about your fall resulting in broken bones and surgery. I can truly relate. I had a fall and broke two bones in my right foot. I continue to be reminded of the fall - especially when it rains. LOL!

Your positive ministry to the citizens of Jackson about what has been done and all of the possibilities has begun to take root. We simply must keep hope alive for our City!

@Knowledge06

"By the way, the City of Pearl just passed a water rate increase of 30%. Isn't it interesting that there is no talk about it."

Maybe nothing is being said because it is a heck of a lot difference in a City going up 30% than a City (Jackson) going up 108%.

Just thinking.

These Republicans, to include Wicker, have done nothing these past 6 years but waste time and money. Are they willing to give up their checks during the threatened gov. shut-down?

I think that this is the first female State Superintendent of Education for the State of MS. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Congratulations to Dr. Wright and it is with high hopes that she will bring the type of skills needed to bring the educational programs of MS up to standards. We have had far too many schools fall behind and some have been taken over by the State.

Good Luck and Best Wishes, Dr. Wright.

I think that this is the first female State Superintendent of Education for the state of MS. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Congratulations to Ms. Wright and it is with high hopes that she will bring the type of skills needed to bring the educational program of MS up to standards. We have had far too many schools fall behind and some have been taken over by the State.

Good Luck and Best Wishes, Ms. Wright

@donnaladd

"A dollar per page is unconscionable for public records."

I agree. This is a total rip-off. Has anyone ever suggested a "bring your own paper" deal. You can buy a whole realm of quality white paper for less than $3.00 at WalMart. The pack contains 500 sheets. Mrs. Dunn would not have to use her staff to make the copies; only to pull the requested information. A public copier could be placed in a secure spot to ensure the integrity of the information as it is being copied.

Just thinking