AltWeeklies Wire
Mississippi: Clawing to the Topnew
When Mississippians start doing this together thing, we quickly find that the culture around us starts changing. We suddenly believe we've got this, we can solve problems, we're as good as anyone else and, by damn, we can even win stuff—hearts and minds, respect, awards and maybe even a national championship or a Heisman.
Jackson Free Press |
Donna Ladd |
11-10-2014 |
Commentary
Mrs. Truth, Mr. Humanitynew
I first visited Battle Creek's monument to Sojourner Truth, an illiterate woman who shed her slave name and chose "Truth," saying "... and truth shall be my abiding name."
Jackson Free Press |
Donna Ladd |
05-22-2014 |
Commentary
Build an Army for Kids, Not Against Themnew
Many Mississippians are familiar with people who were raised on the slavery-spawned myth that people of color are more violent, which served as a primary justification to keep segregation and even lynching in place; nearly always, an alleged crime was the rationale.
Jackson Free Press |
Donna Ladd |
12-19-2013 |
Commentary
Take It to the Streetsnew
"Urban warriors" is what I've dubbed the growing group of people of all ages in Jackson who are determined to reverse the narrative here. These are people who know that crime is a symptom of much larger problems, and who don't try to use the problem as a way to get cheap votes or attention.
Jackson Free Press |
Donna Ladd |
03-15-2013 |
Commentary
A More Intolerant Nationnew
This week, a local dentist showed up on Facebook agitated that we had dared publish a story about guns in a public-health context.
Jackson Free Press |
Donna Ladd |
08-16-2012 |
Commentary
Two Steps Forwardnew
Unwittingly, I became part of one of Mississippi's core challenges: our brain drain. You know the drill: Either you go along with the program here (or lack of one), or you get the hell out.
Jackson Free Press |
Donna Ladd |
03-31-2012 |
Commentary
Best of Jackson 2012new
Every fall for a decade now, the Jackson Free Press has asked readers to vote for your favorite local businesses, people, institutions and organizations. Thank you to all who took time to fill out the long ballot to help point this positive spotlight where it needs to shine.
Jackson Free Press |
Donna Ladd |
01-27-2012 |
Commentary
Pecos Bill and the Haunted Statenew
As the nation struggles to determine an intelligent immigration policy -- which we desperately need -- it is time for a moratorium on "illegal" tall tales.
Jackson Free Press |
Donna Ladd |
02-22-2008 |
Commentary
The Fierce Urgency of Nownew
We all share history, for better or worse. What matters is whether we keep it locked away inside because it's too painful to admit, or whether we allow it to infuse everything we do to overcome Mississippi's racial legacy.
Jackson Free Press |
Donna Ladd |
01-17-2008 |
Commentary
Protecting God's Green Acrenew
Warning to all politicians: While you're bickering and lying about each other, and fighting over who owns God, the Green Revolution has arrived. And guess what: It's not for free-love hippies anymore.
Jackson Free Press |
Donna Ladd |
12-13-2007 |
Commentary
The Truth Can Hurtnew
Even before testimony began in the federal kidnapping and conspiracy trial of James Ford Seale, a reckoning of sorts began when prospective jurors had to face race history most Mississippians never discuss in public.
Jackson Free Press |
Donna Ladd |
06-07-2007 |
Commentary
With a Good Intentionnew
People come up and thank me all the time for being "daring," or "courageous," or "fearless." But daring? That's the price we pay as journalists.
Jackson Free Press |
Donna Ladd |
05-25-2007 |
Commentary
Fight or Flightnew
In the wake of the acquital for Jackson's "crime-fighting" Mayor, Donna Ladd writes about what happened during the trial and next steps for the city's concerned citizens.
Jackson Free Press |
Donna Ladd |
05-07-2007 |
Commentary
The Folks Are Comingnew
The JFP bloggers who caused defense lawyers for Mayor Frank Melton so much concern in jury selection are a tribute to an informed citizenry.
Jackson Free Press |
Donna Ladd |
05-02-2007 |
Commentary
Of Paranoia and Xenophobianew
The Mississippi Believe It! campaign does everything wrong when it comes to building a new Mississippi.
Jackson Free Press |
Donna Ladd |
04-05-2007 |
Commentary
