Mississippi
Confederate symbols removal pushed by Mississippi Democrats in State Capitol, Washington DC
Republican committee chairs give little response on moving bills forward
Ever since Lexington’s District 47 Rep. Bryant Clark had been coming to the Mississippi State Capitol as a child and later as a lawmaker, symbols of the old Confederacy had loomed on flag poles, hallway corners and the very ceiling of the building.
Clark, whose father Robert was the first Black state legislator elected in the 20th century, told the Clarion Ledger some of those symbols went unnoticed to him and several others until this year.
Other vestiges were also placed by the state nearly 100 years ago in Washington, D.C.’s Statuary Hall, displaying Confederate figures Jefferson Davis and James Z. George. The Kentucky-born Davis, a former U.S. Senator representing Mississippi, was most famous as the President of the Confederate States of America. George was a Confederate politician and military officer and the namesake of Mississippi’s George County.
Now, Clark and several other legislators have filed bills to either replace a painting of two generals raising a Confederate battle flag with the state’s current flag of a magnolia flower or remove it entirely. Other bills filed by State Senators Derrick Simmons and David Blount, both Democrats serving Greenville and Jackson respectively, would aim to replace the two statues in Washington, D.C.
“I’ve been here 21 years and quite honestly, I had never seen that until Sen. Bradford Blackmon had brought it to my attention,” Clark said. “All citizens have embraced the (new) flag, and I think it would be the ideal symbol to replace the Confederate picture with the Mississippi flag.”
Another legacy lawmaker, Blackmon, D-Lexington, who replaced his father Edward Blackmon this year in the Senate, said he filed a bill to replace the painting in the Capitol’s rotunda ceiling, which also displays other religious and historical images. He too had never noticed the painting.That bill, SB 2217, would direct the Mississippi Department of Archives and History to remove the painting and create a commission consisting of governor appointments, the director of the MDAH, a member of the Mississippi Arts Commission and several lawmakers, to decide what should replace it.“Coming off a few years removed from taking down the state flag with the battle emblem inside of it, there’s a lot more representations of Mississippi that can go up there, and that’s what led me to draft a bill,” said Blackmon.
Blount and Simmons both said they would vote for Blackmon’s bill, but they are heavily focused on lobbying to create a commission of their own to replace Davis and George with more modern representations of Mississippi.
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“There are a number of changes that need to be made in Mississippi,” Blount said. “It’s a problem.”
Senate President Pro Tem. Dean Kirby, R- Pearl, who chairs the Rules Committee where both Senate bills were sent, told the Clarion Ledger he has spoken with Blackmon, and he will consider bringing his bill forward.
“It’s definitely something I will discuss with my committee,” Kirby said.
Since Kirby took over the Rules Committee in 2020, no bills regarding the removal of Confederate paintings or statues or the establishing of commissions to discuss them have made it out of his committee.
According to MDAH records, when the current State Capitol was built in the early 1900s, the original ceiling did not include depictions of the confederate battle flag. The building was later renovated and restored in the 1980s, a project that cost the state $19 million, according to MDAH records.
In 2021, Republican Gov. Tate Reeves, signed legislation to replace the state’s former flag, which also depicted the stars and bars of the Army of Northern Virginia battle flag flown during the Civil War, with one showing a magnolia flower.
The traditional Confederate battle flag never flew over Mississippi as a state flag during the Civil War. Mississippi’s flag in that era featured a magnolia tree as its dominant symbol.
Over in the in the Mississippi House of Representatives, Rep. Robert Johnson, D-Natchez, told the Clarion Ledger he is sponsoring a bill to replace the two statues as well, but instead of creating a commission to oversee the replacement, he is asking the legislature to approve placing famous civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer and Hiram Revels, the first Black man in the United States Senate.
“Those two Confederate leaders, I don’t think are appropriate representations of the state of Mississippi, and I think we ought to have some statues of people who represent how we move forward,” Johnson said.
However, these pieces of legislation may be falling on deaf ears.
Johnson said he had spoken with first year House Speaker Jason White, R-West, about his bill and that White responded positively toward the idea.
Friday morning, White’s Communications Officer Taylor Spillman said he had no such meeting. White declined to comment on whether he would support removing the painting in the rotunda or replacing Davis and George in Washington D.C.
“We are focusing on education and Medicaid right now,” Spillman said.
Johnson’ bill, House Concurrent Resolution 12, was sent to the Rules Committee, which is chaired by Rep. Fred Shanks, R-Brandon.
When asked to speak on the bills introduced by Johnson and Clark, who also serves as his vice chair, Shanks declined to comment.
Sen. Walter Michel, R-Ridgeland, who vice chairs the Senate Rules Committee, said he would not vote to replace the paintings in the Capitol building.
“I’m not interested in moving that,” Michel said. “I like it, it looks good. It’s a beautiful painting up on top of the ceiling of the rotunda so I’m not interested in moving that bill.”
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Grant McLaughlin covers state government for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached at gmclaughlin@gannett.com or 972-571-2335.
As Mississippi grapples with the opioid epidemic, individuals and local organizations are leading efforts to fight addiction using personal experiences and acts of compassion to guide others toward recovery.
Opioid-related overdose deaths in Mississippi in 2022 accounted for 78.4% of all overdose fatalities in the state, claiming 281 lives, according to the Mississippi State Department of Health.
Mississippi pharmacies dispensed over 410,000 opioid doses daily on average, totaling 149 million doses in a year — equivalent to about 50 doses per resident, according to the Mississippi State Department of Health.
While state officials work to bolster prevention and treatment programs, local organizations and those in recovery play a critical role in addressing the epidemic.
For Jody Couch, founder of Inside Out Outreach, the battle against addiction begins with compassion and community support. Her Gulf Coast-based organization focuses on providing food, clothing, toiletries, spiritual support and other essential resources to individuals experiencing homelessness and battling addiction, addressing immediate needs while fostering a sense of community.
Couch’s Christian faith fuels her work, she said.
“Many people I meet feel invisible,” Couch said. “We remind them they’re not. This is more than just providing food or clothes — it’s about showing them a way forward. I believe that with faith and encouragement, people can find the strength to overcome their struggles.”
That’s what she tried to show 47-year-old Jennifer Callais of Louisiana on a Wednesday morning in August in Gulfport. Callais stood before her, tears streaming down her face.
“I just want to get better and change my life,” Callais said as Couch handed her a bag of donated clothes and food for her and her boyfriend. For years, Callais had struggled with opioid addiction and is one of many individuals Couch regularly supports.
Through Inside Out Outreach, Couch spends her days delivering goods to homeless encampments, offering prayer, and helping people envision a path to recovery. Though she has no personal history of addiction, Couch’s work is rooted in empathy and faith. Encounters like Callais’ reaffirm her belief that small acts of compassion can spark hope and transform lives.
Finding recovery through faith
For 43-year-old Casey Wortman of Saltillo, addiction is personal, and she aims to use her lived experiences to help others.
As a teenager, Wortman turned to opioids to escape feelings of loneliness and despair.
“Drugs became my escape from loneliness and those terrible voices in my head,” Wortman said.
Wortman’s challenges began early. Her parents divorced when she was three, creating an unstable home environment. After her father died when she was 11, she entered into a downward spiral of drug and alcohol use, compounded by trauma and family instability.
Wortman’s road to recovery began with a transformative spiritual experience. In 2017, she turned to faith-based treatment, enrolling in Transformation Home for Women in Mississippi. This decision marked a pivotal moment in her life, as she found strength and purpose through her faith, she said.
“I just scream and shout and worship because Jesus set me free,” she said. Through her recovery, she reconnected with her children, rebuilt her family and embraced her role in helping others.
“There were so many times I thought I’d never make it,” Wortman said. “But I did. And if I can, so can others.”
Today, Wortman is married, a mother, and works at Anchor Church in Tupelo, helping others discover the strength that faith and community can provide. Her life now stands in stark contrast to the struggles she faced during her addiction.
“I have both of my children back, and I’ve been married for five years to the most hardworking, loving, selfless, caring man I know,” Wortman said. “Recovery gave me more than sobriety — it gave me a life I never dreamed was possible.”
‘A turning point’
Patrick Davis of Tupelo said he found recovery through resilience, purpose and the support of his community. The 22-year-old’s addiction began as a way to escape fear and anxiety, but the toll it took on his relationships and self-worth eventually pushed him to make a change.
“I got tired of being embarrassed, detoxing constantly, just trying to survive,” Davis said. “I wanted to look myself in the mirror again and be OK.”
Davis struggled with how his addiction affected his family. While they wanted him around, he often kept his distance, ashamed of the burden he placed on them.
“My family loved having me around, but when I was there, I wasn’t really there,” Davis said. “It was hard for me to show up for anything. I was always late, or I just wouldn’t come. I was stressful to be around, and I gave it all away. Today, it’s different. They can trust me now, and it feels good to be wanted again.”
At 19, Davis entered recovery, tired of the cycle of addiction and seeking something more meaningful. The decision to pursue sobriety was rooted in wanting to reclaim his life.
“It wasn’t easy, but I had to relearn how to live,” Davis said.
Richard Morris, who has been Davis’ best friend since fifth grade, saw the toll addiction took on him.
“The Patrick that was around back then was barely a person,” Morris said. “He couldn’t exist without the stuff. To imagine back then that he would have even been in my wedding — it’s impossible to imagine. When I first saw him after rehab, it was like the first time I’d seen him alive in five years.”
Now, Davis is studying social work and channels his experiences into his job as a community outreach representative at Heale Counseling in Tupelo, finding fulfillment in helping others.
“I love my job. I love its culture,” Davis said. “We lead with honesty and integrity, and you don’t find many companies like that. I’m proud of all the work we’ve done and the staff’s reputation.”
Morris, who has been sober for nearly three years, said he’s proud of his friend’s transformation.
“Patrick was rough, and it started really young,” Morris said. “But to see him get better, it’s incredible. He’s like a brother to me, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
-PHOTO GALLERY-
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Jody Couch, an Inside Out Outreach board member, prays with Robert Expose, left and Diane Banks after giving them food and clothes in Gulfport, Miss., on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Jody Couch takes a call from a social worker on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2024, regarding a homeless person she frequently visits in Gulfport, Miss. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Jody Couch looks for a homeless encampment to deliver supplies in Gulfport, Miss., on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Jody Couch prays with a homeless man after giving him food in Gulfport, Miss., on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Jody Couch, far right, gives food and clothes to Roth Rouse, from left, Asia Stell, Brittany Necaise, and Dorothea Necaise in Gulfport, Miss., on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Diane Banks reaches for fruit inside Jody Couch’s SUV in Gulfport, Miss., on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Jody Couch drops off food to Ron Wetmore in Gulfport, Miss., on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Jody Couch prays with a homeless man after giving him food in Gulfport, Miss., on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Jennifer Callais, left, and her boyfriend, Grand Armstrong, receive food, bandages, and other supplies from Inside Out Outreach board member Jody Couch in Gulfport, Miss., on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Jody Couch treats Grand Armstrong’s wound in Gulfport, Miss., on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Jennifer Callais, right, tells Jody Couch that she is ready to kick her drug habit, as her boyfriend, Grand Armstrong, listens in Gulfport, Miss., on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Jody Couch embraces Jennifer Callais as she talks about her drug addiction in Gulfport, Miss., on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Jody Couch, an Inside Out Outreach board member, prepares a bag of food and other items for homeless people in Gulfport, Miss., Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Jody Couch gives food and water to a homeless man in Gulfport, Miss., Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Jody Couch, an Inside Out Outreach board member, prepares a bag of food and other items for homeless people in Gulfport, Miss., Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Jody Couch looks for a homeless encampment to deliver supplies in Gulfport, Miss., on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today -
Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
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Mississippi
Claudell Harris Jr., Michael Nwoko help Mississippi State post 83-59 victory over Central Michigan
JACKSON, Miss. — Claudell Harris Jr. made five 3-pointers and scored 19, Michael Nwoko had 18 points and Mississippi State breezed to an 83-59 victory over Central Michigan at Magnolia Madness on Tuesday night.
Harris made 7 of 13 shots — 5 of 8 from beyond the arc — for the Bulldogs (10-1), who upped their win streak to four. Nwoko sank 8 of 12 shots and added seven rebounds.
Josh Hubbard had 11 points for Mississippi State. Cameron Matthews went scoreless but led all rebounders with 10 and added a game-high seven assists.
Jakobi Heady totaled 18 points and six rebounds to pace the Chippewas (5-5). Anthony Pritchard made three 3-pointers and scored 15.
Harris made four of his 3-pointers and scored 14 to help Mississippi State take a 32-25 lead into halftime. Heady had eight points at the break to keep Central Michigan within striking distance.
Heady’s 3=pointer started a 7-0 run for Central Michigan after Nwoko opened the scoring by making 1 of 2 free throws. Hubbard answered with a 3-pointer for Mississippi State and Harris followed with two more in an 11-0 run and the Bulldogs led the rest of the way.
Nwoko had seven points in a 20-6 spurt to begin the second half and Mississippi State cruised from there.
Central Michigan guard Cayden Vasko (2) protects a rebound from Mississippi State forward KeShawn Murphy (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, in Jackson, Miss. Credit: AP/Rogelio V. Solis
Mississippi State outscored the Chippewas 44-16 in the paint and the Bulldogs’ bench outscored their counterparts 29-9.
Mississippi State travels to play No. 21 Memphis on Saturday. Central Michigan travels to play Arizona on Saturday.
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Mississippi
Officials: Operation Safe Neighborhoods going successfully – Mississippi's Best Community Newspaper
Officials: Operation Safe Neighborhoods going successfully
Published 3:32 pm Tuesday, December 17, 2024
- Over 20 individuals arrested over the last two weeks as part of Operation Safe Neighborhoods.
NATCHEZ — In recent weeks, Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the Natchez Police Department have been saturating arrest logs with at least 22 new arrests and counting as part of Operation Safe Neighborhoods, a joint collaboration of the police and sheriff’s office to get wanted individuals off of the streets.
Over the last two weeks, they have arrested 13 people with outstanding warrants including one person for attempted murder, one person for shooting into a dwelling, and one on Adams County’s “Most Wanted” list.
They have encountered an additional eight people carrying weapons, one of which was arrested for felon in possession of a firearm. There have been six drug arrests and three other people arrested for other charges.
“Most of the arrests have been people with warrants or indictments,” said Natchez Police Chief Cal Green, adding without knowing the suspects’ locations, having additional manpower patrolling the streets has helped serve the warrants. “Once officers were in the area and saw them, they were able to make arrests. I believe it’s been going well. People who we have seen in the neighborhoods have for the most part been happy to see us out there.”
Sheriff Travis Patten said he is very proud of the cooperation and communication between the two agencies. As the holidays approach, Adams County citizens can expect more operations to help ensure the safety of families and citizens in the public areas attending the many upcoming events, he added.
Since the launch of Operation Safe Neighborhoods, authorities have made the following arrests:
Barney Hawkins: Possession of a controlled substance
Samitilius Mason: Indictment for accessory to drive-by shooting
Brandon Colenberg: NPD warrant for failure to appear
Terrance Thomas: Disorderly conduct
Nikki Jackson: Justice Court bench warrant
Derrick Coleman: Possession of a controlled substance
Tina McDonald: Possession of a controlled substance
Trevionta Carter: Possession of a controlled substance
Tyrell White: NPD warrant for attempted murder and shooting into an occupied vehicle.
Shonkeith Calvin: Indictment for fleeing law enforcement and possession of a controlled substance
Adrian Brown: Two Justice Court bench warrants
Bennie Jones Williams: NPD warrants for felony possession of Marijuana, fleeing or eluding law enforcement and possession of a controlled substance
Micheal Johnson: Felon in possession of a firearm
Johnnie Lynn Anders: Possession of schedule II methamphetamine with intent to distribute
Savannah Hammers: Two bench warrants and grand larceny
Alexander Johnson: Indictment for armed robbery
Jdarrius Holt: Indictment for rape
Michelle Williams: NPD warrant for simple assault
Zachariah Combs: Resisting arrest
Sam Mason: Burglary warrant
Kim Watkins: NPD warrant for two counts of felony shoplifting and trespassing
Carell Jones: Contempt of Court
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