Mississippi
We’re Here Recap: ‘And I Am Telling You I Am Not Going’
![We’re Here Recap: ‘And I Am Telling You I Am Not Going’ We’re Here Recap: ‘And I Am Telling You I Am Not Going’](https://pyxis.nymag.com/v1/imgs/308/8ca/6980cbbb077570c284345677f477869c64-Were-Here.1x.rsocial.w1200.jpg)
We’re Right here
Jackson, Mississippi
Season 3
Episode 2
Editor’s Ranking
Picture: Greg Endries/HBO
We’re Right here doesn’t get sufficient credit score for its casting. I’m not speaking about Bob, Shangela, and Eureka, although they’re the right hosts. As an alternative, I’m referring to the participant casting, which makes or breaks the present.
Take this week’s episode, “Jackson, MS,” for instance. All three of this week’s contributors method their drag experiences from completely different angles and levels of success. Chris is your typical “straight however not slim” bro who’s on the present as a result of he’s open to all experiences and needs to point out different piranha-possessing, CBD-loving bros like himself you can put on a wig and nonetheless be, like, completely into ladies. Mark, a Ph.D.-seeking opera singer making an attempt to combine Jackson’s homosexual scene, is clearly onboard from the get, even squealing when Shangela exhibits up at his entrance door.
After which you could have De’Bronski, the standout of the episode. Raised tough in a Pentecostal and Apostolic family, De’Bronski tells Bob nearly out of the gate that he doesn’t know the way he identifies, saying it’s no one’s “enterprise how I really feel or I don’t.” When Bob presses him a little bit, he admits to being “MSM,” or “males who sleep with males,” telling Bob, “We don’t use homosexual or lesbian.” De’Bronski additionally tells Bob about how his household tried to exorcise him after they discovered he was homosexual, that he left residence when he was 17, and that he’s solely seen his household as soon as since, and it went fairly poorly, along with his grandpa threatening to shoot him if he didn’t depart his home. As a Black little one, Bob says, you’re raised to imagine that it ought to be “household above all the things, blood it doesn’t matter what,” and that’s not a message that serves many individuals effectively as they develop into maturity.
That delicate interplay units the tone for De’Bronski’s arc within the present, which is akin to a straight-up private and emotional transformation captured on movie. Whoever solid De’Bronski on the present needed to actually imagine that they might crack his shell and open him up with the correct look, care, quantity, and conversations along with his household and fiancé. And truthfully, they have been proper. What occurs with De’Bronski is without doubt one of the most transcendent moments the sequence has had.
Let’s contact on Mark’s arc rapidly as a result of it’s effectively price masking. Marc grew up in Louisiana and went to school there at some liberal-arts college however moved to Jackson for graduate college, the place he studied vocal efficiency. He’s develop into concerned with Capital Metropolis Satisfaction, and he’s made it his pet challenge to take a severe have a look at why there’s such a separation between Jackson’s white homosexual scene and the scene for folks of shade. One of many locations he takes Shangela is Metropolis Lights, a Black-owned-and-run homosexual bar that’s been working for over 30 years. It was as soon as the one sport on the town, the proprietor tells Shangie, however as soon as a couple of different homosexual bars opened on the town, someway Metropolis Lights grew to become solely the Black homosexual bar, which she finds a little bit befuddling. Whereas We’re Right here actually can’t hope to resolve Jackson’s race points in a single episode — Mississippi has a historical past of racism and oppression — right here’s hoping that the present shines a lightweight on the segregation throughout the LGBTQ+ scene and conjures up locals to alter it nevertheless they will.
Chris and Eureka stumble into an illuminating dialogue about allyship after casually referring to his drag mother as “bro.” Eureka chastises him kindly however says that pronouns are necessary to them, and Chris takes the observe, saying, “Thanks for pointing that out as a result of I need to be extra empathetic to everybody.” It is a true ally assertion, based on Eureka, and the entire thing is like one thing you’d see in an HR coaching video however actual and plausible.
De’Bronski typically appears to be like like he got here straight from a shift at Chase Financial institution, however we see him come out of his shell a little bit mid-episode when he lastly introduces his fiancé James (who does drag!) to his household. When he tells his cousins he’s going to do drag, one says, “Racin’?” After De’Bronski explains it entails wigs and heels, that very same cousin arms his cigarette to a different cousin and races inside. We’re all left questioning what the hell is going on, however then the cousin comes tearing out with a gift-wrapped bottle of Champagne, which he arms to De’Bronski, saying, “Do what it’s important to do, as a result of it doesn’t matter what the fuck you could have happening, cuz, we’ve been your loved ones, we’re nonetheless going to be your loved ones, we’re nonetheless right here, and we’re not going nowhere.” (Cue intense viewer sobbing.)
The cousins additionally embrace James, which is heartwarming. The entire alternate appears to make De’Bronski crack open only a bit as he begins telling his household that they don’t know the issues he went by means of as a toddler earlier than starting to sob and taking off to cover in the home, saying, “I don’t need to do that. I can’t.” One more cousin tracks him down and we hear her inform De’Bronski, “That is making you sturdy. It’s a must to inform it to make you higher.” (Second spherical of viewers sobbing commences.)
On to the present, which is held in one of many larger capability rooms I’ve seen on We’re Right here. The entire thing opens with Shangela doing a type of Egyptian-themed model of “Break My Soul,” which, realizing Shangie’s love for Beyoncé, feels right. Additionally, shout-out to Shangela’s steadfast dedication to a fringed dance costume and a thigh-high boot. She will need to have tons of of each, and to loosely quote RuPaul, why reinvent the wheel? If it really works, it really works.
The story line of Chris’s efficiency is a little bit muddled, although I like how they combine Iggy Azalea’s “Work,” a low-rider bike, stripper vibes, and the best way Chris devoted the efficiency to his and Eureka’s late moms.
Mark takes on Lizzo’s “2 Be Cherished (I Am Prepared),” albeit with a little bit opera to open the quantity. Once more, the story line is a contact complicated as a result of it someway entails a Grease-fashion pajama occasion and a gown going on and off. Nonetheless, Miss Athena Ferrero Rocher Wadley is a gorgeous queen, an incredible performer, and is totally dedicated to her entire factor. She jumps right into a goddamn cut up, for crying out loud.
Lastly, De’Bronski. Bob isn’t even concerned in his quantity, selecting as a substitute to sit down within the viewers carrying his Nina Simone homage look from season two. De’Bronski is doing a solo park and bark model of “And I Am Telling You I Am Not Going,” which he delivers with such energy that the lip sync has been bodily ripped from his physique. His fiancé is crying. His cousins are crying. I’m crying. He sells the shit out of the monitor, and when his robe turns into a backdrop for the entire stage, your complete room loses it. His “You’re gonna love me” run is so good you possibly can truthfully imagine he was truly singing it. Truthfully, has De’Bronski considered changing into an actor? As a result of what he summons up onstage is extremely highly effective and actual. Bob quips, “That’s the way you shut down a motherfuckin’ present.” De’Bronski tells the group, “I’ve allowed others to make me invisible, and I wouldn’t be invisible anymore. I’m my very own individual, and I gained’t let society put me in a field.”
Backstage, Bob appears genuinely moved by his protege’s outpouring of emotion, telling De’Bronski. In an interview later, De’Bronski says he feels nearly like a “free hen” who’s “gotten my voice again.” That’s the sort of transformative journey you need on a reality-TV present and one which anybody with half a coronary heart would want for De’Bronski. I hope he’s doing effectively now, but when what we noticed on this episode is any indication, I do know he’s.
• This week’s opening queen look is a tribute to Elvis, and I used to be actually residing for the “Jailhouse Rock” look Eureka was delivering. She had tiny handcuff jewels caught to her face, for crying out loud!
• “Put your purse down to determine dominance.”
• I’m not going to offer air to Bob’s run-in with that Westfield Baptist–like asshole. He was there as a result of he knew the present can be there, and like Bob mentioned, “In the event that they actually needed to speak, I might speak to them, however they don’t need to speak. They only need to insult folks, and I’m going to get ice cream.”
![](https://newspub.live/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/np-logo.png)
Mississippi
Mississippi votes conservative. Are we going to see more conservative policies?
![Mississippi votes conservative. Are we going to see more conservative policies? Mississippi votes conservative. Are we going to see more conservative policies?](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2022/07/15/PJAM/89169fbe-3f64-4f81-81fd-727f995bada2-Douglas_Carswell.jpg?auto=webp&crop=554,312,x3,y96&format=pjpg&width=1200)
Waiting for my suitcase in the arrivals hall at Jackson airport the other evening, it occurred to me that the luggage carrousel was a pretty good metaphor for Mississippi politics.
Like suitcases on a carrousel, many leaders simply sit on the conveyor belt of state politics, waiting their turn to get moved along to the next role.
Too often leaders are carried along by time and process, rarely offering any vision as to what our state should do differently. That explains why Mississippi conservatives have achieved less in 12 years than Arkansas, Louisiana and Alabama have accomplished in the past 12 months. Louisiana did not even have a Republican governor this time last year, yet they’ve already passed universal school choice.
Things could be about to change if House Speaker Jason White has his way. This week, White announced that he will be hosting a Tax Policy Summit on Sept. 24 to take a deep dive into the prospects for tax reform.
My friend, Grover Norquist, will be speaking, as will Gov Reeves, as well as leading conservative figures from the state Legislature.
Having a conversation in public matters because in the past the leadership in our state Senate has done what it can to head off tax cuts. Bringing the facts of what can and cannot be done into the open makes it far harder for anyone to keep finding new excuses to oppose actual conservative policy.
Sunshine is the best disinfectant against the putrid politics of backroom deals. We have seen far too many backroom maneuvers used to kill off good conservative policy in this state. Back in 2022, Mississippi passed a law to cut the state income tax to a flat 4 percent. This $525 million tax cut, driven forward by Speaker Philip Gunn and Gov Reeves, benefited 1.2 million taxpayers and their families. But we must not forget how some in the Senate fought against it — not in the open, of course.
Weak Senate leadership has a history of opposing conservative proposals in our state. Seldom do they have the courage to come out and explicitly kill off conservative measures. Instead, they do it on the sly. The Senate leadership maneuvered to stop anti-DEI legislation in 2024. I don’t recall anyone coming out and explaining why they opposed anti-DEI law. They just killed it in committee with a nudge and wink.
For three years in a row, the Senate leadership has killed off attempts to restore the ballot initiative. Again, those against resorting the ballot lack the courage to say they are against it. They killed that, too, on the sly.
Rep Rob Roberson’s excellent school funding reform bill, perhaps the only big strategic achievement of this year’s session, passed despite attempts to scupper it by some in the Senate. (Part of the backroom deal to get the bill passed was to change its name. It really was that petty.) When the Senate leadership wants to oppose an authentically conservative policy, they follow a now familiar pattern.
A reason is cited as to why what is being proposed can’t be done. School choice, we were once told, would be unconstitutional. An anti-DEI law, it was implied, was unnecessary because there was no DEI on campus.
Once that excuse is shown to be nonsense (there is no constitutional bar to school choice, DEI is rampant on campus), another excuse is promptly conjured up. And on it goes.
Each time the Senate leadership opposes conservative policy this way, I wonder what their alternatives are. The answer is that most of the time there are none. It is pretty low grade to oppose ideas simply because they are not your own. Eventually, of course, a suitcase that sits on the carousel for too long ends up in lost luggage.
As a direct consequence of the 2022 Reeves-Gunn tax cuts, Mississippi is now starting to see a flood of inward investment into the state.
Every time you hear about a new factory opening up in our state, remember who and what helped make it happen. I am very optimistic that this tax summit could see further progress to make our state more competitive.
— Douglas Carswell is the president and CEO of the Mississippi Center for Public Policy.
Mississippi
Ex-official in Mississippi is treated for gambling addiction amid embezzlement charge, lawyer says
![2 Phoenix officers shot with 1 listed in critical condition, police say 2 Phoenix officers shot with 1 listed in critical condition, police say](https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/dcac1a4/2147483647/strip/true/crop/700x394+0+28/resize/1440x810!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F90%2F29%2F4e3c1cc7446089a9101a7bdff4c8%2Fdefaultshareimage-copy.png)
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A former tax assessor and collector in north Mississippi checked into a residential treatment center for a gambling addiction after he called the state auditor’s office and confessed to misusing more than $300,000 in public money, his attorney said Tuesday.
Shannon Wilburn, 49, resigned in April from the elected office he had held in Benton County since 2016, and he began the 12-week addiction treatment in late July, his attorney Tony Farese told The Associated Press.
“I’ve known Shannon all of his life,” Farese said. “We are shocked that he finds himself in this situation.”
Mississippi Auditor Shad White announced Tuesday that Wilburn has been charged with one count of embezzlement. The announcement came days after Wilburn was indicted. Farese said Wilburn turned himself in to the sheriff’s office Friday, then posted bond and returned to the treatment program.
Wilburn is accused of taking $327,055 paid to the Benton County Tax Collector’s office and using the money for personal expenses, Farese said. He said Wilburn confessed to the auditor’s office before hiring legal representation and has continued to cooperate with investigators.
“He apologizes for disappointing the citizens of Benton County and the state of Mississippi,” Farese said.
If convicted, Wilburn would face up to $5,000 in fines and 20 years in prison.
White said Wilburn’s employment as a Benton County elected official was covered by $200,000 in surety bonds to protect taxpayers from losses from corruption. The county also has an insurance policy that covers theft.
“The dedicated team at the State Auditor’s Office will continue to work closely with prosecutors to get record results, one case at a time,” White said in a statement.
Mississippi
Vicksburg’s Raymond Elledge set to enter Mississippi Disc Golf Hall of Fame – The Vicksburg Post
![Vicksburg’s Raymond Elledge set to enter Mississippi Disc Golf Hall of Fame – The Vicksburg Post Vicksburg’s Raymond Elledge set to enter Mississippi Disc Golf Hall of Fame – The Vicksburg Post](https://www.vicksburgpost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2024/09/090424-Disc-Golf-Elledge-14-WEB.jpg)
Vicksburg’s Raymond Elledge set to enter Mississippi Disc Golf Hall of Fame
Published 4:30 pm Tuesday, September 3, 2024
1 of 2
During two decades of playing disc golf, Raymond Elledge has only won one big tournament.
“I don’t even remember what year it was,” he said.
Nonetheless, Elledge is a legend in the sport in Mississippi. He’s worked tirelessly to maintain courses, been a member of several local and state players associations, and taught people young and old the joys of it. That level of dedication led to Elledge’s recent election to the Mississippi Disc Golf Hall of Fame. He’ll officially be inducted Oct. 12 in Starkville.
“When he first told me last year I was nominated, I told him, ‘Man, you’re making my heart hurt.’ You don’t realize the emotions you can get. Stuff can just tear you up, and it did because I was just so excited,” the 62-year-old Vicksburg resident said. “You go years and years, and you’re out here busting your butt trying to maintain the course and showing everybody what you can.”
Disc golf is played the same as traditional golf, except with plastic discs that resemble frisbees. Players take aim at a steel basket several hundred yards away, with the goal of getting it in there in as few throws as possible.
Elledge first played disc golf in 2002, on a private course built in the backyard of Vicksburg resident Herman Cochran. One of the people playing with Elledge made a hole-in-one, and the excitement over the feat hooked him instantly.
“I seen this little old fella, he was 21 or 22 but he looked like he was 12, and he made an ace. I was hooked. I’ve got to do it,” Elledge said. “I don’t go anywhere on vacation without taking my disc golf bag. I just love the game.”
Elledge added that the simplicity of the sport is something he enjoys. A starter kit of three discs — a driver, mid-range disc and putter, all of which have different densities and flight characteristics — can be purchased for about $25.
The courses are easily found at many parks in Mississippi. There is an 18-hole course at Halls Ferry Park. Players of all ages and shapes can play it as long as they can walk the course. Elledge had quadruple bypass heart surgery eight years ago and playing disc golf helps him stay in shape.
“It’s something anybody can do,” he said. “I’ve trained kids from 5 to 50, and the oldest one I’ve helped train to play this game is 71 years old now. He still comes out and plays. This is a sport that any age can play.“
With his passion for disc golf comes a sense of responsibility. He’s helped clear brush around parts of the Halls Ferry Park course to keep it playable, and done the same while working with associations like the Vicksburg Disc Golf Association and Jackson Union of Disc Golf Enthusiasts.
He’s also eager to teach the game to newcomers.
“I’ve never quit teaching how to play the game,” he said. “They used to have something called the World’s Biggest Disc Golf Weekend and I won it three years in a row. What it is, is whoever takes the most players out to a certain disc golf course gets the T-shirt and a disc.”
His service to the sport led to a nomination for the Mississippi Disc Golf Hall of Fame in 2023, but he didn’t make the final cut. This year he did, and he said it was better than winning any tournament.
“You play a lot of tournaments. You do a whole lot for the sport itself, such as numerous work days working on the course to maintain it. Teaching the kids and when we have tournaments helping move baskets around to new spots,” Elledge said. “Then somebody will nominate you and there’s a lot of votes from the clubs. If you get enough votes from everybody you’re in. You find out how much you’re appreciated by everybody for all that you’ve done.”
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