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This story originally appeared in the Jackson Free Press. It was added to the Mississippi Free Press website in 2025.
Note that any opinions expressed in legacy Jackson Free Press stories do not reflect a position of the Mississippi Free Press or necessarily of its staff and board members.

Angela Grayson I will educate as many families as I can on how to become properly protected, debt free and financially independent! Share how God’s Grace and Mercy can change the city and let as many people possible experience a CakePopCutie.


Dane Carney Going to try to get a job somewhere as IWW union salt.

Donna Ladd I will do more investigative reporting.

Lynn Robinson I will continue to have community discussions with real people that have no vested interest in making money off Jackson, but want to see a better city.

Dawn Beasley Macke Give more: words, time, compliments, positivity, props, appreciation.

Tom Head I plan to do more pro bono grantwriting, copywriting and social media work for small local nonprofits. There’s a huge demand for that.

Jenni Watson I do not think Jackson can become a “best city” as long as we are supporting businesses and politicians that want to take away the rights of various groups. I think we have some serious soul searching to do. This place is nothing to be proud of right now. What do I want to invite friends here for, so they can see the way we treat gay people and see the fetus truck making traffic issues on Lakeland? We look like we are stuck in 1870 here.

Percy King Volunteer more.

Torri Nichelle Mow my lawn, support more small businesses, attend a Koinonia Friday morning session. Vote in the mayoral election.

Carrie McMahan Support small business, vote, tell as many people as I can on how to save money the right way for their future.

Tony Davenport Utilizing my skills & talents to work with other positive, inclusive and visionary people who really want to move forward in creating the change they want to see here in Jackson.

Monique Davis My top tactic is to only emphasize the positive, i.e the Peaceful Parenting Expo happening at St. Dominic’s Jan. 27. I will not repeat any crime stats, house burning, etc. I will be affirming the good.

Kathleen Morrison Mitchell Random acts of kindness.

Amanda Joullian Ragland Give more support to local musicians, restaurants and retail!

Janice Hogan Become a better informed citizen, communicate with those who make decisions for our community, and exercise my constitutional right to vote.


Mississippi Youth Hip Hop Summit ACLU of MS Youth and Parents are fully engaged to make MS Schools the BEST THEY CAN BE! Join us!

Beth Poff Zoo It Better!

Andrea Thomas I will promote only the good. People always speak on the negative aspects of Jackson. If everyone would replace the negatives with a positive, I think the morale of the city would change. Positive visualization or positive reinforcement always equals a positive outcome.

Virginia Ezelle Shop and patronize small local businesses. We are fortunate to have many wonderful ones.

Mississippi native Donna Ladd and partner Todd Stauffer founded the Jackson Free Press in 2002 in the capital city. The heavily awarded local newspaper did many investigations heralded across the state and nation and served as a paper of record due to its diversity, inclusion, in-depth reporting and deep connection to readers and dedication to narrative change in and about Mississippi. In 2022, the nonprofit Mississippi Free Press, founded by Ladd and JFP Associate Publisher Kimberly Griffin in 2020, purchased the journalism assets and archives of the Jackson Free Press. A Google grant through AAN Publishers enabled Newspack's integration of the JFP archives into the Mississippi Free Press website to become part of a more searchable archive of recent Mississippi history and essential journalism.