Ongoing YMP Youth Crime Forums Generate Causes, Solutions from All Ages

The Mississippi Youth Media Project started holding public dialogue circles in the Jackson community in early 2018 to collect potential solutions for crime and violence in the area. Dozens of local residents, from teenagers to elected officials, have brainstormed together for possible answers to several questions while sitting in circles with equal voices, as well […]

‘Money Can Read; He’s Smart’

by Marquavious Harris Photo above of Harris by Dartavius Archie Money is this 20-year-old boy who is my cousin. Money grew up in Jackson, Miss., on a small side of town called the Virden Addition. Money’s father was in jail before he turned 9, so he really didn’t have a father figure to look up […]

‘Almost Numbing’: Mayor Tony Yarber on Growing Up Amid Violent Crime

Mayor Tony Yarber (Jackson, Miss.) reflects on how growing up amid violent crime affected his outlook on crime, poverty, friendships and drugs. Yarber uses his experiences as a way to help create opportunities for youth in Jackson. Photo by Kelsee Ford by Amber Taylor, Aja Purvis, Asia Mangum and Maisie Brown [gdlr_video url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17CRwgIBWOs” ] Tony Tarzel […]

Solutions to ‘Heartbreaking Violence’: How to Stop the Cycle

by Maisie Brown and Donna Ladd It was the middle of the summer, and the Westside Early Childhood Development Center was packed with little people. Children were in the halls; they were in the gym; they were in the classrooms. Adults were sprinkled in, directing and teaching curriculum such as Project Read that makes literacy […]

Regina Briggs: Advice from a Former Gang Girl

After getting kicked out of her mom’s house when she chose her new husband over her, Regina Briggs met Eric, the “general” of the Black Ganster Disciples. She was a good student and never wanted to be in a gang, but soon after was in charge of cleaning, reloading and storing weapons for them. Photo […]