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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Sinners' Shows Clarksdale's Past. What's Next for the Birthplace of the Blues?
CLARKSDALE, MISS. – Tyler Yarbrough makes it clear. Sinners and the cultural fest that followed may have thrust Clarksdale into the national spotlight, but this moment represents the culmination of years of hard-fought progress. In as little as three weeks, community members, more than a dozen sponsors, and partners planned and executed Clarksdale Culture Capital's Sinners fest on May 29-31. It wouldn't have happened if residents weren't already recharged and already rebuilding. A diverse and intergenerational mix of people lined up on East Second Street hours before the doors opened to enjoy screenings and fellowship at the Clarksdale Civic Auditorium. Despite an overcast sky, thousands packed the Civic Auditorium to see two free screenings and hear directly from the cast and crew — and the mood was electric. The auditorium erupted with applause when Yarbrough walked to the front of the room. A wave of pride, joy, and celebration washed over him as he peered back into the crowd. At the moment, he saw what he always believed: Clarksdale has the power to work together to achieve greatness. High school students volunteered as ushers. Youth worked at the concession stand. The Iota Omicron chapter of Omega Psi Phi helped clean in between screenings. Restaurants like the Matchbox and Levon's had Sinners-inspired drinks on their menu. Community members like Yasmine Malone stopped by the screening with her nephew, then moderated the panel discussion 'Coffee with Kinfolk: Our Vision For The Future.' Natives like Jaleesa Collins — one of the organizers who first sparked the idea of a screening — drove from Florida during a rainstorm to ensure the event was a success. The excitement continued over the next two days, as people packed out Meraki Roasting Co., the Crossroads Cultural Art Center, and the Delta Blues Museum to participate in important conversations. They talked about the legacy of Black farmers, the steps to building a blues economy that benefits Black creators, how Mississippi can build infrastructure to attract blockbuster films, and the Choctaw and Chinese Americans' rich cultural diversity within the region. On Friday morning, folks gathered over coffee and pastries prior to a panel discussion at Meraki, which teaches youth entrepreneurial skills and career readiness. Attendees hugged and caught up on local happenings. Others discussed the film and the future of Clarksdale, which perfectly aligned with the 'Coffee with Kinfolk' panel. During the panel, Yarbrough shared the sacrifices he and others continue to make to do the work to make Clarksdale better. He mentioned the yearlong effort to revitalize J's Grocery, the only Black supermarket in the town, and its reopening last month. Collins, who was also a panelist, is helping to host the first-ever Clarksdale Day over Labor Day weekend to celebrate local culture through activities such as a parade, car show, award ceremony, and barbecue competition. There's also Griot Arts, a youth nonprofit that is rebuilding the historic Paramount Theater in downtown Clarksdale, and Higher Purpose Hub, which received a $2.2 million grant to build a regional hub to improve 'intergenerational economic opportunity' across the Delta. In addition to the collaboration showcased last weekend, the conversation also explored how it is often a challenge for organizations — and even local people — to believe in and support those who are doing the work on the ground. Often, international tourists appreciate the beauty of Clarksdale's culture, art, and architecture, while locals may not fully embrace it, said Edna Nicole Luckett, known as Edna Nicole, a local artist and musician. Now is the time for Clarksdale to champion its city, and for Black people to take ownership of a culture that they have created while allowing the art to heal and preserve our history, she said. 'Clarksdale has always been a big deal, not just when it comes to music — when it comes to sports, when it comes to culture, when it comes to agriculture,' she said. 'But we don't sell it to our own people, and we don't believe that anymore. … The blues is more than the four streets that make up downtown. It's the neighborhoods, it's the rural areas, and we need those areas to come out and support because we want to represent our people the right way.' Read More: Clarksdale Pushed for a Screening of 'Sinners'. They're Getting One This Week. Part of the onus is on the community to shift the narrative and create change, said Tim Lampkin, founder and executive director of Higher Purpose Hub. 'We have to take a different type of stance in talking about the place that we love, and that goes for the folks that are not believing in our own local leaders. How can you expect it to be changed when you're the main one talking negative about the work that's happening?' Lampkin said. He added: 'We have to get beyond this moment and stop pointing the finger at each other and come together and work to build the unthinkable. There are too many people outside of the culture that already don't believe in this. So, how do we change that? It starts with us, individually, collectively, building every single day.' Lampkin's remarks were met with laughter from the audience, as he noted he's not a preacher, so he's going to leave the preaching to them. These recent events and the momentum from Sinners have inspired Clarksdale residents and natives to continue rebuilding their city. Like many pivotal movements in U.S. history, this historic moment in Clarksdale has been shaped by young people driving change. They're reclaiming it as their Southern renaissance. On the last day of the festival, changemakers from Clarksdale; Jackson, the state's capital; and neighboring Memphis, Tennessee, shared their perspectives on the importance of youth involvement in making lasting change happen. As people poured into the Crossroads Cultural Art Center, many shared laughs, conversations, and vibed over music prior to the main discussion. Jasmine Williams of 'Sipp Talk Media, who moderated the conversation, described what this moment of renaissance meant for her. 'We all are the products of multiple movements. One thing I really care about showing people is that Mississippi — the South, Memphis — we never stopped, even though people stopped looking,' Williams said. 'We can deem this a renaissance because we are in this moment, and we know what we're doing, and we're building on the work of people who did it for generations.' Read More: 'Sinners' Honored Juke Joints. Today, They're Fighting to Stay Open. Jermeria Skillom, coordinator of Mississippi Delta Programs for Partnership for a Healthier America, said organizers and creators have sparked a sense of purpose, and for folks to know they can 'live, thrive, and create a sense of belonging' in the place that raised them. 'The next generation [should] never feel like leaving Mississippi is an option. You may have an opportunity to leave, but it's not an option,' Skillom said. 'That Mississippi pride is the Southern pride. It's nothing to be ashamed of, and that freed me.' For progress to continue, Clarksdale resident, preacher, and event organizer Mark Webb says, healing must take place. 'The Scripture tells us to reach the least of these. When the least of these begins to rise, guess what? The community will begin to soar. I want to be a part of healing to bring our community together,' he said. 'One of the things that I really am inspired by … is that despite the obstacles, those who are willing, we can lock arms and we can get some things done.' The post 'Sinners' Shows Clarksdale's Past. What's Next for the Birthplace of the Blues? appeared first on Capital B News.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Bond conditions set for man accused in death of Southern University student
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — One of the men tied to the hazing death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson appeared in court Monday for a bond review. Isaiah Smith, 29, was arrested on criminal hazing charges after Wilson died and later bonded out of jail. During the bond review for Smith on Monday, a judge informed him that he is not allowed to carry a firearm. He is not allowed to speak to any co-defendants in the case. In addition, Smith is not allowed to leave the state of Louisiana. Smith requested permission to leave Louisiana to attend a family member's funeral in California, but was denied that request. His bond will be revoked if he violates any of these conditions. Kyle Thurman, 25, was also scheduled for a bond review on Monday, June 2. He has yet to appear before a judge. A third suspect, Caleb McCray, 23, had new bond conditions set for him on May 29, stating he must wear a phone tracker instead of an ankle monitor. He was ordered not to talk about the case or possess a gun. Meanwhile, the judge allowed him to leave the state. His next court appearance is Oct. 13. McCray, Thurman and Smith were expelled by Omega Psi Phi. Wilson was a 20-year-old SU junior and marching band member who died after being punched in the chest at an off-campus fraternity pledging ritual. Police said no one called 911 for help after he collapsed. Louisiana bill that would mandate anti-hazing course for college organizations advances Police at Newark airport rescue 2-year-old from luggage system, X-ray machine Nadler demands congressional investigation into DHS detention of staffer What is Shavuot? The Jewish festival that started hours after Boulder fire attack Dixie Landin' Theme Park closes for this summer Woman, 64, in US legally for 50 years is detained by ICE for 3 months Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Bond set for person allegedly involved in Caleb Wilson hazing death
The post Bond set for person allegedly involved in Caleb Wilson hazing death appeared first on ClutchPoints. A Baton Rouge district judge has officially set the bond conditions for Caleb McCray, a key suspect in the hazing death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson. McCray faces the most severe charges in the case, including criminal hazing and manslaughter. During the bond hearing in March, the court set McCray's bond at $75,000 for the manslaughter charge and $25,000 for criminal hazing. Manslaughter, the most serious charge, carries a potential sentence of up to 40 years in prison if McCray is convicted. The judge also imposed specific conditions on McCray's bond. He is required to use a phone tracker instead of the traditional ankle monitor. Additionally, McCray is ordered to have no contact with any co-defendants involved in the case. Two other individuals, Kyle Thurman and Isaiah Smith, are also facing charges related to the incident but were charged with misdemeanor hazing, a lesser offense compared to the charges against McCray. In February, Southern University student Caleb Wilson collapsed and died in an off-campus fraternity ritual for membership in the Omega Psi Phi fraternity chapter on Southern's campus. Information gathered after Wilson's death in late February revealed that members of Omega Psi Phi at Southern University misled police about where Wilson's death occurred during the ritual. Initially, they claimed Wilson and other pledges were at a park when the incident happened. However, sources now reveal the pledges were actually in a warehouse in Baton Rouge at the time. According to a March report by WBRZ, based on information from a source, an unsanctioned event required pledges to stand in a single-file line. Each pledge was punched with a boxing glove before running to the back of the line, repeating the process for everyone. After being punched, Wilson ran to the back of the line but collapsed and began having seizures. The pledges reportedly did not have access to their phones, and it's unclear if those overseeing the ritual had theirs. No 911 call was made. According to WBRZ's source, 15 minutes passed before Wilson was placed in a car and taken to Baton Rouge General, where he was pronounced dead. In early March, McCray was charged with criminal hazing and manslaughter. His bond is set at $75,000 for the manslaughter charge and $25,000 for the hazing charge.
CBS News
13-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
"Sons of Thunder" helps young men rise above homelessness and hardship
In a small room filled with determination and hope, a group of young men speak in unison: "I am the creator of my life." For teens grappling with the harsh realities of homelessness and aging out of foster care, these words are more than a mantra, they are a declaration of self-worth and a vision for a future they're still learning to believe in. That belief is being nurtured through Sons of Thunder, a mentorship initiative launched in partnership with the Chapman Partnership and led by members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Nu Nu Chapter. The program offers consistent mentorship, life skills coaching and a safe space for teenage boys to redefine their narratives—and their futures. A purpose-driven mission "I understood that a lot of the kids in the program are aging out and there's no opportunity for them," said life coach John Ramirez, one of the program's lead facilitators. "I saw there was an opportunity if we give them some tools—resiliency, self-advocacy—so they can thrive and live a thriving life." For Ramirez, who overcame a childhood marked by trauma, poverty and disempowerment, this work is deeply personal. "This is how I took myself out of the trauma, victimhood and entitlement life I used to live," he said. "This fills my heart. This is my life's purpose." Ramirez has been mentored for over 16 years by Zeta Nu Nu Vice Basileus Pat Lawrence, who was instrumental in forming the collaboration with Chapman Partnership. The two saw a critical need: not just to provide shelter, but to provide a roadmap for long-term success. "We want to have things they can take away and implement in their life to help them better themselves and better their situation," Lawrence said. Beyond shelter: Building life skills and confidence Each month, the Sons of Thunder meet at Chapman Partnership's Downtown Miami and Homestead campuses to explore topics like emotional regulation, communication and relationship management. These aren't just workshops—they're opportunities to break generational cycles. "If we can do that and get people out of survival mode, into believing that they can thrive, it's about as noble a thing as you can do," said Scott Hansel, CEO of Chapman Partnership. Hansel's organization is celebrating 30 years of service this year, marking three decades of helping individuals and families in Miami transition out of homelessness with dignity, stability, and hope. Creating their own stories At the heart of Sons of Thunder is the belief that no matter where a young man starts, he has the power to rewrite his story. And it starts with one simple, powerful affirmation. "I am the creator of my life." Send us your story at MiamiProud@
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Louisiana universities could get ‘fail safe' for students in mental health crisis
Members of Omega Psi Phi fraternity at Xavier University of Louisiana perform a step routine Jan. 17, 2025, at a kickoff event for the school's 100th anniversary. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator) The Louisiana Legislature is advancing a measure that would allow colleges and universities to contact the parents of students experiencing a mental health crisis. House Bill 202 by Rep. Delisha Boyd, D-New Orleans, would require colleges and universities to offer privacy waivers to students that would allow the schools to contact a pre-designated person in the case of a mental health crisis or situation in which the student poses a risk to themselves or other. The measure is necessary because colleges are currently not able to contact parents under privacy laws that protect adult students, Boyd said. Students would be given the option to fill out the waiver. Legislators on the House Committee on Education described the proposal Wednesday as a 'fail safe.' It comes on the heels of several high-profile deaths on college campuses. 'Just recently, we had a student at Xavier University that committed suicide about a month ago,' Boyd told the committee. 'Imagine if someone had paid attention to the change in attitude, the personality or what have you, it could have ended in a different way.' Boyd's bill will next be discussed on the House floor. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
