NPR: Rough Morning in Jackson

Rough Morning in Jackson

Michel broadcasts from WJSU in Jackson, Miss.

Freddy Norman

If you've heard our show today, then you know we had some pretty serious technical problems. I won't bore you with all the complexities of what it takes to broadcast from another studio -- this time WJSU in Jackson, Miss. Suffice to say that we had some issues. But, we don't want the snafus to take away from what we believe was a very strong show -- and a very important visit we made down south. So I'll just ask you to be patient and forgive our very 'raw' show. Hey, it's LIVE radio, right? I'll let Michel tell you more about the trip when she gets back in the office.

We started the show with a conversation about last night's primary results in North Caorlina and Indiana. Obama swept North Carolina, Clinton took Indiana with a small margin. What's next? Take a listen -- and note what William Raspberry had to say about the Wright / Obama issue.

Also, a conversation about the rising Latino population in Mississippi -- and concerns that lack of access to healthcare may be making the newcomers vulnerable to HIV.

Then, a talk with a Sudanese refugee in Mississippi and one of the state's former first ladies, who explains what made her take on the cause of the Sudanese refugees.

Mississippi's first African American mayor and long-time civil rights activist Unita Blackwell shares her wisdom.

And fashion designer Hilton Hollis, a native of Natchez, Miss., explains how his southern roots influence his designs. He says the gothic architecture in his hometown inspires many of his ideas. Do you relate? Do you ever think the very surroundings you grew up around influence your style?

We're having a meeting about our A segment for tomorrow. More on that soon.

Douglas Hopper

3:12 PM ET | 05- 7-2008 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

"Do you ever think the very surroundings you grew up around influence your style?"

Yes! I'm saying so not because having such style is contrived but rather it becomes an innate part of who you are. I'm an American born individual to African parents, raised partially in Europe and Africa (with British influences) for some years before returning permanently to the States. So I never thought I made a statement with how I dressed until my peers and colleagues started making comments.

So as an American, I could live all weekend in my jeans and T-shirts but I found out people could pick out your vibe. I was in a South Florida Bed, Bath and Beyond store and the cashier had to ask me if I was from "up north" (northern part of the country) because of the way I dressed. Seriously! I've been a resident for over a decade and a stranger could still pick that out.

Then my Europian tendencies show with my love for layering; I've never seen a vest, cardigan, or light sweater I didn't like.

Finally, my African heritage shows in unique looking accessories I tend to collect.

Sent by Moji | 5:33 PM ET | 05-07-2008

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