A new day in Mississippi

ja gib emeryville,ca. — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:07:49 GMT

the kkk...formerly known as the paddy rollers prior to the civil war.
should have a suit filed against that organization & its members, who were involved in the deaths of the civil rights workers. i suggest to also file against the State of Miss. and the County in which the sheriff were employed. seek damages in the millions on behalf of the descendants of the deceased.

A new day in Mississippi

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:40:55 GMT

Change is good and this is a great story. I remember -Andrew Goodman, James Chaney and Michael Schwerner on June of 1964 when they were murdered. My GrandMother made us remember these young men in our prayers. As much as we change for the better I notice how some are doing their best to bring back the pass hate and evil. It's turning into a War between Good vs Evil let's see who wins.

A new day in Mississippi

Jo Bee — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:33:39 GMT

What did I miss? I was hoping to read about a Tyrant's last comments. I did not see what was said by Saddam, just that he said something. Was this piece related to another article that I missed.
It was as if I joined a conversation in the middle.
Can someone, anyone help me? I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the signers of the Declaration Of Independence, however it was not what I initially had hoped to read. Thanks do much in advance..

A new day in Mississippi

robyn salmon fresno ca — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 02:40:45 GMT

after all the evil, i so much admire our African Brothers and Sisters who can not be filledwith hatred at the actions of my fellow Eurpoena Americans back when... Bless you Sir!

A new day in Mississippi

Gil Taylor, Kailua-Kona HI — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 02:45:42 GMT

Another great day for America.

A new day in Mississippi

Darren Cole, Colorado Springs, CO — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 02:47:38 GMT

The horrible, racist stain of Philadelphia MS can never be washed away. While it seems the city has turned the corner, the families of the three young slain men have never been the same. Mississippi Burning is such a traumatic movie, I walked out of the theatre and still cannot watch to this day, if EVER.

A new day in Mississippi

merrell, las vegas, nevada — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 02:54:18 GMT

I have visited this town on numerous occasions. While having been very familiar with it's history only through the movie. It was explained to me that many town folks who were present in the 60's were still living in the area. Back then (2001) there was an illusion that time had stood still for decades. It's beautiful country. In the summer, as green as you can imagine. This beauty felt like such a contrast to what had occured many years ago. This amazing turn of events is proof that the beauty of this community is now evident clear through to the hearts of the people.

A new day in Mississippi

Carole Barnes, Joppa, Alabama — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 03:09:15 GMT

Thank God I was raised by parents who were not prejudice at all...it was very hard to watch the movie about Philadelphia and realize that such brutality went on in the world...This is a milestone for Mr. Young and I say, Halleujah..its a wonderful indication that things are changing, one step at a time, one heart at a time...Congratulations Mr. Young and God Bless You...

A new day in Mississippi

Doug in Indiana — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 03:32:15 GMT

Bad year for the far right and/or the KKK

A new day in Mississippi

Michael, Boston Ma — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 04:23:19 GMT

good for mayor young...racism is going to be minimal once the next generation are grown...drastic events haave already occured which show that the majority of people coexist interracially without problem which only 50 years after the laws were passed is impressive

A new day in Mississippi

John Schenck Toronto Ontario — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 04:23:26 GMT

Congratulations to newly elected major James Young!
Another big step in eradicating racism wordwide.

A new day in Mississippi

Chuck Foster, Conroe, TX — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 04:26:42 GMT

I went thru Philadelphia several times in the late '90s ... because there is a nice casino there. Its newsworthy that times have changed since the '60s ... or is it? Think about what actually happened then and whats going on now. There are some superficial (and thats not the right word) changes but the people haven't changed. Thats not 'changed' to be good or bad. Its publicized differences, but thats not real change.
The people are still good. Or maybe they are still bad, but there are places here and over there and 'over there' where the people haven't changed although lots more massive and destructive things (like war) have swept over the countryside and the people ARE NOT DIFFERENT. Your perceptions are different.

A new day in Mississippi

nat irvin, louisville, ky — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 04:58:28 GMT

An amazing American story for sure.

A new day in Mississippi

H. D. Schmidt, Loma Linda, Ca. — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:08:14 GMT

Yes, I am very delighted to hear this wonderful story unfold. I am speaking as legal immigrant of 53+ who entered at the Miami Intenational Airport and there upon we, my wife and 2 year old daughter Heidi, took a Greyhound Bus heading for Los Angeles, where an uncle of my wife was waiting. Yes the driver of the Bus a black man, a superb gentleman, however any time another negro at that time boarded he or she, no matter the age, had to sit way back, which we found unreal and to see restroom for whites and colored almost all along until we ended up in California. When we knew that after the most horrendous civil war ever, the black people were granted the priviledge so to speak as human beings. So, my/our wholeheartedly salute to mayor James Young. Just for the record I am of the so called white race. I am saying that because when I look at white sheet of paper I find my color not really white, just a little humor or so.

A new day in Mississippi

Marty Cox, Moline, IL — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:13:08 GMT

Wow... and I don't mean World of Warcraft!

A new day in Mississippi

norm black,kamloops,b.c. — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 06:24:15 GMT

this is awesome as a young white boy watching the white police and their dogs beating the marchers/demonstraters/i asked my dad what did they do wrong dad? not a thing son.not a thing,(circa the 60's)

A new day in Mississippi

L. E. Finney — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 06:44:21 GMT

I would hope that the families of the three who were killed will know in their hearts and minds that they did not die in vain. I, personally, want to believe that not only Philadelphia but all of Mississippi has/is moving forward in brotherhood with mankind. I know personally people who belonged to the KKK in Mississippi and look forward to the advancement of tolerance throughout that state. Hate is a form of evil cancer that must be rooted out through teaching tolerance to the young and by enforcing laws on adults already here who take hateful violent actions against others.

A new day in Mississippi

me in Helena, MT — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 06:51:49 GMT

Let me be the among the first to congratulate Mayor Young from MSNBC readers. I'm a white female from a northern state where there aren't many black residents. People might assume this predudices us, but that's not true. Prejudice seems foreign and silly to most of us. or us to imagine the terror that Mayor Young and other residents endured in the 60s with Klan murders and other racially driven atrocities. People might think those injustices don't matter to people like me, but they do.

A new day in Mississippi

katrina collins, bellwood, illinois — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 06:53:46 GMT

its a beautiful thing to see the growth within america and its people. if only more understood that its not the skin color but the character of a person.

A new day in Mississippi

Cheri Henry, Roswell, New Mexico — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:01:55 GMT

Finally, I'm glad to know that American South especially Mississippi is exercising more civil rights freedom. It's proven that liberty will come at the right time!

A new day in Mississippi

Elizabeth Griffith, Newport, Oregon — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:09:14 GMT

Congratulations, Mayor Young. I'm a long time ago citizen of Philadelphia. I grew up thinking that things would never change and that people would stay the same. I'm glad to be proven wrong.
I hope that Philadelphia will become the city of hope, love and opportunity for all its citizens.

A new day in Mississippi

Gary Lewis 6362 Quebec Dr Los Angeles Ca 90068 — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:13:31 GMT

My sincere congratulations to Mr. james Young & I wish him & the city of Philadelphia Miss., all the success they can achieve. I commend the people of the city for showing the world that people can change to make things better.

A new day in Mississippi

Ron H. Everett, Wa — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:26:24 GMT

It's great to see an town move ahead. Just be an fair and just Mayor.

A new day in Mississippi

Stephen Mhere, Topeka, Kansas — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:31:19 GMT

Even though the demographics of Philadelphia, MS make the election of a black man to the mayoral post seem less breathtaking, its symbolism cannot be lost on the nation. What we are witnessing is a complete metamorphosis of American race relations, what Dr. Martin Luther King must have seen in his dream...

A new day in Mississippi

Au Mello, Newark, New Jersey — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:56:57 GMT

Right on brother. One small step for you, but one giant step for Philadelphia, Mississippi and America. I think it is very fitting that you are sworn in on the weekend that we celebrate the anniversary of our country's Independence Day. The struggle goes on but we are getting there one step at a time. Congratulations to you and the entire City Of Philadelphia, Mississippi. God bless you all.

A new day in Mississippi

D. Gabriel, Alexandria, Virginia — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 08:43:28 GMT

In any society there are always "THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY". For a long time the South has been dominated by the UGLY. On this 4th of July, it is good to believe that "THE GOOD" has finally come out the winner . Congra Missisipi for finally accepting that "all men are created equal...."

A new day in Mississippi

Jared F. Tel Aviv, Israel — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 08:48:07 GMT

nothing cynical to say. this is true 'change.'

A new day in Mississippi

ANDREW HOOPER — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 09:01:10 GMT

MAY GOD KEEP ON BLESSING YOU AND CONTINUE TO GIVE YOU FAVOR. FROM PASTOR ANDREW HOOPER IN GUYANA SOUTH AMERICA FORMERLY FROM RINGGOLD GEORGIA PRAISE THE NAME OF JESUS AMEN

A new day in Mississippi

james doe — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 09:11:03 GMT

Let’s not jump the gun here, remember the reconstruction years, blacks had made tremendous gains and then the Jim Crow laws were implemented to reverse the gains made. Even with the election of president Obama, I still feel a sense of skepticism about the changing attitudes of white folks.

A new day in Mississippi

Rey Luna — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 09:54:29 GMT

This is proof that with time, love conquers hate! The silent majority have spoken. It appears that the fair and decent white and black citizens of Philadelphia, MS did the right thing by electing the better peron for the job, regardless!

A new day in Mississippi

Michael Pettinicchi, Tous, France — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:34:26 GMT

Congratulations! It's really a big step for mankind.
Govern well; you owe it ot a lot of people.
Best wishes and may God help you carry the heavy burden you carry.

A new day in Mississippi

Michelle, New London Ohio — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:46:32 GMT

Gold Bless you at this great moment. I saw your interview on tv and as you started to cry so did I. I was born(1961) and raised in california but as I have grown older I have looked into all of these awful things that happened. May the angels around you keep you and your family always safe.

A new day in Mississippi

Michelle, New London Ohio — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:57:09 GMT

God Bless you on this great day. I watched you on tv and as the tears ran down your face so did mine. May the Angels that are around you keep you and you family safe.

A new day in Mississippi

Robert Shoup, Norfolk, VA — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:22:16 GMT

Because I grew up in the 70s a Pennsylvania family that was, thankfully, committed to teaching me about equality, I was largely insulated from the realities of racism - but it was the movie Mississippi Burning that most vividly opened my eyes to the horrors of racial inequality. In spite of my relative distance from this issue culturally, this story deeply moved me this morning when I read it - thank you to the people of Philadelphia for making such a healing decision, and - belatedly - thank you to the makers of that powerful film for bringing it so forcefully to our attention.

A new day in Mississippi

cindy b — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:44:24 GMT

I am a white 49 year old mother of three teenage girls and have always taught my girls that no one person is different than the other. I've made my kids watch Mississippi Burning so they understand what types of hatred there are and how stupid and senseless it is. Amen to Mayor Young. How proud his family must be, my family is proud of you and wish you well. Govern wisely and well!!
Cindy
Montana

A new day in Mississippi

Unknown — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:51:42 GMT

I can't say there is much "extraordinary" about it. Was he elected based on his race, or on his platform? If it's the former, then are we really that much better off than in the '60s? Is racism ok when it affects a different group of people?

This is 2009 everyone -- let's stop with the mental repatriations.

A new day in Mississippi

Jim Smith, Memphis, TN — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:02:22 GMT

The State of Mississippi and Neshoba County has yet to indict any additional suspects beyond Edgar Ray "Preacher" Killen, in spite of their being, in the words of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals "ample, in fact, overwhelming" evidence against two of the still living suspects. Given the evidence that is available against these two suspects, it appears likely they could be persuaded to be cooperative witnesses against others rather than be defendants. If they refuse to cooperate, they could be defendants themselves.
The Fifth Circuit of the United States Court of Appeals ruled in 1969 that:
There is ample--in fact, overwhelming--untainted evidence that the defendants conspired together to have Price, a deputy sheriff, arrest Schwerner, Chaney, and Goodman, United States citizens; that Price would hold them in custody until such time that when released, Price, Arledge, Barnette, Roberts, Snowden, Jordan and Posey could and would intercept them, assault and kill them; and that each was present at and participated in the murder of the three men and the disposal of their bodies by burial fifteen feet beneath the top of an earthen dam deep in the woods.
....Specifically, we find ample proof of conspiracy and each appellant's complicity in a calculated, cold-blooded and merciless plot to murder the three men.
Eight people who faced federal conspiracy to deny civil rights or other charges in the 1960s related to the murders of the three civil rights workers in Neshoba County, Mississippi are still living.
But only Edgar Ray "Preacher" Killen has finally faced state charges.
Why only Killen?
What about the others?
Earl Akin -- presently living, Waveland, MS
Olen Burrage — presently living, Philadelphia, MS
James Thomas "Pete" Harris — presently living, Meridian, MS
Billy Wayne Posey — presently living, Meridian, MS
Jimmy Snowden — presently living, Hickory, MS
Jimmy Lee Townsend — presently living, Philadelphia, MS
Richard Willis — presently living, Noxapater, MS
Why only Killen prosecuted by Mississippi on state charges?

A new day in Mississippi

Lonzo Lucas II, Paju-City, South Korea — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:27:44 GMT

I would like to send my congratulations to James Young, maybe America is starting to turn that corner. It is my hope that your ascent will assist in affecting change for the better,far as racial relations and having an open open wide will entail.

A new day in Mississippi

Pete, Nashville — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:28:25 GMT

I like that lamp.

A new day in Mississippi

jay Arr — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:01:09 GMT

I remember the killing of the three young Civil Rights workers very well. It is still a reminder of the entrenched disease of racism in the minds of many Americans.Things are better, and a few more generations are needed to further diminish its impact on our society. Several years ago I traveled through Philadephia, Mississippi and on a whim asked where the burial site was from some teenagers-They looked at my Michigan liscense plates and said they didn't know what I was talking about.???Unfortunately there are still those that think they have a 'divine' right to hate those different that themselves.

A new day in Mississippi

Shannon, Richmond, Kentucky — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:26:54 GMT

This story gives me hope that perhaps things really beginning to change.

A new day in Mississippi

joe swartz — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:45:19 GMT

Bah. I am tired of this garbage.

A new day in Mississippi

Stan Roberts — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:54:34 GMT

Congratulations Mayor Young. May God bless you and guide you in your new job.

A new day in Mississippi

Disgusted — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:55:02 GMT

Just keep waving the race card around, MSNBC. This could have been a situation in which a man was elected to office, but you've made it into yet another race event.

A new day in Mississippi

The Captain, Temecula, CA — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:41:29 GMT

A change for the good, Amen and good luck!

A new day in Mississippi

MIKE LEWIS GRETNA,LA — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:29:46 GMT

WE ARE IN THE WORLD. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH WORLD WE MUST HEALING IN IT. WE MUST DO GOD,S WORK AND WE CAN HEAL ALL THINGS WITH GOD IN TIME.

A new day in Mississippi

wee — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:12:57 GMT

we have overcome

A new day in Mississippi

elizabeth commans — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:30:20 GMT

As the California born wife of a man born in Philadelphia, Ms., I have seen quite a change in attitudes in the last 30 years. I wish Mr. Young and all the citizens of Philadelphia elithe very best and hope he has a successful administration.

A new day in Mississippi

Mezzrow, New Mexico — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 21:57:38 GMT

I spent several months in Philadelphia in the early '70's, and the place seemed to be in a time-warp. I was shocked to still see laundromats with "White Only" and Colored and Indian Only". White people refused to shop at stores owned by blacks. Just goes to show that given time for bad old ways to fade, anything is possible. Congratulations on the swearing-in of their new mayor!

A new day in Mississippi

Angela Birch, Kalama Wa — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 02:59:14 GMT

I am glad things have started to change in the south. It proves that human beings can leard and realize that there is a better way. It might just prove however that the old racists are dying off. Either way it is a good thing when people quit hating each other bacause of something as stupis as race.

A new day in Mississippi

Casey Truskunas, The Colony, Texas — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:30:53 GMT

I'm glad he was elected. I'm sure it was because he was the "best person for the job that was running", NOT because he happens to also be black

A new day in Mississippi

Mum, Dyer, Indiana — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:52:32 GMT

It just so happens that I watched "To Kill a Mockingbird" last night, a film which always leaves me weepy. Last night's viewing was no exception. I always find it hard to believe that there was a time, and a long time it was, when a black man could have been tried and convicted of "rape" for simply being in the proximity of or for knowing and being kind to a white woman. That a black man's "peers" would be 12 white men. That a white man would be assailed for acting as his defense attorney.

So I am overjoyed at the news from Philadelphia, Mississippi, and I congratulate James Young. And the tears I'm shedding now are tears of joy.

A new day in Mississippi

NoOneYouKnow, NYC, NY — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:19:57 GMT

The FBI wasn't trying to find the killers; it was trying to keep a lid on the killings. J. Edgar's FBI did not care about Freedom Riders.

A new day in Mississippi

hakeem bin laden — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:48:39 GMT

well, there goes the neighborhood.

A new day in Mississippi

Michelle B, Las Vegas, NV — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:28:57 GMT

I lived in Philadelphia, MS for 5 years. From 2001 to 2006. I found that even though people would say they weren't racist, they still had the underlying feelings. It was not something that would be talked about, however, it came out small ways. Congrats to James Young. Maybe this is another turning point in Philadelphia's history.

A new day in Mississippi

Joseph Aubry Jr. Ottawa, Illiois — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 02:31:45 GMT

I have been in Philadelphia, Mississippi as far back as 2004. I have been to the Burnside to see the Sullivan Family of Alabama play there. There is a crime thing there. Hope all is good there.

A new day in Mississippi

bobby hinesville, ga — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:33:21 GMT

This is greater than President Obama's election.
As a Mississippian, I'm very proud.

God bless Mississippi, and God bless America

A new day in Mississippi

Michael Burton Englewood Colorado — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:19:03 GMT

I, too, grew up in the Deep South during the 1950s and 1960s and am qquite aware of the hatred, racsim and barbarism practiced by many of the towwnsfolks. This event ushers in a rebirth of attitude, tolerance and cooperation among races long divided. Praise Allah, Praise Major Young and the people of Mississippi. Peace and Good Fortune

A new day in Mississippi

OMG — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:09:22 GMT

Whoopiieee Doh! Like thats big news! Next he will be charged with Drug Abuse, Stalking, just like Ex-Mayor Berry. All Politicians, whether they are Caucasion, black, Latino, etc are any different. Half the time if Blacks dont get their way, they throw the race card instead of just enjoying where they are in life.

A new day in Mississippi

dan, Kansas City, Mo — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:00:33 GMT

Until the press can say "Mississippi Burning town gets new mayor" instead of "Mississippi Burning town gets new black mayor" things will never change. (And yes, I'm white since it seems to make a difference)

A new day in Mississippi

Thomas Hussey, Santa Barbara, CA — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:03:06 GMT

I remember those days; a white kid just out of the Marines taking a motorcycle trip through the south, with a peace sticker on the back of my bike. I signed up to help register blacks to vote. On my second day in Montgomery, having a beer in local joint I came outside to three toughs getting ready to smash my bike up. The littlest guy with an axe handle went down with a thud after I wacked him in the back with his handle. The biggest guy caught me with a roundhouse to my nose. The second time I'd had my nose broken. Pissed off and bloody I swung the handle and cracked open all their heads. The local SCLC organizing group thanked my for my service but said they were bent on peaceful resistance to their injustice and I had to move along. I headed on, to New Orleans...

A new day in Mississippi

CM, Clayton, NC — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:57:10 GMT

I lived in a small community outside of Philadelphia, MS from '77 - '92 and still have family living in the area. I had to return in November of last year for a funeral and I can tell you that they still have a LONG way to go. There were people discussing Obama's election that were literally scared for their lives. They seemed to have some wild idea that the blacks were just going to completely take over and reak havoc on all whites. The election of Mr. Young is a surprising, yet good step forward.

A new day in Mississippi

American Citizen, Abingdon, VA — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 21:41:07 GMT

It is good that Philadelphia, MS, elected a mayor for his qualities to fulfill an office; and I hope he is a good mayor. It is evil that outside of Philadelphia, PA, in Huntingdon Valley, PA, children were rejected @ a swimming pool for being African-Americans.
All U.S. citizens are Americans.

A new day in Mississippi

D Harrigill — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:58:49 GMT

We have come a long way in Mississippi, but it is important to be vigilant in the future, to be sure that we progress even further. As all of you make comments about the south, be sure to watch your own back yards! I have traveled extensively around the United States and have incountered bigots in every state.

A new day in Mississippi

Danny Clem ,Elkmont,Al 35620 — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:03:26 GMT

Lets stop looking back and keep going farward.As long as we look back there will allways be hard feeling.A dog has to be trained to attack.Thats why all these white folk was so bad.Lets forgive and move on people.
For crying out loud you have a Half black President.

A new day in Mississippi

Carolyn, NJ — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:25:48 GMT

Finally, my best to the new Mayor - God speed!

A new day in Mississippi

Joe matthews, Florence tx — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:08:58 GMT

Good job and Congratulations Mayor Young. This is a change for the better. Congratulations once again.

A new day in Mississippi

jack — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:42:32 GMT

Congratulations Mayor. Breaks my heart to think that these awful things happened to Americans in America and during my lifetime. We're getting there...just not quickly enought

A new day in Mississippi

Bigdon 1, Las Vegas, NV — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 03:01:14 GMT

As a serviceman from Illinois,I spent a great deal of time stationed in the Deep South in the '50s and 60s, specifically Jacksonville and Pensacola FL, and Memphis and Pine Bluff Arkansas. I quickly noticed, while conversing with the locals, there were two kinds of black folks down there. There are "My N-----s", who consist of friends, employees, aquaintences, business associates, and most other black folks a person meets on a daily basis. These folks were always described as neat quiet, kind,friendly,. salt of the earth people. "The N-----s" included everyone else of color. Wierd, Huh?

A new day in Mississippi

Southern Belle at heart — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:47:36 GMT

Why is it still a race game? Would he have been celebrated in this manner had he been a new "white" mayor. I am so tired of "The South" still getting so much blame and attention. I've lived in both the North and the South and the prejudices in the North are just as bad, if not worse. Some may say the difference is that "Northern" Whites have more money so therefore exclude themselves from certain types of people. Look at the new article about the Swim Club in PA, where members took their kids out of the water when minority children got in! Yes, MS has come a long way, and probably has made many more efforts in racial issues than most states b/c of some of the horrible history that happened there. But look at the rest of the US, as long as we keep bringing up articles like this one, where "RACE" is celebrated, we haven't grown or changed. Get rid of the "RACE" card and the chip on the shoulders like all white people owe all black people. Move forward and get elected b/c one deserves it not b/c this will be the 1st black mayor, or indian mayor, or hispanic mayor.

A new day in Mississippi

mark pierce, Philadelphia,MS — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:14:26 GMT

I live in Philadelphia MS. I am a paramedic and James Young was my EMT instructor in 1990. I knew then he was the salt of the earth and his election in my hometown known for its racist past is proof of real change. To me his election doesn't mean all racism is eradicated but it does show that you can look at whats on the inside not the outside.

A new day in Mississippi

Randy, MO — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:59:00 GMT

This is just another step in the wrong direction for America. All I saw on the comments were positve, I'm curios did you recieve anything negative, or just not post any of it? I can't beleive who all they are voting into office now days. I am not a hate monger, just looking out for the best.

A new day in Mississippi

American Citizen, Abingdon, VA — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:45:28 GMT

Philadelphia, MS, elected a mayor for his qualities to fulfill an office; and I hope he will be a good mayor. In Huntingdon Valley, near Philadelphia, PA, a swim club rejected children for being African-Americans, etc. All U.S. citizens are All-Americans.

A new day in Mississippi

Joey — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:49:59 GMT

It is nice to see that the Negro has attained social standing. I cannot help but notice all the good they have done for society since then like committing the highest percentage of violent crime, murderous Negro street gangs and dope sellers, the generational welfare process, forcing everyone to live in the projects and turning once nice and productive neighborhoods into armed camps and killing fields. Thank the Negro for his contributions and give them even more free stuff!

A new day in Mississippi

Ken Wilkinson — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:33:22 GMT

I was a third generation resident of Philadelphia Mississippi. I lived there until joining the Navy in early 1951. Yes I saw the old south, races seperated by law and custom. I did not see any night riders terrorizing the blacks in Neshoba county. I did see my grandparents sharing their food with blacks who came to them when hungary and knew the goodness of my grandparents hearts. I also saw my father a constuction superintendent give money from his pocket to blacks who worked on his job and had no money for lunch. He usually forgave the loans if not repaid.
We can not deny that a terrible incident occured with the murder of the civil rights workers. Yet I saw am aware of many murders of whites in Neshoba County that are unpunished to this day.
Philadelphia was a violent place . As with any place in the world the vast majority of the people are/were hard working, mostly poor whites and blacks who had to struggle each day of their lives to survive. Many horrible acts have been a part of this nations history. They are usuually the acts of a very small miniority of the people of any community. There seems to be an effort to hold Philadelphia Mississippi and all its people up as an example of the most evil people and place in the word. I refuse to buy that pitch and can only say, Judge people by the content of their character not where they live.
Ken Wilkinson,

A new day in Mississippi

Ken Wilkinson, Niantic CT — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:34:50 GMT