Latest news with #ChokweAntarLumumba
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lumumba signs off as mayor, announces reopening of Thalia Mara Hall before exiting office
On his last day in office, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba announced Thalia Mara Hall has officially reopened. Standing in front of Thalia Mara Hall's front doors, Lumumba stepped up to the podium for one final Monday press conference — a tradition he's held, on and off, since taking office. "We stand here excited, here at the conclusion of our administration, to reopen Thalia Mara Hall," Lumumba said. "Today marks what we view as a full circle moment, rejoicing in the iconic space where community has come together for decades in the City of Jackson. Thalia Mara has always been more than a venue, it has been a gathering place for people in the City of Jackson." The downtown venue closed in August 2024 after a malfunctioning HVAC system caused mold. Since then, it has faced a series of setbacks and complications — including potential asbestos, issues with the fire curtain, vandalism by unhoused individuals and a failed Mississippi State Fire Marshal inspection — all of which have delayed its reopening. Nearly $3 million has been spent on repairs since the closure, according to a March "Clarion Ledger" report, though that number may have increased since. Now, almost 10 months to the day since its closure, Lumumba announced the venue has passed all necessary inspections. Reporters were invited inside to see the progress. No leaks, vandalism or visible mold remained. Only two repairs still need to be made, but Lumumba and Amad Al-Turk, the city's de facto public works director, said they won't prevent the venue from reopening or hosting events. MS execution: Execution completed by lethal injection for Mississippi murderer Richard Jordan at Parchman The first repair involves reinstalling the fire curtain, which requires remediating the beam it hangs from due to the presence of asbestos. Al-Turk said that work should take about a week. The second is the installation of a second air-conditioning chiller, which is expected to be completed in fall 2026. Al-Turk said it will take 14 to 16 weeks for the unit to arrive, contributing to the delay. Lumumba's announcement follows a June 3 follow-up inspection by the State Fire Marshal's Office, which determined that Thalia Mara meets the standards to reopen, according to State Fire Marshal and Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney. "We are hopeful for the future of this auditorium that it may be able to provide a more up-to-date experience for residents, inviting shows that people are able to see across the world, bringing them to Jackson," Lumumba said. It's unclear whether any events have been scheduled at Thalia Mara. None are currently listed on the venue's website. After speaking about Thalia Mara, Lumumba invited his wife, Ebony, to stand beside him and opened the floor to questions — most of which focused on his time as mayor, what he was proud of and his plans for the future. "Because this is my last press conference, I just want to end it with an expression of gratitude," Lumumba said. "I'm grateful for the residents of Jackson for giving me the professional honor of serving you. I have enjoyed the service, not necessarily every moment has been an easy one, but grateful for the opportunity to try to build our city into a better place. Moving to Jackson in 1988 was the best decision my parents ever made. We not only found a home, we found community. I have spent more time with the residents of Jackson than my own blood relatives." Mississippi Masala: How NYC mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani is tied to Mississippi Lumumba thanked his wife, his executive administration and the residents for the past eight years he served in office. Mayor-elect John Horhn, who defeated Lumumba in the April 22 Democratic run-off, is set to take office Tuesday, July 1. Lumumba announced he will not be in attendance during the inauguration due to a prior engagement. Lumumba said he will be returning to practicing law, as well as consultancy work. He said he has no plans to run for mayor again. "I love Jackson, I will always love Jackson, and, again, I'm grateful the opportunity to serve the city," Lumumba said. Contributor: Mary Boyte, Clarion Ledger Contact Charlie Drape at cdrape@ This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Thalia Mara Hall reopens as Lumumba ends his time as Jackson MS mayor
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Mayor Lumumba addresses council's hiring freeze, says recent hires were about serving residents
Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba defended two recent hires made during the final weeks of his second term — decisions that prompted the Jackson City Council to pass an ordinance implementing a hiring freeze on most city positions through the end of June. Lumumba recently appointed Tariq Abdul-Tawwab as deputy director of the Public Works Department and former Hinds County Supervisor David Archie as a staff assistant in the mayor's office. Abdul-Tawwab previously served as 'chief experience officer' at JXN Water in 2023 but left later that year. His wife, Candace Abdul-Tawwab, is a director at the People's Advocacy Institute, a nonprofit founded by the mayor's sister, Rukia Lumumba. Archie, who ran against Lumumba in the April 1 primary, endorsed the mayor ahead of the April 22 runoff, according to a Facebook post shared by Lumumba on April 18. Council President and Ward 7 Councilwoman Virgi Lindsay, who introduced the hiring freeze ordinance on May 20, previously confirmed the two appointments influenced her decision to bring the legislation forward. Speaking after the council's Tuesday meeting, Lumumba initially declined to comment, saying, 'I don't have any thoughts,' when asked about the council's hiring freeze. But he later defended the hires, saying both positions were vacant and essential to city operations. "Both of those positions were vacant and they both serve the community and our responsibility is to serve the community until the end," Lumumba said. "One vacancy deals directly with constituent complaints every day, so if people are in need of water at senior centers, if people need somebody to come check out their pothole — I would imagine that the residents don't want me to leave them with 60 days of not responding to those issues." Lumumba also pushed back on criticism that the hires were politically motivated. "It's not a political thing. It's a responding thing. So both of those positions are about responding to residents needs," Lumumba said. Before Lumumba addressed the hiring freeze, the council approved an amendment to the original ordinance during its regular meeting to allow for additional hires. The original ordinance, obtained by the Clarion Ledger, freezes all vacant positions — and those expected to become vacant — within the executive branch, except for roles specifically assigned to the Jackson Police Department and Jackson Fire Department. Lindsay introduced the amendment to allow JPD to hire critical positions, such as 911 dispatchers. It also permits the hiring of seasonal workers in the Department of Parks and Recreation, including an educational specialist and three zookeepers at the Jackson Zoo, two lifeguards and park maintenance staff. The amendment further allows the city to hire CDL drivers for the Division of Solid Waste and two employees in the Department of Finance and Administration, positions Chief Financial Officer Fidelis Malembeka said he is prepared to fill. The council passed the amended ordinance in a 6-0 vote. Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes was not in attendance when the vote was called. The hiring freeze remains until June 30. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson MS mayor Lumumba defends hires as council tweaks city hiring freeze
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Jackson, MS, election results for June 3 general election for mayor, city council races
Jackson voters returned to the polls Tuesday, June 3, to vote in the general election to decide the mayor of Jackson as well as five Jackson City Council races. One thing is certain: Jackson will have a new mayor. Two-term Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba was defeated by Democratic Sen. John Horhn in the April 22 primary runoff. Horhn is facing Republican challenger Kenneth Gee and four independents: Rodney DePriest, Zach Servis, Lillie Stewart-Robinson and Kim Wade. Wade announced in mid-May that he is endorsing DePriest and is urging his supporters to vote for him. His name still appeared on the June 3 ballot because he did not withdraw from the race in time. For the Jackson City Council, five seats are up grabs: Wards 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7. Unlike the earlier rounds, there will be no runoff. The candidate with the most votes wins and assumes office starting July 1. Below is a look at the results for the Jackson mayor and city council races: Incumbent Ward 4 Councilman Brian Grizzell retained his seat after the Democratic April 1 primary, defeating challenger Malcolm May. Grizzell is running unopposed in the general election, therefore winning the seat. It will be his second term on the council. Democrat Lashia Brown-Thomas won the April 22 primary runoff election, defeating Emon Thompson. Brown-Thomas will be the Ward 6 representative on the Jackson City Council as she is running unopposed in the general election. She replaces current Ward 6 Councilman Aaron Banks, who decided not to run for reelection. Council President Virgi Lindsay announced in January that she would not seek reelection. Three candidates are vying to replace her to represent Ward 7. Contact Charlie Drape at cdrape@ This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson, MS, election results for June 3, 2025 for mayor, city council
Washington Post
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Mayor of Mississippi's capital city fights for third term despite federal bribery indictment
JACKSON, Miss. — The mayor of Mississippi's capital city , who's under indictment on federal bribery and conspiracy charges, is fighting to keep his job. In a matchup Jackson voters have seen before, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba , seeking a third term, faces state Sen. John Horhn in a Democratic primary runoff on Tuesday.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Jackson mayoral, council Democratic results are official. Who's on April 22 runoff ballot?
The official results of Jackson's municipal primary elections have been certified and posted online at the Mississippi Secretary of State's website. The official results were certified April 10, but it's unclear when they were posted online, according to Kyle Kirkpatrick, assistant secretary of state for the MSOS' elections division. This includes results for both the Democratic mayoral primaries, as well as the Democratic primaries for the seven seats on the Jackson City Council. The official Republican mayoral primary results have not been posted to the MSOS website at the time of this publishing. Republican primaries were not held for any council seats. Below are the official results. In a few days, State Sen. John Horhn will face off again against incumbent Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba in the Tuesday, April 22 Democratic runoff election. Horhn dominated with 48.4% of the vote compared to Lumumba's 16.8%. Horhn fell just shy of the 50% plus one needed to win outright. Lumumba is seeking his third term in office. In total, 25,558 ballots were cast in the Democratic mayoral primary, an increase from the 2021 primary but not by much. In 2021, a total of 19,997 ballots were cast in the Democratic primary, according to previous Clarion Ledger reporting. The 2025 municipal election saw a massive field of Democratic candidates, including two who were disqualified earlier this year. Here's a look at the Democratic mayoral candidates' official totals, according to certified results from the MSOS website: John Horhn: 12,359 votes; 48.4%. Chokwe Antar Lumumba: 4,285 votes; 16.8%. Tim Henderson: 3499 votes; 13.7%. Delano Funches: 2,118 votes; 8.3%. Marcus Wallace: 1,041 votes; 4.1% Socrates Garrett: 684 votes; 2.7%. David Archie: 552 votes; 2.2%. LaKeisha J. Crye: 361 votes; 1.4%. Albert Wilson: 281 votes; 1.1%. James Hopkins: 264 votes; 1.0%. Kourtney Christopher Paige: 85 votes; 0.3%. James "Blue" Butler: 29 votes; 0.1%. Democratic candidate Jasmine Barnes won the Democratic primary in Ward 1, according to the official results. She dominated the field with over 60% of the vote. Barnes will face Independent candidates Grace Greene and incumbent Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote in the June 3 election. Foote normally runs as a Republican, but decided to run as an independent this year. In total, 4,051 ballots were cast in Ward 1's Democratic primary election. Below is a look at the official results: Jasmine Barnes: 2,535 votes; 62.6%. Stephen Thompson: 792 votes; 19.6%. Jessica Carter: 481 votes; 11.9%. Rhoda Barnes: 243 votes; 6.0% It was a rematch between Incumbent Ward 2 Councilwoman Tina Clay and candidate Marcus Cheatham in the Democratic primary elections. The two faced off in Ward 2's special election held in October after the resignation of former councilwoman Angelique Lee. And once again, Clay bested Cheatham. Clay will face-off against Republican challenger Bethany Williams-Sherif in the June 3 general election. Williams-Sherif ran unopposed in the Republican primary. In total, 4,656 ballots were cast in Ward 2's Democratic primary election. Below is a look at the official results. Tina Clay: 3,011 votes; 64.7% Marcus Cheatham: 1,645 votes; 35.3%. Longtime Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes didn't have to worry about a thing as he was running unopposed in the Democratic primary. But come the June 3, Stokes will be challenged by Independent candidate Marques Jackson in the general election. In total, Stokes received 3,080 votes in the Democratic election. Incumbent Ward 4 Councilman Grizzell cruised to an easy victory in the Democratic primary, easily defeating challenger Malcolm May. With no Republican or Independent candidates challenging him in the June 3 general election, Grizzell has secured a second term serving on the Jackson City Council. In total, 3,407 ballots were cast in Ward 4's Democratic primary. Below is a look at the official results: Brian Grizzell: 2,421 votes; 71.1% Malcolm May: 986 votes; 28.9%. Incumbent Ward 5 Councilman Vernon Hartley secured his party's nomination after winning the Democratic primary. He is seeking his second term on the council. Hartley defeated two Democratic challengers ReJohnna Brown-Mitchell and Charles Alexander. Hartley will now head to the June 3 general election where he will face Independent candidate Raymond McCants III. In total, 2,460 ballots were cast in Ward 5's Democratic primary. Below is a look at the official results: Vernon Hartley: 1,362 votes; 55.4%. ReJohnna Brown-Mitchell: 724 votes; 29.4%. Charles Alexander: 374 votes; 15.2%. The council primary race with the most amount of candidates is unsurprisingly headed to an April 22 runoff election. Nine Democratic candidates faced off Tuesday with the winner receiving nearly 23% of the vote. The winner of the Ward 6 Democratic primary was Emon Thompson. He will be facing Lashia Brown-Thomas in the runoff. The winner will become the next Ward 6 council member as no Independent or Republican candidate is challenging in the general election. In total, 3,120 ballots were cast in Ward 6's Democratic primary. Below is a look at the official results: Emon Thompson: 716 votes; 22.9%. Lashia Brown-Thomas: 656 votes; 21.0%. Jonathan Cottrell: 422 votes; 13.5%. Lee Bernard: 380 votes; 12.2%. Daniel LaPatrick Walker: 320 votes; 10.3%. Lee Scott: 219 votes; 7.0%. Brad Davis: 206 votes; 6.6%. Antonio Porter: 131 votes 4.2%. George Monroe: 70 votes; 2.2%. Kevin Parkinson will face off against Quint Withers in the April 22 Democratic runoff. Parkinson received the most amount of votes out of the five Democratic candidates, with Withers following closely behind. The winner of the runoff will face independent candidate Ron Aldridge and Republican Taylor Turcotte in the June 3 general election. Turcotte did not have any challengers in the Republican primary. Independent candidates do not hold primary elections. In total, 2,930 ballots were cast in Ward 7's Democratic primary. Below is a look at the official results: Kevin Parkinson: 1,125 votes; 38.4%. Quint Withers: 939 votes; 32.0%. Corinthian "Corey" Sanders: 305 votes; 10.4% Turner Martin: 302 votes; 10.3%. Bruce Burton: 259 votes; 8.8%. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson, MS, vote: Mayor, council Democratic primary totals now final
