J. Daniel Cloud | HubCitySPOKES

Libraries promote digital offerings during pandemic

By J. Daniel Cloud, READ MORE > 705 Reads
On Wed, 07/15/2020 - 03:29 PM

She said she “checks out” up to 20 books at a time. She can only listen, but she goes through far more books than most people can.
When you’ve been losing your sight since your 20s, to the point where you’re almost totally blind, entertainment options are scarce.

Juneteenth celebrated, statue protests proceed

By J. Daniel Cloud, READ MORE > 703 Reads
On Wed, 06/24/2020 - 04:15 PM

“Why is this symbol of injustice still standing in a place of justice?” Brandiilyne Magnum-Dear asked as she stood in front of Forrest County’s Circuit Court building, which features a Confederate monument in addition to the Mississippi state flag.
Saturday’s demonstration around the courthouse included about 200 people.

Walkers march from Hattiesburg to Petal to celebrate Juneteenth

By J. Daniel Cloud, READ MORE > 2,012 Reads
On Sat, 06/20/2020 - 08:04 PM

On Friday, approximately 200 people walked from Hattiesburg’s Chain Park to the park behind Petal City Hall to celebrate Juneteenth. The walk was organized by the Mississippi Rising Coalition to mark the holiday, which celebrates the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States.

Black Lives Matter, flag protests held Sunday at Southern Miss

By J. Daniel Cloud, READ MORE > 885 Reads
On Mon, 06/15/2020 - 09:49 AM

Around 50 Black Lives Matter demonstrators, including students and other local residents, gathered for a protest at the front entrance of the University of Southern Mississippi campus on Hardy Street in Hattiesburg on Sunday. Demonstrators waved signs with sayings like "Stop telling us to get over slavery ...

Saturday marches aim for unity and equality

By J. Daniel Cloud, READ MORE > 1,619 Reads
On Wed, 06/10/2020 - 04:24 PM

There will be two marches in Hattiesburg on Saturday, and both aim to unite the community and bring about racial equality.

Approximately 250 people join ‘Unity Walk’ in Petal

By J. Daniel Cloud, READ MORE > 750 Reads
On Wed, 06/10/2020 - 04:12 PM

“We’re not here to protest.”
Those are the words of Aaron Ryals, one of the two leaders of Petal’s Unity Walk last Saturday, June 6.
His longtime friend Cory Gray followed him on the steps of Petal’s City Hall: “Protest is necessary, and we need it. But that’s not what this is.”

A musical experience on the Longleaf Trace

By J. Daniel Cloud, READ MORE > 1,012 Reads
On Wed, 06/03/2020 - 04:37 PM

Music, and the arts in general, are always important, but even more so during times of crisis, says Richard Kravchak, a professor in the University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Music. James Moore, owner of Hattiesburg’s Moore’s Bicycle Shop, agrees.

USM Eagle’s Nest providing food, supplies to those in need

By J. Daniel Cloud, READ MORE > 1,160 Reads
On Thu, 05/28/2020 - 02:54 AM

Even though the University of Southern Mississippi has been shut down, the Eagle’s Nest is still open for business.
The Eagle’s Nest, a food pantry on the USM campus, provides food and other essential materials, including school and sanitary supplies, to anyone affiliated with the university.

Local wholesaler expands business

By J. Daniel Cloud, READ MORE > 2,862 Reads
On Wed, 04/22/2020 - 08:35 PM

Longtime local wholesaler J&J Produce recently opened its doors, figuratively speaking, to the public.

They’ve been primarily a wholesaler but began selling boxes of mixed fruits and vegetables to individuals after the coronavirus moved into Forrest County.

For homeless, virus another challenge

By J. Daniel Cloud, READ MORE > 2,947 Reads
On Wed, 04/08/2020 - 11:43 PM

What happens to the homeless in light of the current coronavirus epidemic?

It’s hard to tell, because most of the previously known homeless camps are abandoned or otherwise vacant, said Kim Townsend, who coordinates Hattiesburg’s efforts to assist the local homeless population.

“Things are changing day to day,” she said.

Subscribe to J. Daniel Cloud