Mississippi News

Art gallery brings Africa to Jackson, Mississippi

Published

3 years ago

September 10, 2022

This art gallery brings Africa to the ‘City With Soul’

by Vickie King, Mississippi Today
September 10, 2022

Jean Carson warmly welcomes customers who stop by the Afrikan Art Gallery at 800 North Farish St., a few blocks north of downtown Jackson, through a haze of scented, burning incense, making sure to mention the gallery’s goods are authentic and handmade.

Many items, such as the clothing, are from Ghana, and the wood carvings are from Kenya. The gallery has backpacks for every age in colorful hues and intricate patterns, such as the popular Kente cloth, and “mud cloth,” a Malian cotton cloth dyed using fermented mud. The colors are striking and bold — “a feast for the eyes and a smile for your soul,” said Carson, the manager here.

Before this location, the Afrikan Art Gallery was located near the intersection at Bailey Avenue and Fortification Street. Owner Nyika Ajanaku once operated five businesses in the metro area. Currently, the one store is located in the Jessie Williams Building, a space that’s not only an art gallery, but also a meeting place for book signings, educational seminars and after-school activities for children.

Ajanaku has imported a variety of artwork, clothing, jewelry, musical instruments and wood carvings from Africa. From dashikis to kaftans and sundresses, he has filled his store with everything a customer needs to complete an ensemble and decorate a dwelling.

“I just love it here,” said long-time customer Ada Miller Robinson. “I’ve been coming and buying here for years,” she says, shortly before darting off to help Clemontine Whitaker, a fellow-customer and friend. Both ladies admire a sun dress Robinson models for Whitaker, while Carson tends to a family browsing the jewelry cases.

Ajanaku has been a mainstay in the area for 49 years. His advertising for the gallery reads: “Where the Afrikan image is everything!”

This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Mississippi News

Kilmar Abrego Garcia surrenders to ICE in Baltimore, again faces possible deportation

Published

10 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – BRIAN WITTE and BEN FINLEY Associated Press – 2025-08-25 07:22:00

SUMMARY: Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national detained by U.S. immigration authorities in Baltimore, faces potential immediate deportation under the Trump administration. A Maryland federal court order pauses deportations for immigrants challenging detention, including Abrego Garcia. Previously wrongfully deported to El Salvador despite fearing violence, he was returned to the U.S. and charged with human smuggling, which he denies, calling the prosecution vindictive. The administration alleges gang ties, which he rejects. Abrego Garcia faces deportation to Uganda, a new U.S. deportation partner, despite his family and life in Maryland. His attorneys seek to block deportation pending legal review and due process.

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Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: August 22-24

Published

3 days ago

August 22, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-08-22 07:20:00

SUMMARY: This weekend (August 22-24) in Mississippi offers diverse events across Central Mississippi and the Pine Belt. In Jackson, enjoy concerts like Starlito x Don Trip and The Step Brothers 4 Life Tour. Art lovers can explore exhibits such as The Garden of Earthly Delights in Natchez and Hurricane Katrina: Mississippi Remembers in Jackson. Family-friendly activities include the Mississippi Children’s Museum exhibits and the Farmer’s Markets in Jackson, Natchez, and Vicksburg. Notable events include the Black Men’s Health Equity Conference, The Boss T.E.A. Party, and the 15th Annual Leadership Natchez Kickball Tournament. In the Pine Belt, Southern Miss hosts the SMAC Welcome Back Festival and Pride Preview, while Laurel features The Color Purple musical and a chess social.

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Mississippi News

Gymnast who sparked FBI sex abuse inquiry into coach tells AP she’s proud to come forward

Published

4 days ago

August 21, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – Ryan J. Foley – 2025-08-21 13:59:00

SUMMARY: Finley Weldon, 18, bravely spoke out about abuse by her former gymnastics coach Sean Gardner, recently arrested on child sexual exploitation charges. Gardner, who worked at the renowned Chow’s Gymnastics Academy, allegedly targeted young gymnasts since 2004. Weldon endured manipulative and abusive behavior starting at age 11 but persevered to join Iowa State’s gymnastics team. Though many teammates quit due to Gardner, Weldon emphasizes breaking the cycle by coming forward. Investigations by SafeSport, local police, and the FBI uncovered hidden-camera evidence. Despite a slow legal process, Weldon hopes her courage helps protect future young athletes from similar abuse.

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