“The support that we have been shown is just amazing,” Brown shared.

Brown’s background in marketing and advertising seems to have given her the midas touch when it comes to retail.

In just one short year, Fondren Fashion House has become the go to boutique for fashionistas from across the country in search of haute` fashion.

“80 percent of our customers are from out-of- state,” Brown said in amazement. “And we don’t have a website. We strictly depend on social media, Instagram and Facebook.”

One of the keys to Fondren Fashion House’s success has been social media. Brown says social media allows for instant connection with consumers near and far. In fact, once an item is placed on their social media outlets, there’s a good possibility that it’s sold before it ever hits the racks. And for those items that happen to make it to the racks, they only have a shelf life of about three days.

Fondren Fashion House also enjoys the benefits of a  solid repeat customer base. Repeat customers are the foundation on which profitable businesses are built. Statistics show that 25 to 40 percent of the total revenues of the most stable businesses come from returning customers.

Cecelia Simon, who lives in Hattiesburg, starting following the boutique on Instagram after viewing a post from Sarah Jakes, daughter of famed televangelist T.D. Jakes. Jakes was showing off her outfit of the day that had been purchased at the store.

“After that I started following them and purchasing from them. I buy from them as often as I see something I like,” Simon admitted. “One particular piece I got was a custom blouse, it was a little pricey, but I really liked the pattern and when I received it I was really pleased, because

Included in Brown’s team of fashion experts is Celebrity Stylist Jason Bolin.

it was everything that I paid for. Sometimes you get things and you really don’t like it because its not quality, but that blouse was everything I wanted. They have great quality fashion.”

Fondren Fashion House’s customer base is on a continuous upward trend.  It doesn’t hurt that celebrities such as Bravo TV’s Real Housewives of Atlanta star NeNe Leakes and singer Michelle Williams of famed group Destiny’s Child have all been spotted sporting fab garments from the Jackson based boutique.

Brown is certain that there is no exact formula for success, but does offer this tid-bit of insight.

“It’s all about giving people a great experience and quality fashion. I have a team of fashion experts who love what they do, so much to the point that even on their days off, they are trying to come in.”

Included in her team of fashion experts is Celebrity Stylist Jason Bolin. Bolin who is also the publisher of Denim Magazine, has styled Hollywood acts such as Christina Milian, Boris Kodjoe and Gospel super group Mary Mary.

What’s next for Brown? The forward thinking entrepreneur plans to launch the Fondren Fashion House website in July to help commemorate their one year anniversary. Although she is being very tight lipped about expanding her retail company, she did confirm that she will be opening another boutique in the Metro Jackson area soon.

In addition to launching a website,  Fondren Fashion House will host the Rustic Meets Chic fashion show, Thursday, July 25th at The South. The fashion extravaganza will start at 7p.m. with a red carpet, followed by the show  hosted by Mrs. Quad, reality star of Bravo TV’s Married to Medicine.

“This is just our way of saying thank you to our customers. For their support over this year.”

The fashion show will feature apparel from Fondren Fashion House, as well as several exclusive designers. Advanced VIP and general admissions can be purchased at Fondren Fashion House at 310 Mitchell Avenue or call 601-362-9090.

When Taylor learned that Evers’ widow Myrlie Evers-Williams would be at Lemuria Bookstore signing copies of her new book, The Autobiography of Medgar Evers she said had to be there.

“A lot has been written, but to read his words that only she can tell, I think that is unique,” Taylor said.

Evers-Williams said her new book comes after many years of frustration of her husband being mention as only a slain civil rights leader. “Medgar was never listed in the history books or he was simple listed as a civil rights leader that was assassinated in Mississippi. Nothing more, nothing less. I felt he deserved so much more. He was a pioneer. He gave the ultimate sacrifice.”

For the first time, the life of Medgar Evers is told through his speeches, letters, essays and memoirs. The pieces range from Evers’ monthly reports to the NAACP to his correspondence with luminaries of the time such as Robert Carter,

general counsel for the NAACP in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Case, to a letter her wrote to President Dwight Eisenhower about the democratic way Mississippians elected officials. The book also includes personal letters that he wrote to his wife and children.

Evers-Williams believes all of the writings to be critical, but says the most profound is the essay her husband wrote for Ebony Magazine, entitled “Why I Live in Mississippi”.

“That essay explains why Medgar did the work he did. It is a very profound,” she said.

Although the life of Evers is well remembered and respected in Mississippi, the legal battles surrounding his death have too often overshadowed the example and inspiration of his life.

“This book is about life and living, not death,”

 Evers-Williams said. “I hope it’s widely read, especially by the younger

people. I want to send a message about what happen in the past and how critical it is.”

Evers was the NAACP’s first field secretary in Mississippi during a time of racial intolerance. On the evening of June 12, 1963 he was shot and killed by an assassin’s bullet in his driveway.  A staunch white supremacist, Byron De La Beckwith, was accused of the murder, but it took more than 30 years to bring him to justice.

“This is a book about one Mississippi’s hero,” said former Governor William Winter. “Anytime is a good time for this story to be told. I hope he continues to inspire people, especially young African Americans.”

Compiling the cache of personal documents, writings and speeches was not only a long process for Evers-Williams,

For the first time, the life of Medgar Evers is told through his speeches, letters, essays and memoirs. The book also includes personal letters that he wrote to his wife and children.

but it was also an emotional one.  Medgar and Myrlie’s youngest son, who was only three when his father was assassinated, helped to digitize many of the photographs for the book.

“If you look closely at Medgar’s driver license you can still see the blood stains,” Evers-Williams said. “Doing this book was very emotional because it brought back so many memories, good and not so good. It really was an emotional journey.”

Evers-Williams now lives in Bend, Ore, but still considers Mississippi home. In fact she travels back to the state at least three times a year, but this visit was special. Sunday marked the 42 anniversary of her husband’s assassination, but for her June 12 will always be a day of celebration.

“There will always be a little sadness, but he would want us to celebrate all that he and others have accomplished,” she said. “One should not go around frowning and crying, but learn the lesson.”

In 1999 Evers-Williams co-chaired the Day of Acknowledgement in Oregon. At this time Oregon still had laws in legislation that forbid African American to live within certain areas of the state.

“During the time when these laws came about, blacks could work in these areas, but they could live there. And these laws had never been abolished,” she explained.  “It’s just a way the state acknowledges it was wrong and removed offensive legislative. Maybe Mississippi will have a day of acknowledgement after the trial.”

Edgar Ray Killen’s trial began on Monday. Killen, an 80 year old Klansman, is accused of engineering the murder of civil rights workers Andre Goodman, James Chaney and Michael Schwener.

“For people who say we shouldn’t go back, I say no way. No way should we let that go. We always hear these crimes described as civil rights murders, but these are murders. This state and other states have a chance to clear the record.”

In her own right she too has been an activist for change. Evers-Williams, who is now 72, has had a full life and harbors no bitterness. “I’ve had numerous jobs, been very successful, ran for Congress and married a wonderful man who was secure enough in who he was to say it’s okay that this marriage consists of three people.”

Life for Myrlie Evers-Williams has not been easy, but her faith in God, her love and respect for Medgar Evers and his life and legacy gives her the strength to continue.

“I never set out to be at the forefront, but I saw the need for workers in the field. I’ve been sent on a mission. I have a love for life and all of its challenges and I hope I never stop growing.”

The Autobiography of Medgar Evers can be purchased at all major bookstores and online.

Written by Shameka L. Reed. I interviewed Myrlie Evers-Williams in 2005, while she was in Jackson, MS promoting her book The Autobiography of Medgar Evers. To date, this piece is one of my proudest moments as a journalist. I still remember the nervousness of interviewing her and the excitement of writing this story.  As we pause to remember the life of Medgar Wiley Evers, let us forever honor his life and live his legacy.

On Sunday, June 9th at 6:00 p.m., the Smith Robertson Museum & Cultural Center will officially open the Medgar Wiley Evers’ Retrospective Gallery. It is going to be an indoor/outdoor extravaganza!

Reena Evers-Everette, daughter of Medgar and Myrlie Evers and the executive director of the Institute, said a memorial service will be held at her father’s gravesite in Arlington National Cemetery on June 5 at noon. On the evening of June 5, a symposium entitled “The Legacy of Medgar Evers” will be held at the Newseum in the nation’s capital. Myrlie Evers, noted civil rights activist Julian Bond, and award-winning investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell will participate in a discussion moderated by Gwen Ifill, host of “Washington Week” and senior correspondent for “PBS NewsHour.”

The Metro Jackson Chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and the International Community Ambassadors Network (I!CAN) have partnered with the Institute to launch the Inaugural Medgar Evers Day of Justice and Service.  On Saturday, June 8, 2013, individuals and organizations are asked to implement volunteer service projects throughout their communities around the world. Everyone is invited to participate to perpetuate Medgar Evers’ legacy of justice and service. Organizations can visitwww.jsums.edu/medayofservice to list their service idea and post photographs.

On Sunday, June 9, faith leaders across the world are asked to remember Medgar Evers and celebrate his legacy by sharing a message of unity and faith. The message is available at www.eversinstitute.org.

“Where Medgar Walked: Civil Rights Sites Tours” will be held throughout city of Jackson June 10-11. The tours will offer an opportunity to walk in Evers’ footsteps.

“These historic landmarks are stark reminders of a young man called to serve – a young man who paid the ultimate price with his life,” said Daphne Chamberlain, Ph.D., director of the COFO Civil Rights Education Center and coordinator of the tours.

June 12 has been designated the International Day of Remembrance. On that day, an art garden celebration on the green at the Mississippi Museum of Art will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature music, art, food, book signings and a literacy fair.

The black-tie tribute gala, held June 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jackson Convention Complex, will honor the life and legacy of Medgar Evers, but will also recognize other civil rights legends. Invited guests include Vernon Jordan, blues legend B.B. King, and gospel recording artist Tamela Mann. The co-chairs of the gala are Juanita Sims Doty, Ed.D, chairman of the board of the Juanita Sims Doty Foundation, and Derrick Johnson, president of One Voice and the Mississippi State Conference of the NAACP.  To purchase tickets, call 601-878-1881

The following is a schedule of events and activities related to the commemoration:

Washington, D.C. June 5 Memorial Service, Arlington National Cemetery – 12 Noon
The Legacy of Medgar Evers Symposium, The Newseum, 7:30 p.m.

Jackson, Miss. June 6-12 Homecoming events sponsored by Charles Evers: June 6 – Gospel Concert, Tougaloo College, 6 p.m.

June 7 – 50^th Celebration Banquet, Masonic Temple, 7 p.m.

Parade beginning at Freedom Corner: Medgar Evers Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive – 10 a.m.

June 8 – Inaugural Medgar Evers International Day of Justice and Service www.MEdayofjusticeandservice.org

June 9 –Medgar Evers Sunday

Faith leaders all over the world will remember Medgar Evers and celebrate his Legacy by sharing a message of “Unity and Faith.”

Liturgy for Racial Reconciliation Commemorating the Life and Legacy of Medgar Evers, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral, 4 p.m.

Medgar Evers Exhibit Grand Opening and Reception, Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center, 6 p.m.

June 10-11— Where Medgar Walked: Civil Rights Sites Tours (citywide)

June 10-11 — Civil Rights Film Festival, Davis Planetarium

June 11 — Day of Commitment Youth Congress: Dedicated to the Cause of Freedom, Cabot Lodge Millsaps

June 12— International Day of Remembrance, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Art Garden Celebration on the Green, Mississippi Museum of Art Music • Art • Food Festival • Literacy Fair • Reflections and Book Signings by Historians and Authors • Sponsor Exhibits

Service of the Bells, Noon – 12:30 p.m. Memorial and Praise in Word and Song

50^th Anniversary Commemorative Tribute Gala, Jackson Convention Complex, 7:30 p.m. To purchase gala tickets, call 601-878-1881

Exhibits Honoring Medgar and Myrlie Evers and Civil Rights COFO Civil Rights Education Center at Jackson State University – ongoing William Winter Archives and History Building – opening May 1 Eudora Welty Education and Visitors Center – opening May 15 Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center – opening June 9 Mississippi Museum of Art – opening June 11

Alcorn State University Events Medgar Wiley Evers ’52 Memorial National Dedication Ceremony, June 13, 10 a.m. Medgar Evers Heritage Village, Lorman, Miss. www.MEmemorial.com

Torch of Justice Awards Luncheon, June 13, Noon Davey L. Whitney Arena Complex

A Diversified Vocabulary

I hate and appreciate the English language equally, due to its complexity. There can literally be 50 synonyms for one word. Men don’t have to be language arts masters, but it says something about a man who can articulate his thoughts without vulgarity ever 4 words or utilizing the phrase “You know what I’m sayin?” When a man can properly convey a thought in a clear and concise manner, it shows that you are knowledgeable, educated (not just “book smarts”), and intelligent. When I was younger, I would switch up how I talked in school as opposed to my friends because I was ashamed of being the “smart kid”.I didn’t want to be labeled as a nerd or geek, and I didn’t want to sound like I was above everyone else. As I got older, I realized that you should never hide your intellect to massage another person’s ego. Narcissism isn’t appreciate either. Embrace higher learning and don’t fear the repercussions of how you positively present yourself. Women appreciate communication, so naturally they appreciate a man who is clear in thought and word. You don’t have to have the gift of gab, or have the stoic, broody, teenage vampire show esque persona to be effective. Synonyms are your friend! Exhibiting diversity in how you communicate will be appreciated by women and hey, it works in business and other interactions too.

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“Events like this are already taking place in Richmond, Harlem and cities across the country and are having great success. We wanted to do it for our city,” shared Shameka L. Reed, publisher of online magazine Savvy Lifestyle Magazine.

Although this is the first artisan event hosted by the two entrepreneurs, they have not had any problems finding vendors.

“We actually have a waiting list of vendors and that’s a great problem to have. This isn’t a one-time event. We plan on doing this every 2-3 months, so the vendors who weren’t able to participate in the May 9th one will have other opportunities,” Terry said.

Vendors include Tony Davenport, Shambe` Jones, Jus Mudd, Rasheika Coleman, Peru Paper, Rock- Paper-Heel, KnottedUp Kneckwear, Blackrose, Graffiti Glam, iCandy Men’s Apparel, Adobo, Toots Cake Pops and Bk2Natur.

Live entertainment by local R&B singer Kerry Thomas and DJ Sean Mac will help complete the ambiance of the event. Complimentary admission for The Artisan Mixer is available at www.theartisanmixer.eventbrite.com. For more information, email theartisanmixer@gmail.com or call 601-965-0337.

Until that fateful day when both the king and queen died in a fire and the king’s evil sister, Devorah, became the ruler. Queen Devorah decreed that only the rich members of her court were allowed to dance and be happy.

For many years, that was the way of life in Goma. Until Amani,  a young and courageous girl, defies the laws and takes a stand against the evil ruler. It’s a storied tale that proves that with enough willpower and determination no obstacle is too large to face.

Although this is a mere fairy tale, the resemblance to the character Amani and the creator of the theatrical production of  The Dancer & The Frog are uncanning. Both are equally strong and ambitious and neither one running from a challenge.

Maybe not as life altering as the theatrical production, but 23-year-old Jackson native, director, and choreographer for The Dancer & The Frog, Shirley Hopkins, is definitely a young and courageous girl beating the odds.

“I had the vision for The Dancer & The Frog after attending a similar production in Birmingham,” Hopkins recalls. “On the drive home, I remember thinking, ‘I can do that’. So my mom and I began thinking it through. We got with playwright LaShunda Thomas and shared our vision and she wrote it for us.”

“When she approached me about it I was very excited, because the vision she had, I hadn’t seen it done,” Thomas said. ”She is combining theater with dance, in an interpretive way. I’m use to seeing musical theater with singing and dance routines, but have never seen a production of dance and theater. This is the first time I’ve seen this done in Jackson and I’m very excited to be a part of it.”

The Dancer & The Frog features an array of new and young talent from Atlanta, Mississippi, and Alabama. This is the first production for Hopkins’ company iDance Ministries.

Hopkins worked with Jackson based playwright and actress LaShunda Thomas to write the production.

Since childhood, dance has been a moving force throughout Hopkins life. Starting off as a fun activity she simply enjoyed, she performed with several groups varying in genres from ballet to praise dancing.

“Dancing and even performing have always been apart of me. I always knew that I wanted to start my own dance company and produce my own plays and musicals, I just never intended on starting so early,” says Hopkins. “The Lord just told me to get started, to stop waiting and do it now.”

iDance Ministries was founded by Hopkins in 2011 and is a Christian based organization. Its’ mission is dedicated to instructing dancers in the spiritual, mental, and physical methods of dancing, while providing the foundation to help build confidence. It’s an environment for various ages to develop and nourish new relationships, while participating in the art of dance.

“It has been amazing, I’ve really enjoyed working with Shirley,” Thomas said of Hopkins.  “She has such a genuine spirit. She is very meek, but at the same time you see that there’s a gift inside of her. When she’s in her element you see it. You see that this is what she is purposed for. I hope to work with her again.”

“It has been a privilege working with these amazing dancers. It been more than what I’ve expected,” Hopkins said. “They have gone over and beyond my expectations! The Dancer & The Frog is going to be something new that will hit the Jackson area and I’m excited!”

iDance Ministries will present The Dancer & The Frog Saturday, April 27, 2013 at the Alamo Theater in Jackson, MS. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and curtain time is at 6:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $10 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or www.thedancerandthefrogproduction.eventbrite.com

• The Eldredge knot is unnecessarily complicated. Sure, I’ve read that once you learn the knotting process that it is simple. But the diagram I viewed revealed at least 15 steps to achieve the desired result. I can knot a Four-In-Hand or Half-Windsor in far less. And while I am not standing before a mirror for an exorbitant amount of time, knotting my neckties the old-fashioned way does require a meticulous hand to achieve a nice dimple and correct length. So, why would I want to tack on an extra 10 minutes to my routine?

• The knotting process itself can be brutal on a necktie. Sure, your necktie could be comprised of the finest material that can withstand the beating. But why would I want to subject one of my finest neckties to a sadistic ritual of continuous twists and wraps?

• Simply stated: The necktie looks like it has been knotted backwards.

• And I am not sure how this knot performs if the necktie is patterned. The presentation just doesn’t look clean.

• However, I can see how this can work in the trendy world. Alas, that is not a world I live in. This knot is simply not functional for my lifestyle, which compared to some, could be considered boring.

• Besides, I am far from a flashy gentleman. And this knot screams look-at-me. Remember: Beware the peacock. If I want to stand out, I will do so through a deft execution of color, pattern, and fabric coordination. This just seems like a gimmick.

However, to each his own. If this looks like a fun knot to you, and you want a challenge, then go right ahead my friend and tie one one. I just won’t be in that collective rocking it with you. So, what say the gentlemen, thumbs up or thumbs down?

Written by Glen Antoine Palmer, founder of The Gentlemen’s Standard.