Sixty Minutes stirred the Mississippi pot thirty years ago with a story on Tunica County. The story is mainly forgotten, although it received its fair share of attention in 1985. The video popped up on Youtube, so here it is for your viewing pleasure.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
The story of Sugar Ditch
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Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.
Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).
Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.
Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".
In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.
In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.
Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.
Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!
This is definitely a Beaver production.
Note: Security provided by INS.
Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).
Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.
Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".
In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.
In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.
Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.
Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!
This is definitely a Beaver production.
Note: Security provided by INS.
Trollfest '07
Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.
There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.
If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!
This is definitely a Beaver production.
Note: Security provided by INS.
There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.
If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!
This is definitely a Beaver production.
Note: Security provided by INS.
10 comments:
Don't know if this is in the story, but I had several friends from Tunica who said as soon as a family would move out of one of the terrible shacks on Sugar Ditch into better housing another would eagerly take their place. This was back when a lot of black families were still living in tenant houses out on plantations, and the in-town local of the Sugar Ditch housing made it highly desirable.
Roger Goodell would be a good JFP intern.
Around 12:37, the "Establishment" figures interviewed all seem to almost be yodeling. That's unusual in the Delta, even in a part of the region where the whites tend to have a high degree of Native American admixture. Three of those four people at the conference table are obviously 'part Indian' (I am, and I know the look). But it takes a higher percentage of Native American lineage, and far less 'white acculturation' than is obviously possessed by those "establishment" types, for a person to exhibit the voice qualities we hear in that segment of the video.
What I'm saying is that I believe the show's producers caused their sound experts to deliberately DISTORT those voices, in order to make them sound comical/strange/sinister/disturbing.
But then, the entire 'piece' seems to be a gross and deliberate DISTORTION. Achieving the most negative SPIN possible, seems to have been the goal. And, to be sure the final picture of Tunica amounted to a giant lie, Sixty Minutes' staff's distortions and OMISSIONS were supplemented by the rantings and probable FABRICATIONS of the Civil Rights Attorney.
The Civil Rights Attorney could have been a recurring character on Saturday Night Live. He was so over-the-top, he seemed to be doing a comedy act.
I was at Delta State, in the mid-Seventies - a decade BEFORE this Sixty Minutes segment was aired. Most every white person there had close black friends. Many had black lovers. We found jobs for each other in Jackson, and the close ties have endured. We had no 'apartheid' in the Seventies. And considering that we, today, mostly live in close proximity to each other, in Madison and FNEJ, no 'apartheid' seems to have emerged during the ensuing decades. I hardly think the 'Delta State Crowd' is unique in that regard. Grads of Southern, as just one example, seem to have formed similar long term interracial bonds.
Maybe Tunica was actually worse, and somehow different from Greenville, Clarksdale, Cleveland, Hollandale, and Rosedale. But mostly, I suspect that Sixty Minutes approached the story with an agenda, and that the writers/producers/Narrator SAW ONLY WHAT THEY WANTED TO SEE - saw only what made for a more sensational story.
You can find horrible poverty in a lot of places - even within a couple miles of Sixty Minutes' New York headquarters. As a window into Sixty Minutes' hypocrisy, try doing a Google Image Search like, "Bronx 1985". Parts of the Bronx, back then, made Sugar Ditch look like Heaven.
Responding to 12:55. That a producer would 'approach a story with an agenda' is certainly an eye opener. Say it ain't so and thanks for that enlightenment.
I too was at Delta State in that time period and knew very, very few students who had inter-racial relationships (lovers). Although I'm sure there were some, your suggestion is over the top. And the 'close proximity' you claim exists today in Madison and NEJ is a figment of your imagination. Maybe it was the DDT wafting through the Delta air when you were at Delta State.
Sugar Ditch was reality. Anybody who lived in the Delta and traveled to Memphis knew that. Sugar Ditch was 'North Mound Bayou', but worse. Some claim the casinos saved Sugar Ditch from being the only incorporated Third World Town in The Delta. A 'sugar ditch' as you probably know is a ditch running through neighborhoods and behind houses - a ditch filled with raw sewage, offal and all sorts of pestilence. That was Tunica. That WAS Mississippi's Sugar Ditch. And it had absolutely NOTHING to do with Native Americans. Nothing.
"yodeling. That's unusual in the Delta, even in a part of the region where the whites tend to have a high degree of Native American admixture"
I thought yodeling came from Switzerland. Apparently, the Swiss think so too.
The Delta-yodeling connection is sure news to me.
I watched and I didn't hear yodeling. If you are at least 50 years old
you might remember when hearing 60 Minutes was showing up to investigate government was all it took to have people sh*tting bricks.
What I thought I heard was some high pitched nervous explanation about how the Sh*t Ditch and squalor was freedum before the word freedum was a word.
Tell me who in Tunica was proud of the Sh*t Ditch.
Surely this is not still going on this is 2019. I have heard about the white people of Mississippi and those person in the video, sound as stupid as they look. Those silly southern drawls make them sound even more stupid if one can believe that. I hope the people there are not still in the same situation. Mississippi is the dump of the Nation, the poorest, and the most uneducated. And this story proves it. Those white people are living more than likely off the money that was given to them by the federal government tax dollars. More than likely it came from my State. California, we support all of the deep south and we get nothing for it. I we held back our tax money they would all die, but we would never do that because the poor black people would suffer along with the horrible white people. Shame Shame Shame.
Sweetone19 said...
"Surely this is not still going on this is 2019" what makes you so sure? Must be the reflection from the bubble you live in. Well I don't live in a bubble nor do I own rose colored glasses. I have eyes to see. And they can see that right about that same time (1985) a 40 yr homeless crisis started in this country courtesy of Ronald Reagan gutting the Affordable Housing program when the need doubled. And idk where you've been, but I've been all over the country and most of the ppl I see living in bus stops are black, so yeah I guess Shit Ditch is an upgrade from absolutely nothing. But we can't just blame Reagan. Theres been a lot of presidents since and yet these problems exist. I live in Chicago which is definitely a segregated city with plenty of slums and roach infestations. But it's not just a problem of racism against black ppl. I'm Puerto Rican & grew up in a roach infested slum in Jersey City. There's also Appalachia, native American reservations and oh yeah, billions of ppl on the planet who live on a dollar a day. But hey, pretend this "was a long time ago" and don't give yourself whiplash turning your head away so you don't have to look or do anything about it
My name is Jermol Simmons I am the son ofJerlean Simmons who is the founder of Sugarditch Allen we live through it we also were threatened in the times but the sad thing about Jerlean Simmons doing what she's done to make Tunica Mississippi better place there is not a street a sign an apartment building or nothing dedicated to the woman who wrist her life to make tunica Mississippi a better place for Black People to live.
My name is Jermol Simmons I am the son ofJerlean Simmons who is the founder of Sugarditch Allen we live through it we also were threatened in the times but the sad thing about Jerlean Simmons doing what she's done to make Tunica Mississippi better place there is not a street a sign an apartment building or nothing dedicated to the woman who wrist her life to make tunica Mississippi a better place for Black People to live.
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