Jackson Jambalaya

Such a class act and wise man. RIP.

Jackson has lost a TRUE CHAMPION FOR THE PEOPLE. While you may not always have agreed with his plans, you cannot deny his heart was for Jackson. He could have left the shift decades before it sank but he stayed to the bitter end. Rest in Peace & Power Leland. Thank you for exemplifying service.

Great man. Always delightful to run into.

MS needs more cut from his cloth. I pray God will comfort his family in their grief.

He was true Gentleman, a very kind person, and a tremendous advocate for Jackson and for the State of Mississippi.

Sad news. Prayers sent.

He was a great asset for Jackson and Mississippi. I wonder why WLBT story identifies him as "North Jackson businessman" and not just "Jackson businessman"? Sure, he lived in North Jackson but his great work was not limited to just that area.

"On Wednesday, North Jackson businessman and celebrated community leader Leland Speed died at the University of Mississippi Medical Center after a year-long battle with ALS."

Damn, good dude.

Sad news for all Mississippians. He was a great proponent for charter schools and an advocate for kids in failing districts. He will be missed by all.

What an icon and fantastic warrior Leland has been for Jackson, and the Greater area! Always upbeat about what could be accomplished if we set our minds to it and worked together. So sad to lose this special man, but forever thankful for all he did.
Duane O'Neill

Leland was a true civic leader and a great businessman. He had a giving mentality and wanted to make Jackson a better place. He was passionate about everything he did, including downtown redevelopment and helping to improve the educational opportunities to the children living in Jackson. I remember one day walking with him from One Jackson Place to the parking garage. He noticed a piece of trash along the walkway and he stopped to pick it up. It made me realize that his actions were as big as his words. My condolences to his family, and may he Rest In Peace.

He tried to "right the ship" both personally and professionally, but it's difficult to keep the Titanics of Jackson and about half of Mississippi going down into an economic abyss. Just watch when the federal dollars dry up.

A true icon

Few, if any, have worked harder to overcome the massive dysfunction and cultural inertia of Jackson.

What am I remembering, here? Didn't he at one time work for 3 cents or something like that? If current leadership, state or municipal had a tenth of his spirit and vision....just imagine.

One of the few local leaders that actually provided leadership instead of "do as I say not as I do" shenanigans. He will be missed.

@7:20, why use a tribute to a great man to diss Jackson and MS? You are a pathetic person.

Mr. Speed truly cared about this metropolitan area. Peace to his family

4:34, I think when he directed MDA he worked for $1/year. Class act. What a loss for us all.

Mr. Speed is truly one of Jackson's unsung heroes.

Unsung only because Jackson's majority demographic and leadership hates any successful white man who actually understands how to do economic development.

8:32 Mic Drop !!!!