Author: Imported Author 2289001

NATCHEZ, Miss. – Wharlest Jackson Jr. will be traveling to Syracuse University to join a panel discussion on the PBS Frontline documentary, “American Reckoning,” his sister, Denise Jackson Ford, announced Monday. He will discuss, among other things, the experiences of his family during the civil rights movement in Natchez in the 1960s.

Wharlest Jackson Jr. is the son of slain civil rights leader Wharlest Jackson Sr.

Wharlest Jr. and Ford are the children of slain civil rights leader Wharlest Jackson Sr. Their father died when his truck was reportedly bombed by members of the Ku Klux Klan in Natchez, on Feb. 27, 1967. No one was ever charged with his racially motivated murder, and the case remains unsolved.

“American Reckoning” is a documentary that chronicles the life and death of Wharlest Sr. It first aired in February 2022. The film features both Wharlest Jr. and Ford. It follows their family’s efforts to find out what happened to Wharlest Sr. and who was responsible for his murder. The film also examines the history of white supremacy in Natchez.

The upcoming program, which is hosted by Syracuse University College of Law, is set for Tuesday, March 28, at Melanie Gray Ceremonial Courtroom, Dineen Hall on the school campus, according to a school flyer.

Screening of the film will begin at 5:30 p.m. and be followed by a panel discussion and reception. The entire program is free and open to the public. It will be livestreamed at https://syracuseuniversity.zoom.us/j/92970999388

Ford said she is grateful to SU for this opportunity. “Syracuse University Cold Case Studies has always been there to support our family along with the students who are involved in their research and education,” she said. “We want to support Syracuse University.”

In addition to Wharlest Jr., other panelists will include Paula Johnson, professor of Law and director of the Cold Case Justice Initiative, and Brad Lichtenstein, film producer. Chanelle Benz, assistant professor of Creative Writing in the SU department of English, will serve as moderator.

For Ford, her brother’s participation in the program is another opportunity for her family to stand and be proud of their father’s contributions, especially his sacrifice to the civil rights movement.

“To walk like a giant in the footsteps of those who have gone on before us, I walk with my father today,” she said. “I am always elated when an event happens to memorialize my father. He stood for our city and state. I am proud of Wharlest Sr..”

For more information, contact Professor Paula Johnson by email at pcjohnso@syr.edu

The film can be viewed at pbs.org/video/american-reckoning-assg68/

The public is invited to attend an important and revealing presentation by Rachael Carter, Ph. D., with MSU Center for Government & Community Development on “Recapturing Natchez’s Lost Retail Dollars,” this Thursday, March 23, 2023 from 8:00–9:00 am, in the St. Francisville Room of the Natchez Convention Center.

“Anyone who is in business or who wants to be in business should certainly attend,” asserts Mickey Howley, Executive Director of the Downtown Natchez Alliance (DNA), the event sponsor. “Policy makers, elected officials, investors, and economic development professionals will also benefit from Dr. Carter’s research into Natchez’s trade area and her expertise,” says Howley.

Dr. Carter will present market research, as well as the results of DNA’s 2022 Community Survey, conducted by Dr. Carter, which had nearly 500 respondents. Dr. Carter’s work will feed into a high-level action plan for DNA to help facilitate the city’s Downtown Master Plan priorities and spur downtown revitalization.
The 2022 survey questions included, “What retail would you like to see in Downtown Natchez?” “What one thing that would improve Downtown Natchez?” and “Where do you shop for groceries, clothing, healthcare, entertainment, hardware, professional services, and more?”

Respondents were also asked to rate the city’s Downtown Master Plan priorities:
• Preservation and development of the Bluff, Arts District, Triangle and Key Buildings?
• Downtown Mobility: traffic, parking, walkability, bike routes, wayfinding?
• Downtown Residential: new housing, upper floor housing, playgrounds, recreation?
• Business Development: improved vacancy rate, marketing downtown as a small business destination, developing incentives for public arts?

DNA’s work with Dr. Carter builds on studies previously conducted as part of the city’s 2018 Downtown Master Plan project, which included a series of public engagement sessions involving 300 community stakeholders over the course of two years, as well as a Downtown Retail Market Analysis and a Downtown Housing Market Analysis prepared by Randall Gross Economics (2017-2018).
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ABOUT DR. RACHAEL CARTER:
Dr. Carter specializes in community and economic development, public policy, tourism, economic impact and market analysis, retail trade, and natural resource policy at the Center for Government & Community Development, Mississippi State University. She is well known as a successful strategic action planner with a special passion for helping communities, industries and organizations take action to create positive economic development.
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ABOUT THE DOWNTOWN NATCHEZ ALLIANCE
DNA is a non-profit entity organized to advance Downtown Natchez as a vibrant commercial and cultural district consistent with the City of Natchez’s official Downtown Master Plan and the national Main Street Approach, a time-tested framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization of historic downtowns.

WATERS TRUCKS has 7 locations around Mississippi, including Natchez, and they are looking to add dedicated team members to become a part of the WATERS family! Do you want to work for a company that has a team-building mentality? Celebrates achievements? Has values and holds character to a high standard? Apply at WATERS now.

WATERS has been a family-owned business for over 80 years (currently in its 4th generation), opening their doors in 1938. WATERS is a dealer for International Trucks and IC School Buses (Diamond Edge Certified), Collins Buses, Maintainer Service Trucks/Bodies, Jerr-Dan Wreckers/Carriers, Idealease Truck Rental/Leasing, several different Trailer Lines, HuntVe UTVs, Ranch King Hunting Blinds, and all the parts and services that go with them.  They also have several contracts for plant and facilities maintenance. Each WATERS dealership is Prestige Standard certified, which supports their shared vision of being the most customer-centric, capable, and aligned network in the industry.

The position currently open in Natchez, MS is for a Parts Counter/Inside Salesperson. This is a wonderful opportunity to join a well-established company in our community. WATERS prides themselves on treating their employees like family. WATERS in Natchez is open Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you or someone you know is looking for a new work family and opportunity for growth, click the link below to fill out an application. Applications must be submitted online.

Start your new career path today!

Click Here to Apply at WATERS

Details for this job are as follows:

Benefits

• Paid Holidays and Vacation
• Weekly Pay
• Performance Based Incentive Pay
• 401K Program + Company Contribution
• Health Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance (paid by WATERS)
• MDLive Access (paid by WATERS)
• Life Insurance and Voluntary Life Insurance option
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Uniform Allowance
• Jury Duty Pay
• Growth Opportunities
• Family-Owned and Operated

Responsibilities

• Being aligned with our culture is VITAL.  Candidate must embody and promote the WATERS Family Values.  A summary of our values are below:
  • Customers – Customers First.  Dedicated to the highest level of customers satisfaction.
  • Integrity – Do the Right Thing. Maintain integrity in all we do.
  • Employees – Take care of our employees.
  • Team – One Team, One Family.
  • B.O.B. Excellence – Be the Best of the Best.
  • Empowerment – Empower our employees.
  • Accessibility – Be hands on and accessible to our customers and employees.
  • Safety – Prioritize safety.
• Provide ongoing support to the current customer base
• Develop new business relationships
• Interact with internal managers to identify new customers
• Ensure high customer satisfaction
• Keep up to date on product knowledge
• Assists parts department with related duties such as customer inquiries, relief of parts counter staff, and the picking and delivering of parts as needed
• Determine customer’s changing needs, and promote appropriate products to meet those needs
• Accurately source and quote product prices and availability through research of suppliers
• Prospects new customers through referrals and cold-calling
• Assist in performing parts cycle counts and helping with inventory control tasks
• Potentially assisting in performing parts receiving and supplier orders and related tasks
• Enter all pertinent information into business system (Karmak Fusion)
• Utilize the business system (Karmak Fusion) to monitor and track vehicle parts orders and inventory
• Visibly demonstrate safety commitment by following all safety and health procedures and modeling the behaviors related to such
• Perform other duties as assigned by management

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• 2 years of diesel truck and equipment parts experience preferred, but not required
• Previous sales experience is an asset
• Ability to cold-call, build relationships with customers, and provide exceptional service
• Strong negotiation and listening skills
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Basic computer software skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and internet
• Familiarity with Karmak Fusion business system a plus
• Familiarity with Navistar’s software systems a plus
• Existing certifications in Navistar’s parts education system a plus
• Commitment to ongoing sales training
• Strong in time-management. Sets and meets priorities and long-term goals
• Experience using general office equipment (i.e., computer, copier, fax machine, etc.)
• Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to perform repetitive data entry tasks, manual dexterity
• Must be a team player with a strong sense of commitment to the customer
• Must be able to work in a busy environment
• Must have the ability to learn and work daily in other digital systems
• Working knowledge and familiarity of engines and truck and equipment components is a plus

WATERS is an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination/harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

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