Donna Ladd

2 months ago | mississippifreepress.org | Donna Ladd

I’ve been starting and leading local journalism outlets for a long time—and for the last 23 years back here in my home state of Mississippi. My return-home-whether-or-I-wanted-to-or-not homing device had started buzzing when I was finishing up my mid-career master’s degree in journalism at Columbia in early 2001.

Feb 28, 2025 | mississippifreepress.org | Donna Ladd

Women aren’t supposed to get angry, no matter what people do or say to us. We’re supposed to be feminine, compliant and silent about what insults us, hurts us or gets under our skin. Our lovely lips are supposed to be continually stiff, and for God’s sake it’s not ladylike to talk back, even to call out lies told about us, our loved ones, or even our state and our history. This women’s curse of compliance bounced through my brain last week when I read Torsheta Jackson’s Feb.

Jan 24, 2025 | mississippifreepress.org | Donna Ladd

“This week has completely drained me. I am failing at seeing how to move forward. Failing at seeing how I can protect my family. Y’all, it’s been tough.”I saw those words in a social-media post this morning by a lovely woman I met years ago in Jackson—a Mississippian engaged in her community and a loving wife and mother who lives in service and drinks up life.

Dec 6, 2024 | mississippifreepress.org | Donna Ladd

I can think of very little I enjoy more than singing the praises of the truly remarkable and dedicated Mississippi Free Press team. And, boy, is this their week. Before I share those details and links, let me lay down how we work at the Mississippi Free Press. We are a tight team. We all believe in the mission of sharing information that improves the lives of all Mississippians, not just the wealthiest and whitest.

Nov 7, 2024 | mississippifreepress.org | Donna Ladd

First, I want to acknowledge the pain and worry many of you are experiencing this week—about your rights, your livelihoods, your safety, your children and your nation. It is a difficult and uncertain time, and each of us owes ourselves, loved ones and colleagues kindness and grace. The Mississippi Free Press newsroom has the 1939 British motivational phrase “Keep Calm and Carry On” on a purple poster in our newsroom, and I carry it on my keychain in red.