FOX 40 introduces Keeping It Real, a bi-weekly editorial presented by RaMona Clay Alexander, VP and General Manager. Share your thoughts with us at FEEDBACK@FOX40TV.COM and the FOX40 Feedback line, 601-965-7540.
August 25, 2021 “Delta Variant and Children”
When you cough or sneeze, what do you do? Cover your mouth so you will not spread germs! We do lots of things all day not so spread germs but ask someone to wear a mask…. and you get so much pushback. It’s crazy. The government tells us a lot of things that we have to do every day or otherwise we get a ticket, fined or arrested. Wear your seat beat, if your own a car, you got to have insurance. But wear a mask, my goodness, the resistance received is beyond outrageous!
It’s insane the reasons why no one wants to wear a mask when there is a raging pandemic that has killed over 8,000 Mississippians and continue to wreak havoc on the very health care system that we rely on to take care of us when we are sick. Its so bad right now, we have field hospitals in the parking lot of medical facilities. Just think about that.
Now, our schools are open which is a good thing but the most defenseless against Covid is our children, especially those younger than 12. We all know schools are a petri dish for germs that is innocently spread to other children and adults and yet…push back again on wearing a mask. Our teachers (by the way who are some of the lowest paid in the country) are asked to do more and more for our students but cannot be protected from the risk of Covid because folks don’t want to wear a mask. It just does not make sense. Vaccines work. We are the most vaccinated state in the country and that’s a fact. Hopefully since the FDA has fully approved the Pfizer vaccine our vaccinated population will increase. Currently persons 16 and up can get vaccinated and emergency use for ages 12 -15.
In keeping it real, right now Mississippi is the epicenter of the Delta Variant for the country. Our daily cases continue to escalate and its now impacting our best resource… our children, they are getting sick. Let’s show this country that we truly do care about each other and get all of our numbers that relate to Covid Virus going in the right direction. You know, we are good hardworking people, and we have such dedicated healthcare professional, educators, frontline workers and everyone else.
Get vaccinated and wear a mask. Let’s help protect them so we all can live, learn and grow. I am RaMona Alexander; thank you for listening and watching FOX40.
August 11, 2021 “Sheriff Lee Vance”
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Hinds County Sherriff Lee Dan Vance Jr., passed away a few days ago which was a major shock to our community. I knew Lee Dan personally and professionally. He was a gentleman from Woods Street whose demeanor allowed him to stay cool under major pressure as the leader for the largest police department and sheriff department in the state. He loved serving people in Jackson and the state of Mississippi. He cared deeply for our communities, always showing concern for Jackson and Hinds County and any one or any town that needed assistance. His love of people often was reflected in his warm and infectious smile!
His commitment was deeply entrenched in who he was with a foundation from his parents and public schools…Mary C. Jones, Lanier High (833 for Life) and Jackson State University. He was a devoted Christian man whose values were reflected in his love of family, his actions and ability to seek solutions. He was a humble, lots of fun, had respect from his peers, government leaders and folks from every path of life! I know within our law enforcement community, Sherriff Vance’s transition leaves a HUGE void but in honoring him let’s not forget the tough job he and others do every day.
Our law enforcement and first responders are in the trenches, dealing with so many challenges including a significant increase with the spread of the Covid virus. They are at risk with every call. Current pandemic numbers for Mississippi are at their highest since the beginning of the pandemic with over 3,000 cases reported daily over the last few days. We need to take massive steps to protect ourselves and others by at least wearing a mask and social distancing to prevent the spread of this dangerous virus. Its no joke and the folks dying are from every age group and race; this virus does not discriminate!
To the family of Sherriff Lee Dan Vance, you are in our thoughts and prayers. His leadership and passion for wanting to make Jackson and Hinds County a better place will continue to be engrained in the hearts of his co-workers and peers.
Rest in Peace, Lee Dan
I am RaMona Alexander, thanks for listening and watching FOX40.
July 28, 2021 “The Delta Variant”
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WITH THE RESURGANCE OF THE CORONVIRUS, LETS KEEP IT REAL, I ASK THE QUESTION, WHERE ARE WE GOING? OUR HOSPITALS ARE FULL, ELECTIVE SURGERIES ARE BEING MODIFIED AND OUR HEALTH CARE WORKERS ONCE AGAIN ARE AT RISK WITH OVERWORK AND UNIMAGINABLE TASK OF SAVING OUR CITIIZENS WITH COMPLETE EMOTIONAL DRAIN.
THE DELTA VARIANT IS REAL. THE LAST TIME I CHECKED, IT WAS NOT A MEMBER OF ANY POLITICAL PARTY OR WORKED ON BEHALF OF CONSERVATIVES, LIBERAL OR ANY AFFLIATION EXCEPT DEATH. IT IS THE PARTY OF DEATH. IT IS MORE DEADLY THAN THE PREVIOUS STRAIN THAT HAUNTED US IN THE BEGINNING OF 2020. THE IRONY IS THAT MISSISSIPPI IS THE MOST VACINNATED STATE IN THE NATION! YES, YOU HEARD ME CORRECTLY! THE MMR VACACINE OR MUMPS, MEALES AND RUBELLA IS REQUIRED UNDER STRICT LAWS AND HAS TO BE TAKEN BEFORE YOU ATTEND ANY SCHOOL IN THE STATE. QUITE FRANKLY, WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME WE HEARD ABOUT AN OUT BREAK OF ONE OF THESE DEADLY DISEASES. SOMETHING TO THING ABOUT.
AND YET MANY ARE REBELING AGAINST TAKING A SHOT OR WEARING A MASK, WHICH HAS PROVEN TO SAVE LIVES. THE VACCINE IS NOT PERFECT AND I RESPECT THE POSITION TO MAKE A CHOICE. ALL I ASK IS THAT WE LISTEN TO OUR DOCS AND THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY. WITH THE SCHOOL YEAR STARTING SOON WITH IN-CLASS TEACHING, THERE IS MAJOR CONCERN FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ACROSS ALL EDUCATIONAL SPECTRUMS. THESE WILL BE UN-TESTED WATERS, AGAIN…I ASK WHERE ARE WE GOING???
WHAT IS MOST FRIGHTENING IS THE POPULATION OF 40 AND YOUNGER ARE THE MAJOR DEMOGRAPHIC THAT IS NOT VACCINATED AND GETTING INFECTED. IN KEEPING IT REAL, MANY OF THAT AGE GROUP, WILL ENGAGE IN RISKY BEHAVIOR THAT CAN IMPACT THEIR HEALTH WITH UNKNOWN DEADLY CONSEQUENCES BUT WILL REFUSE TO GET THE VACCINE, I JUST DON’T UNDERSTAND IT. THIS VIRUS KILLS, ITS JUST THAT SIMPLE. SO WE ASK OF YOU, PLEASE TAKE A CAUTIOUS APPROACH AND FOLLOW THE NEWLY RELEASED CDC GUIDELINES. WEAR A MASK AND TAKE THE PREVENTATIVE STEPS OF SAVING LIVES.
I KNOW I DO NOT WANT TO REVISIT 2020 SHUTDOWNS, HEART ACHE, I WANT US TO MOVE FORWARD. SO LETS DO OUR HOME WORK, ASK OUR HEALTHCARE COMMUNITY QUESTIONS AND PROTECT THOSE WE LOVE AND OTHERS.
I AM RAMONA ALEXANDER, THANK YOU FOR LISTENING AND WATCHING. BE WELL AND SAFE
July 14, 2021 “Combating Crime”
Kennedy Hobbs, say her name. Youthful, vibrant full of life, only for it to be cut short too soon by the careless and senseless violence plaguing Jackson. Its been several weeks since Kennedy Hobbs was murdered in Jackson. Since then, the number of pointless killings have escalated. What is more astonishing is the age of the victims as well as the murders, so many under the age of 25! Its scary.
What impact and trauma is this having on our young adults and teens in our communities? Are they developing fear because of the lack of safety, or are they becoming immune and indifferent to violence and death, if so God help us all! It’s important that we reach out to our youth through church, school and community organizations and take their pulse on their mental health. Its critical that we check in and ask the questions. It’s scary, but we must address this crisis in our city!
There are leaders that are taking steps and attempting to address what is going on. Members of the Jackson City Council seem to be trying to develop solutions and having many discussions about funding, training, recruitment for additional policeman and addressing other issues as it pertains to the shortage of law enforcement. The Hinds County Sherriff Department and other law enforcement agencies have been going through mental health training to help understand the issues of mental health and combating crime. The Governor and Public Service Commissioner are working with the department of Public Safety to increase its presence and visibility in Jackson and in the process of un-veiling a plan.
In keeping it real, the close to 80 murders in the city are all souls important to somebody and its sad that their families, friends and communities are left with a void regardless of who they are. Kennedy Hobbs, I will say her name and remind our leaders that addressing crime is an ongoing process of actions and dialogue in need of long term solutions. I am RaMona Alexander, thank you for listening and watching FOX40.
June 2, 2021 “Kennedy Hobbs”
May 19,2021 “Initiative 65 and Special Session”
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766, 478 is a big number. This number represents the voters who tremendously decided that initiative 65 should move forward and be implemented. As you may recall, this vote took place back in November 2020. In really simply terms, this initiative allows qualified patients with debilitating medical conditions to use medicinal marijuana to treat illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, forms of cancer, ALS and the list goes on.
I am not a lawyer or legal scholar, just a citizen so I am going to attempt to make this easy to understand. In really simple words….A recent Mississippi Supreme Court ruling states that the process of getting any initiative now or in the future on the ballot is flawed and; therefore, this initiative 65, the will of the people cannot move forward. Right now, our voices are muted, we cannot be heard because of an antiquated system within our government and constitution.
The voice of Mississippi has spoken loudly, it will not be silenced! Mississippi Politicians get it together and let the fine citizens of our state be heard. In keeping it real, fix the initiative process and Initiative 65. 766,478 voters have spoken. Its up to Governor Tate Reeves, Lt Delbert Hoseman , Speaker Phil Gun and the Mississippi legislature to give us our voice back! This can happen by Governor Reeves calling a special session of the legislature to fix this issue now.
Life is tough, and medical pain is tougher. Our citizens do not need to suffer any longer when the solution is easy to repair. I am RaMona Clay Alexander, a Mississippian who has a voice, thank you as always for listening and watching.
May 5, 2021 “Mother’s Day and Teacher Appreciation”
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My Mom was a teacher, a warrior, a nurturer, my Shero! She raised five dynamic children on a Mississippi school teacher salary. She was the rock of my soul. In keeping it real, I want to honor who she was, the same as most Mississippians will do this Sunday on Mother’s Day, which is honoring our beautiful Moms. There are no words that can describe the beauty of a Mother’s Love!
Being a Mom is a tough job, it takes courage to bring a life into the world! And it requires lots of unconditional love, dedication and patience to raise children ! Personally, I think Mothers should be honored 365 days a year! You know, it’s also “Teacher Appreciation Week” and I feel we should give a huge shoutout to those “Mom” educators who wear the hats passionately educating our precious children day in and day out in school rooms throughout the state.
It’s time to reflect and honor the warriors of education…the ” Mom Principals” the “Mom Cafeteria Workers”, “The Mom Teacher Assistants” and “Mom Bus Drivers” who pick up the mantle and keep our children safe, encouraged and fed with knowledge… regardless! In saluting all educators, ( especially the Moms), its important to note that they have been criticized, under-paid and overworked. But you know, very few ever stop giving, and most are always willing to provide compassion and to help our children endlessly.
FOX40 salutes Moms and Educators for their tireless efforts and commitment to raising the next generation of leaders, farmers, activist, healers, Future Moms, scientists, front line workers, caregivers, and the list goes on! Rock on educators, rock on Moms. And in keeping it real, it’s also important to recognize the “Other Mom Village”; the surrogate Moms who love our children – the Aunties, The Godmothers, Grandmothers and Foster Moms and any woman who fills the void of a child when their Mom is not around, their love is priceless!
I am RaMona Clay Alexander, one of five children of Alberta Howard Alexander, a tireless Mississippi educator and Mom!
Thank you for watching and listening and again Happy Mother’s Day!
April 14, 2021 “Infrastructure”
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Shoddy bridges, raggedy streets, ancient water systems, excessive flooding during heavy rains, crumbling school buildings, broad band access in rural areas. The struggle of our students to attend class online because of poor or no broadband internet reared its ugly head during COVID -19. These are not democratic or republican issues but a human issue because we ALL need and use these services mentioned!
As a young person growing up in Jackson, I used to cross over the bridge located between Colonial Circle and Adkins Boulevard as a short cut to avoid traffic. Unfortunately, crews closed the Timber bridge on Colonial Circle indefinitely due to erosion and just being worn out, a stark reminder of our poor infrastructure system. There are so many bridges in Mississippi like this one in Jackson that have been closed and are in need of repair. The recent and ongoing issues in Jackson with the water system will appear in other towns.
These concerns mentioned will not go away because we don’t like the political party who is in the White House, Governor’s Mansion or Mayor’s office. We need to figure out a way to fix it and stop kicking it down the road. In other words, we need our leaders to represent all citizens. Leaders – local, state and national of all political parties – work it out so that our great state can move forward and not stay stuck in a dilapidated mess.
I love Mississippi! But In Keeping It Real, if we do not come together with solid solutions for our infrastructure, we will not grow or more forward as a state, many of our cities will evaporate, and local communities will not exist.
As am RaMona Alexander. Thank you for watching and listening!
March 24, 2021 “Vaccine Rollout”
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Mississippi is re-emerging from COVID-19 hibernation. The vaccine is here and its rollout has been impressive! As of March 23rd, 1,061,253, doses have been administered, with 690,647 of our citizens having received at least one dose and 392,308 having been fully vaccinated. In keeping it real, Mississippi is on a roll!
There are several states that are still trying to figure it out. However, kudos to the Mississippi Department Health and UMMC and their fearless leaders for leading the charge with other state entities, community organizations, hospitals, churches and private facilities. The process has been seamless and well organized. The wait time once you arrive for your appointment has been swift. And as usual, everyone is full of wonderful Mississippi Hospitality.
So, what does this all mean for Mississippi? It’s the first step to economic recovery with our citizens becoming more receptive to get out and shop, travel, attend events and enjoy our great restaurants. More importantly, it’s about families. Being able to hug a love one or visit other family after many months apart is priceless. It means we can began to worship together and enjoy laughter with others. It also means that maybe our children can return to school fulltime and enjoy all the activities of childhood that are so precious and necessary. Our teachers can teach without fear of exposure.
Now, we are not out of the woods just yet. There are variants of the virus that are on the rise and we must still follow all the CDC guidelines until we reach herd immunity. A successful vaccine program like we have in Mississippi is a gigantic start to getting us back to our livelihoods that are the essence of our existence. So, Mississippi lets keep moving in the right direction with the vaccine rollout. Now let’s be real, if we can only get the DMV to take note on the vaccine rollout strategy so our visits there can be shorter when we get a driver’s license, life would really be good in Mississippi.
I am RaMona Alexander, and as always, thank you for your time and watching FOX40!
January 21, 2021 “Diversity”
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There is power in celebrating our differences. The Biden-Harris administration and cabinet reflects the diversity of our great country, the United States of America! A nation whose fabric is woven with humankind from all walks of life. A noted historian stated it best, “With the swearing in of President Joe Biden and Madam Vice President Kamala Harris the broken glass on the floor today is the right kind, showing boys and girls from all different backgrounds… what is possible for them to achieve in this great land of ours!”
Fathers and Dads, think about the amazing possibilities for your daughters! They too can now realize the dream to be President of America is achievable! It’s no longer out of reach, it is a reality! Just think for a moment. For a long period of time, our local, state and federal government was all male and majority of white. As with time, Mississippi has elected public servants who are women and also leaders of color; eradicating many of its traditions of our dark and unpleasant past.
We have shown progress with diversity among our local, state and national leadership which continues to parlay growth and strength for our fine state. The power of our diversity was recently best demonstrated with the change of our state flag that represented the evils of our history , the Old South. Our new flag is magnificent and flies proudly representing who we are, a state of diversity and strength! We did that Mississippi! I am not naïve and think that we do not live in a post racial state or country. We still have much work to do. But the steps we are taking now, continues to be a focus in the right direction.
Several of our Congressional Leaders have released statements that they are looking forward to working with the Biden-Harris administration. As a state and nation, we continue to battle a pandemic that does not discriminate or see color, COVID-19. It will take the power of diversity, and all coming together to find solutions as we move forward into the future!
I am RaMona Clay Alexander, thanks for listening, responding, and watching FOX40.
December 23, 2020 “Holidays”
November 23, 2020 “Thanksgiving”
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Its fall, its Thanksgiving time and we are still dealing with a deadly virus… Covid-19! Mississippians, Let’s Be Real, this virus is killing our family members, friends, neighbors and continues to reek havoc on our health care system, communities and businesses. I know you have heard it a million times; well, I am stating it again and begging….please Mask Up! Wear a Mask it saves lives!
Like most of you, I have COVID fatigue! And yes, I want to spend time with family over the Thanksgiving holidays but it’s just not safe to have large gathering and share in those family traditions! Heck, it’s what we do! But let’s look at in a different way, let’s start new traditions creating memories with our love ones! There are many cool things we can do to show thanks and represent our families. Prepare a non-traditional meal, have movie binge days with immediate family, serving favorite foods. Let the children prepare Thanksgiving dinner, You know that will be fun! Better yet, volunteer to cook for those who may be too busy, such as a healthcare worker’s or first responder’s families.
In Keeping it Real Mississippians, Covid-19 is here this Thanksgiving and we just have to deal with it! In spite of all this, there is still much to celebrate and be thankful for….our families, our great state and the freedoms we enjoy! So come on Mississippians and get on board, let’s be safe and wear a mask to protect ourselves and others! I am RaMona Alexander, and as always, thank you for listening, responding and watching FOX40! Happy Thanksgiving!
September 23, 2020 “Prime Time in J-Town”
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Hello Mississippi! I am so excited its fall and its football and happening right now is the most exhilarating news for our community in a long time… Prime Time has landed in Jackson! NFL Football Hall of Famer, Deion Sanders has brought his talents to Jackson State University (thee I love) as head coach! What does this mean? Well first and foremost, at this moment, JSU, Our Capitol City, and state is the most talked about in the sports world! More importantly, the economic benefits are abound! Think about the impact that COACH PRIME and JSU Football will have on tourism which will bring devoted fans and the Circus of Curiosity to town – spending lots of money, pumping revenues into the coffers of local hotels, our wonderful restaurants, entertainment venues, and other local vendors, which is so needed!
His presence has breathed renewed vigor into the SWAC and HBCSs, providing a greater sense of pride and hope. From the twitter feeds, many are rooting for his success which parlays into fantastic publicity for Jackson, our state and local communities. Gosh, its so thrilling! It’s rather nice to be talked about in such a positive light for a change! And Let’s Keep It Real, I know Mississippians and Jacksonians alike will welcome Coach Prime and his family with the huge hospitality vibe that we show everyday!
In the spirit of the Sonic Boom, “Get ready cause here we come” with Coach Prime’s energy interjecting Christian Values, Leadership, Dedication, Humor, Work Ethic, Education and Class into JSU, the SWAC, the City of Jackson and our State! I am RaMona Alexander, as always, thank you for listening, responding, and watching FOX40. BE WELL!
August 17, 2020 “Shooting at a Funeral”
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MISSISSIPPI, its time to be real. A fatal shootout at a funeral home, a highway patrolman murdered, Mississippi State football player injured by gunfire, year-to-date,, 71 homicides in Jackson… too many shootings to count. When does it stop and how do we end this? Our state and capitol city are beautiful places to live and have so much to offer but the countless murders and shootings are leaving a HUGE STAIN on our image, our quality of life.
I am not sure what the answer is but it’s worth asking the questions and starting the conversation. I want us to be real… Is it a resource issue? Do we have the money to hire and provide additional manpower, which includes foot patrols, community policing and engagement? Do we need to create task forces to address the challenges? I don’t know.
However, I do feel strongly that we need to harness the same energy that was used to accomplish our state flag change to address the Gun Violence. It’s time for activists, community leaders, ministers, deacons, pastors, preachers, teachers, principals, politicians, mayors, governors, television general managers, Chambers of Commerce, thought leaders and anyone with solutions to come together to address this out of control issue of violence. I love Mississippi like most of our viewers, and I want to see the Magnolia State progress, but Let’s Be Real, if we point fingers and say it’s “not my problem” then we just end up not progressing our capitol city and state forward.
I am RaMona Alexander. Thank you for listening, responding and watching FOX 40.
August 3, 2020 “The Mask”
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HELLO MISSISSIPPI !
I AM RAMONA ALEXANDER, VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER OF WDBD FOX40.
WELCOME TO OUR FIRST EDITORIAL, THE FIRST OF MANY CONVERSATIONS I HOPE TO HAVE WITH OUR VIEWERS!
I AM EXCITED YET HUMBLE TO BE ABLE TO SPEAK TO YOU LOCALLY AND ACROSS OUR STATE.
YOU SEE, I AM A NATIVE OF JACKSON: BORN, BAPTIZED, RAISED, EDUCATED RIGHT HERE IN TOWN!
I WAS BLESSED TO HAVE GREAT PARENTS WHO ENCOURAGED ME IN MY CAREER AND PUSHED ME TO SEE THE WORLD AND NOW I AM BACK!
BACK HOME TO MY MISSISSIPPI ! IN KEEPING IT REAL, I ENCOURAGE YOU THE VIEWER TO LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS, WHATS ON YOU MIND AND MOST OF ALL WHAT WE CAN DO AS A COMMUNITY TO MOVE OUR STATE FORWARD.
NOW, WE NEED TO ADDRESS A SERIOUS CONCERN:
AT TIMES LIKE THESE AT A TIME LIKE THIS, ONCE WAS…. IS CHANGING…FOLKS, OUR WORLD IS CHANGING EVERY SECOND.
WE NEED TO “KEEP IT REAL” ABOUT THE CHALLENGES THAT WE FACE IN OUR STATE. I WANT TO SEE OUR STATE AND CITIZENS EXCEL BEYOND IMAGINATION.
BUT WE HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO DO. WE CAN START BY WEARING A MASK IN PUBLIC TO PROTECT OURSELVES AND OTHERS.
COVID-19 IS SERIOUS FOLKS. IT WILL KILL! AND LET’S BE REAL, ITS NOT ABOUT POLITICS, ITS ABOUT LIVING.
WE NEED TO DEFEAT THIS VIRUS AND THIS IS A MAJOR AND NECESSARY STEP.
I AM RAMONA ALEXANDER,
PLEASE EMAIL US OR CALL THE FOX 40 FEEBACK LINE AND LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND FOR WATCHING FOX40! BE SAFE AND WELL !
