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A Year in Photos

By Vickie King Dec 27, 2024 | 6:00 AM

Take a look back at 2024 in the images of Mississippi Today photojournalist Vickie D. King.

Ferlandria Porter of Canton, holds a photograph of her 5-year-old self and her father, Ferlando Esco, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. Esco has been incarcerated for nearly 20 years. Porter is advocating for a law that would allow habitual offenders to be eligible for parole. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Mississippi Today Editor-at-Large Marshall Ramsey chats with Scott Allen of A+ Signs for Mississippi Stories.
Gov. Tate Reeves waves to those attending his Inauguration ceremony on the south steps of the State Capitol, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024 in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Scott Central student Heath Rhodes, 18, tack welds during the 2024 High School Welding Competition held at Delta Technical College in Ridgeland, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Murrah student Nicholas McGlorthan, 18, participates in the 2024 High School Welding Competition held at Delta Technical College in Ridgeland, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Remnants of a residence located at 1146 Shalimar Drive, destroyed by a gas leak this past January in South Jackson, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Leisha Pickering, founder of Musee, inside a production area at the Canton facility, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. Musee products are handmade by women formerly incarcerated and/or are recovering from substance abuse. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Leisha Pickering, founder of Musee, with a few of the popular fragrance and bath products her company creates at her Canton facility, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. Pictured are Musee’s Women of Change bath balm collection: Top row – Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Maya Angelou. Bottom row – Rosa Parks, Frida Kahlo and Amelia Earhart. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Leisha Pickering is the founder of Musee, located in Canton facility, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. Musee products are handmade by women formerly incarcerated and/or are recovering from substance abuse. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality CEO Chris Wells, discusses the potential for future projects at MDEQ headquarters, Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Madison-Ridgeland Academy’s Ashton Magee (1) zips a pass to teammate Erick Dampier Jr. (25) with Jackson Academy’s Tyler Lyles defending, during a game held at MRA, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, in Madison. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Madison-Ridgeland Academy’s Erick Dampier Jr. shoots a short jumper against Jackson Academy’s Tyler Lyles, during a game held at MRA, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, in Madison. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Former Mississippi State and NBA star Erick Dampier Sr. watches his son Erick Dampier,Jr., a 6-foot-9 guard playing for Madison-Ridgeland Academy, during warm-ups before a game against Jackson Academy at MRA, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, in Madison. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Criminal Chief U.S. Attorney Erin Chalk is hugged and thanked by Mary Jenkins, mother of Michael Jenkins (left), and Linda Rawls, aunt of Eddie Parker, outside U.S. District Courthouse after the last of six “Goon Squad” members was sentenced to 10 years, Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Eddie Parker holding his aunt Linda Rawls, stands with Mary Jenkins, mother of Michael Jenkins (right), and other family members and supporters outside the U.S. District Courthouse after the sentencing of “Goon Squad” member Brett McAlpin, Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Attorneys Trent Walker and Malik Shabazz (left), Eddie Parker (fifth left), Michael Jenkins (right), with family and other supporters speak with media outside the U.S. District Courthouse after the 27 1/4 year sentencing of “Goon Squad” member Brett McAlpin, Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Jackson, Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Eddie Parker consoles Mary Jenkins, mother of Micheal Jenkins, as they head to U.S. District Court for the sentencing hearing of “Goon Squad” members, Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in Jackson. Attorney Malik Shabazz (left) and other supporters also attended the hearings. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Eddie Parker (left) with attorney Malik Shabazz (center) and Michael Jenkins (right), during a press conference held at the law offices of attorney Trent Walker to address the upcoming sentencing of the “Goon Squad,” Monday, March 18, 2024, in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Eddie Parker, listens as attorney Malik Shabazz reads through some of the heinous acts committed by the “Goon Squad” during a press conference held at the law offices of attorney Trent Walker, Monday, March 18, 2024, in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Attorney Malik Shabazz and Michael Jenkins, speak with the media after the sentencing of “Goon Squad” member Jeffrey Middleton in U.S. District court, Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
New Horizon Church International Pastor Ronnie Crudup Sr. and other clergy from across the state during a press conference urging legislators to expand Medicaid, Wednesdsay, March 20, 2024, in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Clergy from across the state urged lawmakers to expand Medicaid during a press conference held at the State Capitol, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Clergy from across the state during a press conference at the State Capitol urge legislators to expand Medicaid, Wednesdsay, March 20, 2024, in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
“You never know from where inspiration will come,” said Rosanna Banks, while jotting down ideas for her next book on the steps of her rural Madison County home, as family cat Kwob, keeps watch, Thursday, March 7, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Bunny Lessons by Rosanna Banks, is a children’s book that teaches kids the important lessons on obeying their parents, eating healthy and learning responsibility from doing chores. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Children’s book author Rosanna Banks runs an idea by her husband Samuel Banks at their rural Madison County home, Thursday, March 7, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
“We’re doing everything we can to keep these ponds aerated,” said Kosciusko Wastewater Department Superintendent Howard Sharkey, describing the use of a tractor that churns a devise to aerate a lagoon. The putrid smell emanating from the 20-acre lagoons permeate the city, Friday, March 1, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Kosciusko Wastewater Department Superintendent Howard Sharkey shows an image of milk from Prairie Farms Dairy being dumped into one of the city’s 20-acre lagoons, stating it contributes to the putrid smell permeating the city from the lagoons, Friday, March 1, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Gurgling in the center of one of Kosciusko’s lagoons where according to the city’s Wastewater Department Superintendent Howard Sharkey, local dairy plant Prairie Farms dumps waste by-products from the facility, Friday, March 4, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
A view of the lagoons located in Kosciusko, Friday, March 1, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Kathy Knight (left) and Kathleen O’Bierne hold a sign expressing their position on Medicaid expansion, during a press conference held by business leaders from across the state at the state Capitol, Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Painter Noah Saterstrom grew up in Natchez aware of a mystery in his family surrounding his great-grandfather. Saterstrom’s journey of discovery is depicted in a series of panoramic, painted panels depicting “What Became of Dr. Smith,” currently on display in an exhibit at the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The exhibition ran from April 20 to Sept. 22, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Kim Lewis (left) and Andrea Thomas view one of the 183 canvases that span 122 feet of painter Noah Saterstrom’s series of panoramic, painted panels depicting the life of his great-grandfather called “What Became of Dr. Smith,” on display in an exhibit at the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The exhibition ran from April 20 to Sept. 22, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Andrea Thomas views one of the 183 canvases that span 122 feet of painter Noah Saterstrom’s journey in discovering what happened to his great-grandfather, a journeyman optometrist who suffered from mental illness, was accused of sexual assault and lived a good portion of his life at the state mental hospital. The series of panoramic, painted panels depicting “What Became of Dr. Smith” were on display in an exhibit at the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The exhibition ran from April 20 to Sept. 22, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
“When do we want it? Now!” Was the chant from Medicaid expansion supporters Brittany Caldwell and Gregory Divinity, during a rally at the state Capitol, Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Medicaid expansion supporters from across the state gather on the south steps of the state Capitol for a Medicaid Expansion rally, Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Brett McAlpin (right) stands with his attorney awaiting sentencing in Rankin County Court, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Brandon, Miss. McAlpin was sentenced to 20 years. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Goon Squad members sit with State Troopers awaiting sentencing in Rankin County Court, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Brandon, Miss. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Daniel Opdyke takes a look at family as he is lead from Rankin County Court after he was sentenced to 15 years, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Brandon, Miss. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Brett McAlpin was sentenced in Rankin County Courtto 15 years, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Brandon, Miss. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Hunter Elward was sentenced in Rankin County Court to 20 years, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Brandon, Miss. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Christian Dedmon was sentenced in Rankin County Court to 20 years, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Brandon, Miss. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Jeffrey Middleton was sentenced in Rankin County Court to 15 years, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Brandon, Miss. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Joshua Hartfield enters court head bowed, where he was sentenced to 10 years, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Brandon, Miss. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Renada Stovall, owner of Nadabutter, selling her all-natural soaps and balms at the Clinton Main Street Market: Spring into Green, in April of this year. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Soap infused with honey. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Tumeric soap created by Nadabutter owner Renada Stovall. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Reena Evers-Everette, daughter of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers, walk arm-in-arm from her former home to Myrlie’s Garden, Friday, June 21, 2024, in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, Central District Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons (second left) and Reena Evers-Everette, listen as Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg discusses the $20 million renovation project of Medgar Evers Boulevard during a press conference Friday, June 21, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg (left) and U.S. Rep. Benny Thompson chat shortly before touring the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument, Friday, June 21, 2024, in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg (third left) and Reena Evers-Everett (second right), join architect Hibbett Neel, Central District Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons (second left) and U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (center) for the ceremonial grounding breaking of a $20 million renovation project of Medgar Evers Blvd, at Myrlie’s Garden, Friday, June 21, 2024, in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Nancy Boykin is filing a lawsuit against the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department in regards to the death of her 26-year-old son, Nicholas Boykin, in 2019. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Veteran law enforcement officer Darryl Norwood at his south Jackson home, Friday, July 19, 2024. Norwood was permanently disabled after he was shocked with a stun gun in the back of his head. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
“They know when I’m down and comfort me,” said veteran law enforcement officer Darryl Norwood, at home with the family dogs Prince, Lola, King and Giselle, Friday, July 19, 2024. Norwood suffers from a permanent disability after he was stun-gunned by a Jackson police officer. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Chris Lockhart is the own/operator of Capital City Kayaks, based in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Capital City Kayaks owner Chris Lockhart demonstrates proper hand placement for paddling shortly before the group heads out to explore Crystal Lake in Flowood. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Kayakers paddle the waters of Crystal Lake in Flowood. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Justin Henderson with Capital City Kayaks and clients take a break from the heat on the shores of Crystal Lake. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
A kayaker explores the small island at Crystal Lake. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
AT&T workers outside the AT&T building in downtown Jackson, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. The workers are members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) union and were striking over a contract dispute. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Bruno, an explosive detection canine,”hits” on an unknown explosive device in an airline passenger’s luggage during a demonstration of his abilities at the Jackson Medgar-Wiley Evers International Airport, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
LaShundre Reeves, a transportation security specialist-explosive detection canine handler (TSS-EDCH), demonstrates how her K9 partner Bruno, would “hit” on an unknown explosive device in an airline passenger’s luggage at the Jackson Medgar-Wiley Evers International Airport, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. Reeves and Michael Mabry, with his K9 partner Dallas, are the new K9 teams at the airport. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
LaShundre Reeves, a transportation security specialist-explosive detection canine handler (TSS-EDCH) and her K9 partner Bruno, at the Jackson Medgar-Wiley Evers International Airport, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Pelahatchie Elementary second-graders learn phonics in Sharon Hall’s class, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. The school is an example of why the Rankin County School District is one of the state’s high-performing districts. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Pelahatchie Elementary School is an example as to why the Rankin County School District is of the state’s high-performing districts. A second grader uses an interactive computer program to hone his math skills, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Pelahatchie second-graders use hands-on computer programs to enhance their learning, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. The school is an example as to why the Rankin County School District is one of the state’s high-performing districts. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Students in Debbie Marler’s eighth- grade English class use computer tablets to learn about the fictional character Sherlock Holmes and visuals to emulate Holmes in solving a mystery at Clinton Junior School in Clinton, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Students in Debbie Marler’s eighth-grade English class pair up, using computer tablets and visuals to emulate Sherlock Holmes and his partner Dr. Watson in solving a mystery at Clinton Jr. School in Clinton, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Students in Britney Freeny’s fifth-grade English, Language, Arts class use computer devices to download books for the morning’s lesson at Eastside Elementary School in Clinton, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Students in Britney Freeny’s fifth-grade(English, Language, Arts class use computer devices to download books for the morning’s lesson at Eastside Elementary School in Clinton, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Bobbie Matheney, at the Robinson-Carpenter Library in Cleveland, where she is the Youth Services librarian, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, in Cleveland. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Durden Pillow Moss (left), her cousin Jenny Payne Gardner (center) and sister Julie Pillow Crosthwaith with a photograph of their grandfather Hugh “Hughie” Melville Critz and his father Hugh Critz Sr., Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Greenwood. Hughie played Major League baseball for the New York Giants in the 1930s and Cincinnati Reds in the 1920s. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Old photographs of Hugh “Hughie” Melville Critz, during his professional baseball playing days. The images are a part of a mni-museum dedicated to Critz by one of his granddaughters in Greenwood, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Greenwood. Critz played Major League baseball for the New York Giants in the 1930s and Cincinnati Reds in the 1920s. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
An old newspaper clipping showcasing Cincinnati ball players and baseball cleats worn by Hughie Critz, pictured upper right in clipping. The memorabilia is part of a family member’s museum collection in his honor, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Greenwood. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Old photograph of Hugh “Hughie” Melville Critz, during his professional baseball playing days as a Cincinnati Reds second baseman. The image is a part of a mni-museum dedicated to Critz by one of his granddaughters in Greenwood, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Critz also played Major League baseball for the New York Giants in the 1930s. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
“I tutor the kids, be a mentor for them. We go on field trips and I help with homework,” said Samanda Summers, as she helps one of her charges with her reading skills. Summers is the owner of the Future Children of the Universe Learning Center in south Jackson, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
OATs (Older Adults Technology Services) instructor Erica Archie (left) teaches tech skills such as using computers to adults over 50 years of age at the Bean Path, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
OATs (Older Adults Technology Services) instructor Erica Archie, teaches tech skills such as using computers to adults over 50 years of age at the Bean Path, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
OATs (Older Adults Technology Services) in partnership with AARP, teaches tech skills such as using computers to adults over 50 years of age at the Bean Path, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
OATs (Older Adults Technology Services) in partnership with AARP, teaches tech skills such as using computers to adults over 50 years of age at the Bean Path, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Paul Bonds, owner and roaster of the BeanFruit Coffee Company, shows a Mexican variety of raw coffee beans, Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. The company imports coffee beans from around the world and ships their products locally and nationally. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Roasted coffee beans at the BeanFruit Coffee Company, located in Flowood, Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, in Flowood. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
BeanFruit Coffee Company lead roaster Ahmed Othmani roasting a batch of coffee beans, Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, in Flowood. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Imports coffee beans from around the world at the BeanFruit Coffee Company, located in Flowood, Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. The company not only ships their products locally and nationally, they train baristas-to-be, and teach maintenance on the various coffee makers they sell. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Annette Olowo-Ake at Perfect-Fit Alterations, the business she and her husband Mike have operated in Fondren for 34 years, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
“I’ve known him since he was a med student. Now his kids are doctors,” said Perfect-Fit Alterations owner Annette Olowo-Ake of long-time friend Dr. Jim Aron, a 30-plus year customer, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Annette Olowo-Ake at Perfect-Fit Alterations selects threads she will use to hem a customer’s slacks at the business she and husband Mike have operated in the Fondren District for 34 years, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Annette Olowo-Ake, owner of Perfect-Fit Alterations describes how she will use a “blind hem” to lengthen slacks, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
The hands of Annette Olowo-Ake, owner of Perfect-Fit Alterations, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Jackson. Olowo-Ake learned her craft from her grandmother. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Demetria White, Tougaloo College’s director of Academic Computing and assistant professor of Mathematics, discusses crytography with students Noel Ricks (center) and Aeries Hoskins, at the cyber security clinic on campus, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Having a good time dancing to the music of the BeauSoleil Trio at the National Folk Festival Kickoff held in downtown Jackson, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Local bluesman Eddie Cotton Jr. and his Mississippi Cotton Club Band performing at the National Folk Festival Kickoff held in downtown Jackson, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Eddie Cotton Jr. ignites the crowd at the National Folk Festival Kickoff held in downtown Jackson, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Yamini Kalluri performs a Kuchipudi dance, a classical Indian dance style, at the National Folk Festival Kickoff held in downtown Jackson, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
Mississippi U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker thanks family and supporters at the Westin Hotel Tuesday night after winning reelection to the U.S. Senate. Wicker defeated Democratic candidate Ty Pinkins, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2025. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Mississippi U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker thanks family and supporters at the Westin Hotel Tuesday night after winning reelection to the U.S. Senate. Wicker defeated Democratic candidate Ty Pinkins, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2025. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Alicia Arrington attaches a “Salute Me, I Voted” sticker to her tee shirt after casting her ballot at Precinct 14, Fondren Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Voters mark their ballots at Precinct 14 inside Fondren Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
A poll worker directs traffic at Brinkley Middle School, where voters cast their ballots instead of Powell Middle School, the former Precinct 29 voting site, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

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