Youths get pep talk from mayor

The Clarion-Ledger, 6/25/8

Seventeen-year-old Deontae Williams had a front-row seat Tuesday for Jackson Mayor Frank Melton’s pep talk on business etiquette, although he might have wished for a little more room once the fiery mayor got wound up.

“We have the opportunity of a lifetime. Don’t blow it,” Melton said. “Wear a belt, and keep your pants up on your behind. Put your earrings in your dresser drawer, and keep them there.”

With his two, tiny earrings gleaming from either side of his head, Williams asked what would happen if he kept them on.

“I’m going to take you and beat your butt,” Melton said.