TL;DR: I’m thrilled to announce the launch of LF Voices Collective, a personal project that blends my experiences from Mississippi Today, Front Porch Fodder, and The ‘Sip magazine into a powerful platform for diverse Southern narratives. Join me as we reshape how the South’s stories are told and experienced. This venture runs parallel to an exciting new role I’ll be stepping into at Deep South Today.
My Journey | What is LFVC? | Offerings | Next step | The Why | A Personal Note |
Join Me
Read the Update Here.
My journey in media has always been driven by a passion for storytelling, and now I’m branching out with LF Voices Collective (LFVC). This personal project is a fusion of my diverse experiences, crafted into a unique platform that gives voice to the underrepresented narratives of the South.
My Journey
My own story with storytelling began on the front porch of my grandmother’s home in Vicksburg, Mississippi, where my wife and I now live with our two sons. Those early years, surrounded by tales that wove through the fabric of Southern life, instilled in me an appreciation for the power of narratives.
At the University of Mississippi, my Southern Studies degree was a deep dive into the heart of what makes our region so profoundly unique. The rich tapestry of Southern culture, with its complexities and contradictions, became my canvas.
My professional path as a newspaper reporter further honed my skills in storytelling. Every article, every interview was a lesson in listening—not just to words, but to the unspoken emotions and the hidden histories behind them. This period was a masterclass in understanding the human condition. It instilled in me a profound respect for local narratives.
As an oral historian on H.C. Porter’s Blues at Home project, I learned to listen, really listen, to the stories being told, understanding their nuances and recognizing their universal appeal.
This respect only deepened with Front Porch Fodder, a business I founded and co-owned for a decade to help small businesses find their voice and identity through graphic and web design. The ‘Sip magazine, my five-year brainchild, was a labor of love and a testament to my devotion to the South’s rich cultural mosaic. Each issue was a tapestry woven from the stories of Mississippi’s people and places – a celebration of our heritage, our triumphs, and our enduring spirit. Both of these ventures taught me the intricacies of storytelling and the community’s yearning for authentic representation.
At Mississippi Today, as the Audience Development Director, I have embraced the challenge of digital transformation in journalism. Here, I spearheaded initiatives that significantly boosted readership, but more importantly, I learned the art of engaging with audiences beyond the written word.
What is LF Voices Collective?
Now, as the world shifts and the digital age redefines how we consume stories, I find myself on a new adventure.
LFVC is the natural progression of my journey — stories from the porch, from the heart of the South, that reflect the diverse tapestry of lives and experiences.
Through this movement and community, I aim to create a space where underrepresented voices aren’t just heard but celebrated, where the richness of the South is explored in all its complexity. Through innovative digital storytelling, we’ll bring to the forefront narratives that inspire, challenge, and connect.
But why now? Because our world craves authenticity in storytelling, and yet, there’s a disconnect between the narratives being shared and those that truly resonate with local communities, especially in the South.
LFVC seeks to fill this void. Our focus will be on stories that weave diversity, challenge stereotypes, and foster an informed, empathetic understanding of the Southern experience.
What you can expect
As I gradually unveil LFVC, working with talented writers, storytellers and creators, expect a blend of rich storytelling complemented by innovative digital experiences. Our content offerings will include:
- Long-form stories and essays
- Photo and video essays
- Cultural features
- Oral histories and collaborative pieces
- Engaging multimedia content
- Live pop-up events
Looking Forward
LFVC is set to become a beacon for transformative storytelling in the South. This is a journey we embark on together, a collective effort to reshape the narrative landscape and celebrate the rich, diverse voices of the South.
LFVC is where my past, present, and future converge – a culmination of a life steeped in the art of Southern storytelling.
To amplify the diverse and often unheard voices of the South, so that we can break down stereotypes, foster empathy, and build a more inclusive society through authentic storytelling.
— LF Voices Collective
A Personal Note…
As I embark on the exciting venture of launching LF Voices Collective, my journey to this point has been profoundly influenced by personal experiences that have molded my perspective and mission.
Reflecting on my past, I’m reminded of something that significantly impacted my life and career path. I grew up in Clinton, Mississippi, where former Republican Speaker of the House Philip Gunn was more than just a budding political figure; he was my neighbor. His family lived just a few houses down from my childhood home. Our families were intertwined in the small-town fabric — our mothers both educators, our fathers occasionally hunting together, and neighborhood gatherings often bringing us under one roof.
One early, poignant memory involves a tragic phone call I answered at the age of 9. It was the news of Philip’s parents and sister, killed by a drunk driver. This tragedy struck close to home, imprinting a sense of shared community and empathy from a young age.
Fast forward about 15 years. I had embarked on my journalistic career at The Vicksburg Post and was coming into my own, both professionally and personally. It was during this time that I began openly discussing my six-year relationship with my now-wife, Olivia, and contemplating the possibilities of starting a family together.
I vividly recall witnessing Philip Gunn, on the rise as a prominent lawmaker, appearing on TV, vehemently opposing same-sex adoption. There he was, my former neighbor, espousing views that directly contradicted and threatened the very essence of my family and future. This moment crystallized something within me: the urgent need to humanize issues like LGBTQ+ rights — to showcase real lives, real families behind political rhetoric.
It was then that my mission became clear: to ensure voices like mine, like ours, were heard and understood through the profound impact of storytelling, of living authentically, and helping others to do the same.
As I embark on this new journey with LFVC, I carry this mission at the core of my work. I hope to bridge gaps in understanding and acceptance, fostering a community where the lawmakers and neighbors alike see the human faces behind every issue, every story.
We are all part of a shared narrative, and it’s time our stories reflected the diversity, the challenges, and the triumphs of our lives. With LFVC, and in my role at Deep South Today, I aim to do just that — to amplify the voices of the South, in all their rich and varied hues.
Onward and upward, toward a future where every story is heard and every voice matters.
Let’s tell the stories that matter, together:
Join my journey to amplify diverse voices.
