I’m diving into a wild idea floating around about Chokwe Antar Lumumba, Jackson’s embattled mayor, and his potential next move—city-owned grocery stores. I’m riffing off a New York City mayoral candidate’s plan to open public grocery stores that could sell food cheaper by dodging rent and property taxes, and I can just imagine Chokwe salivating over this as his big comeback hustle. Picture me chuckling as I say Chokwe’s probably kicking himself, thinking, “Why didn’t I dream this up? Free groceries could’ve run the last Kroger’s out of Jackson!” I’m poking fun at the absurdity, suggesting he’s plotting this from a jail cell, scheming with his advisors like Dr. Ahmari or Sister Rakia to make it his post-legal-trouble legacy.

 

I’m skeptical as hell about this concept, though. I point out how it screws over local business owners—imagine owning a bodega or small grocery in Jackson and the city suddenly becomes your competitor, undercutting you because they don’t pay the same overhead. I’m calling it a foolish idea that appeals to low-information voters, and I’m not shy about who I think falls for it: white liberal women and others buying into promises of “free” stuff. I tie it to Chokwe’s track record, joking that he’d love to tank more businesses like he’s done with Jackson’s economy. There’s no evidence Chokwe’s actually pursuing this—it’s my satirical take on what his next grift could be, inspired by trends in places like NYC and Chicago.

 

I also touch on whispers that Chokwe might be flipping on his associate Jody Owens in a legal mess, with others like Aaron Banks and Angelique Lee allegedly snitching too. I’m gleeful about the drama, saying I’d be disappointed if Aaron didn’t get revenge after being disrespected and sent to the “kids’ table.” I’m all for snitching if it means beating your partner in crime to the courthouse for a deal—call me ruthless, but that’s how I see it playing out. This is pure speculation based on internet chatter, but I’m painting a picture of Chokwe’s crew imploding while he dreams up his next hustle. It’s a messy, local political soap opera, and I’m here for it.