Meet Our Contributors
The People’s Paper features trusted voices from across Mississippi and beyond — professionals, advocates, and community leaders committed to truth, dignity, and service.
Caleb Tyrone Armstrong
Music & Culture | Armstrong’s Backstage Pass
Caleb Tyrone Armstrong is a musician and cultural contributor with deep roots in Southern music. A former member of the Freedom band and current guitarist for Tonya Boyd Cannon, Caleb brings readers behind the scenes of live performance, touring, and creative collaboration.
Through Armstrong’s Backstage Pass, he explores the stories, people, and culture that live beyond the spotlight, offering an insider’s look at the music world from the stage to the studio.
Chief Denis J. Borges | Magee Police Chief
Chief Borges served as the Chief of Police for the City of Magee, Mississippi. A native of Cuba, he came to the United States with his mother in the late 1990s to escape communism and build a better life.
He is a graduate of West Jones High School, Jones College, and Columbia Southern University, where he earned a degree in Criminal Justice Administration and graduated summa cum laude.
His law enforcement journey began with the Montgomery Police Department in Alabama, where he started as a cadet. Over the years, he has served with the Picayune Police Department, Jones College Campus Police, Hattiesburg School District Police, Laurel Police Department, and Ellisville State School Campus Police.
Ophelia Brown
Finance, Mindset & Leadership n
Ophelia Brown is the Chief Executive Officer of OCB Accounting & Financial Services and a seasoned financial leader with more than 30 years of experience in accounting, financial operations, and executive leadership across nonprofit, corporate, and mission-driven sectors.
She has managed multi-million-dollar budgets, led complex audits, and redesigned financial systems to strengthen transparency and compliance with GAAP standards. Beyond accounting, Ophelia is also a Mindset & Money Transformation Coach and a published children’s book author, creating stories that promote confidence and resilience. Her work bridges financial literacy, mindset, and empowerment for both adults and children.
K. Monroe Carter
Hailing from near Coastal Waters, K. Monroe Carter channels her love for boundless blue skies and ocean waves into sharp, community-driven journalism. A storyteller shaped by the sea’s timeless cadence, she uncovers narratives that resonate like the tide.
Her reporting reflects this serene backdrop, blending coastal resilience with voices often unheard.
Her work invites readers to ride the waves of local insight.
When not chasing leads, she finds renewal walking sunlit beaches.
Dr. Will Carter, III
Rural Health & Equity
Dr. Will Carter, III is a physician, health equity scholar, and healthcare consultant focused on improving access to care and outcomes in rural and underserved communities. A proud son of Mississippi, his work centers on chronic disease, maternal health, and the everyday barriers that shape health beyond the clinic.
Through Rural America Health Conversations with Dr. Will, he translates medical and public health knowledge into accessible, community-centered guidance rooted in real-world rural experiences.
Othor Cain
Politics & Public Accountability | Othor’s Political Playbook
Othor Cain is an independent journalist, political commentator, and radio talk show host whose work focuses on Mississippi politics, public policy, and accountability. His commentary examines not just what lawmakers say, but how policy decisions impact everyday communities.
As the voice behind Othor’s Political Playbook, he challenges talking points, interrogates power, and urges readers to engage critically with the forces shaping public life. His work is rooted in the belief that informed citizens are essential to a healthy democracy.
Densel Fleming, CFP® – Finance Columnist | Mississippi Money Matters
Densel Fleming, CFP®, is the Founder and Chief Wealth & Investment Officer of Vintage Wealth Management Group. A Mississippi native, he brings more than 30 years of experience in financial planning, investment management, and wealth strategy.
Densel has held senior leadership roles in private banking and wealth management, including Senior Vice President at U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management.
His expertise spans personal economics, retirement planning, investments, and long-term wealth preservation.
Through his column Mississippi Money Matters, Densel focuses on practical financial planning strategies designed to help individuals and families build stability, reduce financial stress, and plan intentionally for the future.
Colendula Norton Green
Public Safety & Mental Health
Corporal Colendula Norton Green is a 21-year law enforcement veteran and nationally certified mental health instructor with extensive experience in public safety training, crisis response, and community education. She is a State of Mississippi Certified Law Enforcement Instructor and a National Mental Health Law Enforcement Instructor.
Her career includes roles in media relations as a Public Information Officer, crisis intervention, investigations, and mental health education for both youth and adults. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Jackson State University and is committed to educating and protecting communities with professionalism, integrity, and compassion.
Lauren King
Sports Columnist | The King’s Playbook
Lauren King is a Southern-born sports enthusiast with deep roots in Tennessee and Mississippi, now calling Alabama home. A proud HBCU graduate, she earned her undergraduate degree from Alabama A&M University, where her appreciation for football culture, tradition, and community took root. She later completed her master’s degree at the University of Memphis.
A lifelong football fan, Lauren brings a fan-first perspective to both college and professional football, blending regional pride with sharp commentary on the storylines shaping the game. From bowl season and playoffs to offseason drama and draft buzz, her column, The King’s Playbook, delivers thoughtful insight with a distinctly Southern voice.
Carla Cleveland Kirkland
Education Columnist | The Kirkland Education Report
Carla Cleveland Kirkland is a nationally respected education leader, consultant, and advocate with more than 30 years of experience transforming classrooms, schools, and entire districts across Mississippi. She is the Founder and CEO of The Kirkland Group, Inc., a premier education consulting firm focused on equity, instructional excellence, and student achievement.
She has partnered with school districts, universities, and the Mississippi Department of Education to advance instructional excellence. She writes The Kirkland Education Report for The People’s Paper MS.
Shellena L.
Inclusion & Community Advocate
Shellena L. holds a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science and brings more than 20 years of experience supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She currently serves as Director of an agency dedicated to employing and empowering people with disabilities through healthy lifestyle programs and meaningful community inclusion, guided by the belief that “all things are possible with the right type of support.”
Shellena began her career as a Direct Support Professional, providing in-home assistance and helping individuals build daily living skills before advancing into leadership. Her advocacy is deeply personal, inspired by growing up alongside a family member with a developmental disability and cerebral palsy. Through her writing, she educates readers, challenges stigma, and amplifies the voices of the people she serves.
Sheila Leftridge
Beauty & Wellness Columnist | The Skin Truth
Sheila Leftridge is a skincare columnist with deep behind-the-scenes experience in the beauty and wellness industry. With nearly a decade of professional experience at Dermstore, one of the nation’s leading online beauty retailers, she brings an insider’s perspective to skincare trends, product efficacy, and consumer trust.
Her career has spanned roles from Customer Service Representative to Accounts Payable Lead, placing her at the intersection of product sourcing, vendor relations, inventory management, and consumer feedback. Through The Skin Truth, Sheila focuses on skincare transparency, ingredient literacy, and practical routines that cut through hype and empower readers to make informed decisions.
Chris Malone | Culture in Rotation
Chris “CJ” Malone is a professional voice-over artist, radio program manager, on-air personality, and photographer with deep Southern roots. He currently serves as Program Director and on-air talent for KJLH-FM in Los Angeles (Inglewood), the iconic radio station owned by Stevie Wonder.
Since joining KJLH in 2022, Chris has helped lead strategic programming and ratings growth initiatives designed to engage a new generation of listeners. With experience across multiple major media markets, he is also a MusicMaster consultant and is recognized for his expertise in media strategy, audience development, and digital engagement within the radio industry.
Pastor Clint Perkins | Walking in the Word With Clint
Clint Perkins, lovingly known as Pastor Clint, is a native of D’Lo, Mississippi, and serves as pastor of his home church, Saint John Missionary Baptist Church. He accepted his call to ministry in August 2017 and was appointed pastor in July 2023.
Since then, Saint John M.B. Church has strengthened its community outreach under his leadership, partnering with Mendenhall Elementary and Mendenhall High School to support students spiritually, academically, and athletically. The church also lends support to schools across Simpson County and local organizations like the Pilgrim Rest Community Development Food Bank.
In addition to his ministry, Pastor Clint has worked in the wireless industry since 1997 and currently serves as a Facilities Engineer at C Spire Wireless in Ridgeland, Mississippi. When he’s not working or serving, he enjoys cheering on the Mendenhall Tigers, riding ATVs, and cooking.
Tabatha Pittman
Tabatha Pittman is a faith leader, writer, and teacher with a deep heart for God’s people and their everyday lives.
She holds a master’s degree in human resources management and a Doctorate of Ministry, blending professional insight with spiritual wisdom to help individuals navigate life with clarity, courage, and hope. Known for her compassionate yet truth-centered voice, Tabatha is committed to encouraging people through Scripture, spiritual insight, and practical faith that meets real-world challenges. Her passion is helping others remain anchored in God’s love, grow in purpose, and walk forward strengthened no matter the season they face.
Brenton Rankin | Credit Advocate
Brenton is the founder of Cheating Debt, LLC, a credit education and advocacy company dedicated to promoting financial literacy and consumer rights.
A longtime credit advocate, Rankin helps individuals understand credit reporting, identify inaccuracies, and pursue lawful dispute strategies under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
CJ Rhodes | The Rhodes Perspective
CJ Rhodes writes with theological insight, cultural awareness, and a focus on faith’s role in modern life and the Black church tradition.
His column balances intellect, spirituality, and social relevance.
Rev. Dr. CJ Rhodes serves as pastor of Mount Helm Baptist Church, Jackson’s oldest historically African-American congregation, where he became the youngest pastor in 2010. He holds a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School (2009), earned as a Dean’s Scholar, and a Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Biblical Seminary (2018). Rhodes also directs religious and spiritual life at Alcorn State University and founded Clergy for Prison Reform, serving as its president.
Ahmad Smith | Sports Columnist
Ahmad Smith brings a wealth of soccer expertise and coaching success to his new column ‘Ahmad’s Goal Line”. With a proven track record from college pitches to semi-pro fields, he offers insights for fans, players, and aspiring coaches in Mississippi and beyond.
Ahmad holds a USSF National D Coaching License and USCAA Goalkeeping Level I Diploma, excelling in campus recruitment, retention, and ministry. His objective centers on coaching and educating to foster healthier, holistic student-athletes pursuing life goals. It’s perfect for column analysis on player development, recruitment strategies, and Mississippi soccer growth.
Paul Williams
Weather & Public Safety | Williams Weekly Weather
Paul Williams is the Chief Meteorologist for Coast TV and Telemundo and a veteran broadcast meteorologist with decades of experience covering severe weather across the South and Mid-Atlantic. A five-time Associated Press Best Weathercaster award winner and an Emmy-nominated meteorologist, he holds both the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) and Certified Digital Meteorologist (CDM) credentials from the American Meteorological Society.
Known for calm, practical guidance during major storms, Paul has led wall-to-wall coverage of hurricanes, tornado outbreaks, and historic flooding. A cancer survivor and health advocate, he brings both professional expertise and Mississippi roots to Williams Weekly Weather, focusing on preparedness, awareness, and community safety.