38 • AUGUST 2022
Jordans the Tell us about your family. Derrick, Sr. 47 - working out, watching football. Shivon, 44 - listening to music, shopping, watching football Derrick II, 21 - working out, running track, watching movies and football Daylen, 6 - watching YouTube, swimming, watching football We are a blended family of four that consist of two boys. Our oldest is a recent college graduate of William Carey University and the youngest is preparing for 1st grade in the Clinton Public School District. We are state employees in the public service area. We are active in the community and attend Agape Fellowship Church. How did you meet and how long have you been married? We originally met at JSU and reconnected when we both worked for the police department. We have been married for six years. What brings you the greatest joy as a parent? Being able to provide for our children and show them what a successful family structure looks like—along with seeing them succeed and accomplish their goals as productive citizens. What are some of your favorite things about Clinton? Clinton is a great place to raise a family with great schools, great neighbors, and a great community setting. What accomplishments make you proud during your time living in Clinton? Seeing our son graduate from Clinton High School and college and buying our first new home together. What drives you to have the job that you have? Derrick, Sr. - As the newly appointed assistant chief of Capitol Police, my passion for safe communities drives me. I’m motivated to provided service that all citizens can feel safe in their communities. Shivon - As a team member with the Mississippi Department of Education, I am motivated to provide technical assistance to all school districts in Mississippi to maintain a safe school environment. What do you love about your team/school? THEE I LOVE, we love the academics and culture of Jackson State University. The rich history of our football team is like none other. We have the best band in college football. We are overjoyed with current attention that we are receiving. We are truly a family at JSU. QUESTION FOR THE CHILDREN What’s your favorite thing to do as a family? Derrick II - Spending time together, watching movies, and football. Daylen - I like going on vacation and having fun at football games. FAVORITE TAILGATE RECIPE Southern Fried Catfish • 4 catfish fillets, a little over a pound, total • 1 cup buttermilk • 1½ cups oil - vegetable, canola, or peanut • 2 cups cornmeal yellow (not self-rising) • 1 tsp. salt • 1 Tbsp. cayenne pepper • Lemon pepper seasoning, to taste Pat fillets with paper towel. Place in a large baking dish or plastic storage bag and pour in buttermilk. Coat well and allow to sit 10 minutes in the refrigerator. In a large bowl, add cornmeal, salt, cayenne, and lemon pepper; stir with fork until blended. Using a cast-iron or heavy bottom skillet, heat oil over medium heat. While oil is heating, take a fillet directly from the buttermilk and place it in the cornmeal. Pat the cornmeal on the fillet, coating it twice. When oil is around 350 degrees, begin cooking in batches of two fillets. Do not move until they’ve cooked for 2½ - 3 minutes. After 2½ - 3 minutes, use tongs and flip the fish over and cook an additional 3 minutes. Use a thermometer to measure internal temperature – it is done when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees. Remove from oil and place on a paper towel. Plate fillets and serve with lemon and tartar sauce. Hometown CLINTON • 39