The Clay Edwards Show

**Clay Edwards Show – Episode 1219**  **Focus: Jackson Nightclubs vs. the City of Jackson and Jackson Police Department**
During the show, Clay Edwards discussed the growing tension between bar and nightclub owners in Jackson and city leadership, particularly the Jackson Police Department and the new police chief. He framed it as businesses being forced to solve problems that he believes should be handled through normal city services.
### The Situation Clay DescribedClay spoke with a bar owner in North Jackson whose establishment is located in a strip mall with multiple bars. Recent shootings in the shared parking lot have hurt business, including one incident where a young woman who had recently graduated high school was killed during a post-graduation party. Clay noted that in most cases, the violence occurs **outside** the bars after people leave the premises — not inside the venues themselves.
He pointed out that several of the bars in the area (including well-run spots like the Hideaway, Fourth and Goal, and Capital Grille) already maintain security inside their establishments. The problems arise in the common parking areas of the strip mall.
### The City’s PositionAccording to Clay, the new Jackson Police Chief has pushed for bars and nightclubs to hire additional private security or off-duty police officers at the businesses’ own expense. The idea is to reduce the department’s involvement in handling issues at these locations. Clay also mentioned that open-container rules previously signed by Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba have contributed to the problem, as some patrons now feel entitled to drink in parking lots.
### Clay’s Argument Against the City’s ApproachClay strongly disagreed with shifting the full burden onto business owners. His main points were:
- Businesses already pay property taxes and sales taxes to the city and are therefore entitled to basic police services, just like homeowners.- Making bars pay for extra off-duty officers (reportedly around $475 per night, with multiple officers often needed for larger lots) places an unfair financial strain on small business owners.- The violence is happening in public or semi-public spaces (parking lots), and the city should provide proactive policing in known problem areas rather than forcing businesses to cover the cost.- A police precinct is located nearby, so regular drive-through presence should be feasible without requiring businesses to pay extra.- Jackson often treats businesses — especially entertainment venues — as adversaries rather than partners. Clay said, in effect, that when you operate a business in Jackson, you are “in business against Jackson.”
He contrasted this with the Belhaven and Fondren areas, where Capitol Police maintain a visible presence. Clay argued that this proactive approach has helped those districts remain safer and more successful, and he questioned why similar support isn’t extended to other parts of the city.
### Clay’s View on ResponsibilityClay acknowledged that bars should handle security **inside** their venues. However, he maintained that once people leave and enter the parking lot or public areas, it becomes a broader public safety issue that the city and police department should address. He said businesses cannot reasonably be expected to control behavior after patrons get into their cars and leave the property.
He also noted that well-run bars are already spending significant money on internal security and that additional mandates could push some establishments out of business or force them to relocate.
### Overall Takeaway from the DiscussionClay presented the conflict as part of a larger pattern in Jackson where the city expects private businesses to compensate for weak enforcement and public safety shortcomings. He argued that the focus should be on stronger proactive policing in high-risk areas rather than requiring bar owners to pay for what he sees as basic city services.

**Clay Edwards Show – Episode 1219**  **Focus: Why Clay Believes Schools Should Stop Teaching Civil Rights and Slavery History**
During the show, Clay Edwards made a direct case for removing the teaching of the civil rights era and slavery from K-12 schools. He argued that the current approach has become counterproductive and harmful.
### Clay’s Core ArgumentClay stated that it is time to stop teaching about the civil rights era in schools. He clarified that he is not calling for the complete removal of the information from society. Instead, he believes students who want to learn about slavery, the civil rights movement, or related history should be free to study it on their own through books and independent research. His objection centers on how the subject is currently taught as part of the standard curriculum.
### Reasons Clay Gave for His Position
**1. Creates a Built-in Excuse for Failure**  Clay argued that constant focus on America’s racist past conditions young people — particularly Black students — to view themselves as perpetual victims. He said this gives them a ready-made explanation for any misfortune or lack of success in life, rather than encouraging personal accountability.
**2. Teaches Young People to Blame White People**  He claimed the way the material is presented trains young Black children to see the “white man” as the permanent boogeyman responsible for their problems. Clay pointed to what he described as widespread online content showing young Black individuals attacking White people while expressing racial outrage, and he linked this behavior to the messaging they receive in school.
**3. Schools Should Prepare Students for the Real World**  Clay emphasized that the purpose of school is to prepare children for adult life and the workforce. He said the current approach instead fills students with emotion, anger, and grievance. He noted that many young people are now medicated to manage anger and emotional issues, which he connected to how history is being taught.
**4. Turned Into Propaganda**  He accused angry left-wing teachers and activists of transforming factual history into propaganda. Clay said the curriculum often ignores or downplays the role of Democrats in historical racism while focusing blame on White people and Republicans in general. He argued this creates division rather than understanding.
**5. Fuels Ongoing Grievance Culture**  Clay tied the teaching of civil rights history to modern activism, including organized protests and “Days of Action” against voting map rulings. He suggested that keeping the focus on historical oppression in schools helps sustain a culture of grievance and victimhood instead of moving forward.
### Clay’s Suggested AlternativeClay proposed that the material should remain available for those who genuinely want to study it, but it should no longer be a required part of the standard school curriculum. He believes removing it from daily classroom instruction would reduce the conditioning of young people to see themselves as victims and help shift focus toward personal responsibility and preparation for real life.
Clay acknowledged he did not live through the civil rights era himself but said he grew up in a diverse area of South Jackson and did not experience the level of racism that is now routinely emphasized in education and media.

**Clay Edwards Show – Episode 1219**  **Focus: Murder Rates by Age and Race**
During the show, Clay Edwards presented FBI-derived statistics from 2021 that highlighted significant disparities in murder offending rates across racial and age groups. He described the numbers as deeply concerning and attributed the patterns primarily to cultural factors rather than external systemic causes.
### Overall Rates (Ages 15–64)Clay shared the following murder rates per 100,000 people:
- **White males**: 5.2  - **Hispanic males**: 17.4  - **Black males**: 95.5  
He noted that Black females in this broad age range (8.7 per 100,000) committed murders at a higher rate than White males (5.2). For comparison:  - Hispanic females: 3.6  - White females: 1.1  
### Young Children (Ages 5–14)The data showed:  - White males: 0.2 per 100,000  - Hispanic males: 0.8 per 100,000  - **Black males: 4.9 per 100,000**
Clay emphasized that Black males in the 5–14 age group commit murders at a rate roughly comparable to White males ages 15–64. He pointed out that no comparable data appeared for females in this youngest age bracket across the groups.
### Peak Offending Years (Ages 15–24)Rates increased sharply in this group:  - White males: 8.3 per 100,000  - Hispanic males: 28.1 per 100,000  - **Black males: 207.4 per 100,000**
Clay described these figures for young Black males as “frightening.” He also noted elevated rates for Black females in the 15–24 and 25–34 age ranges compared to White males in the same brackets.
### Clay’s AnalysisClay stated that a Black child between the ages of 5 and 14 is more likely to commit murder than a White male between the ages of 35 and 64. He argued that the data reflects deep cultural problems, including what he called “culture rot,” fatherlessness, and children being raised without strong moral or religious foundations.
He questioned how these patterns will play out in 30 years if current trends continue, suggesting that society will eventually refuse to continue absorbing the consequences. Clay stressed that he was simply recognizing patterns in the available data and that honest discussion of these realities is necessary.
### Andrew Gasser’s ResponseAndrew agreed that the statistics point to serious cultural issues that must be confronted directly within the affected communities. He noted that the problems have been building for decades and require internal accountability rather than continued external blame.
Both hosts acknowledged that 2021 saw a national spike in homicides following the COVID lockdowns, but they maintained that the racial and age disparities in the data remain stark and demand straightforward examination.

**Clay Edwards Show – Episode 1219 Recap**  **Guests:** Shaun Yurtkuran (Hour 1 & 2) and Andrew Gasser (Hour 2)
### Mark Fuhrman’s Passing & OJ Simpson Trial ReflectionsClay opened by discussing the passing of Mark Fuhrman, the former LAPD detective best known for his role in the O.J. Simpson trial. He described Fuhrman as one of the most iconic and infamous figures in modern pop culture history.
Shaun, who has studied the case extensively, noted that prosecutors were aware of Fuhrman’s background issues before calling him as a witness. He pointed out that Chris Darden reportedly resisted using Fuhrman, but Marcia Clark made the final decision to call him. Both hosts agreed the prosecution made critical strategic errors, including allowing O.J. Simpson to try on the glove in court.
Clay connected the discussion to broader race relations in America. He shared his personal experiences growing up in South Jackson during the 1980s in a diverse neighborhood, attending public schools, and not encountering overt racism in his daily life. He argued that the very public celebrations by segments of the Black community following O.J.’s acquittal damaged race relations and have not aged well over time. Clay drew a distinction between individual Black people and what he called “Black culture rot.”
### Jackson Bribery Trial – The “Free the Land Three”Clay and Shaun devoted significant time to the federal bribery case involving Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, and Councilman Aaron Banks, whom Clay referred to as the “Free the Land Three.”
- **Jody Owens’ defense**: Entrapment. He claims undercover agents took advantage of his alcoholism by getting him drunk during meetings (referencing White Claws and Truly in a photo included in court filings).- **Chokwe Antar Lumumba’s defense**: The conduct did not constitute bribery or an official act but was instead standard campaign contributions used to build political influence — behavior common among politicians.- **Marvay Smith**: The Jackson businessman who pleaded guilty early and is cooperating with prosecutors. Court documents referenced an allegation that Owens suggested running license plates on vehicles associated with the undercover operation, expecting them to trace back to the FBI.- **Aaron Banks**: Clay and Shaun discussed the possibility that Banks may ultimately cooperate with the government, given the lighter charges he faces and the potential for a reduced sentence through substantial assistance.
Shaun broke down the legal standards for an entrapment defense, noting that it requires both government inducement and a lack of predisposition on the defendant’s part. He argued Jody’s active participation throughout the scheme makes a successful entrapment claim difficult. Both hosts described the overall operation as poorly executed and amateurish for individuals in such prominent positions.
Clay predicted that if Lumumba were to flip and cooperate, it would dramatically increase pressure on Jody to accept a plea deal.
### Hilton Hotel on County Line Road Up for SaleClay reported that the Hilton hotel on County Line Road is currently up for auction with a starting bid of $1.8 million. He noted the property remains open and operational. The conversation turned to the long-term decline of County Line Road, which was once a major commercial and traffic corridor but has seen significantly reduced activity in recent years.
Shaun observed how dramatically the area has changed and referenced an investor who has acquired multiple downtown Jackson buildings at very low prices in recent years. They also discussed ongoing challenges with other downtown properties damaged by past weather events.
### Crime, Security & Business Challenges in JacksonClay discussed conversations with a bar owner in the North Jackson area regarding recent shootings in a shared parking lot, including one incident that resulted in the death of a young woman who had recently graduated high school during a post-graduation party.
Key points raised:- Most of the violence has occurred **outside** the bars in parking lot areas after patrons leave the premises.- The new Jackson Police Chief has reportedly pushed for bars and nightclubs to hire additional private security or off-duty officers at the businesses’ own expense.- Open-container policies have contributed to problems, with some patrons assuming they can drink in parking lots.- Clay argued that businesses already pay taxes and are entitled to basic police services, including proactive presence in known problem areas. He contrasted this with the visible success of Capitol Police presence in the Belhaven and Fondren districts, where it has supported revitalization.- Off-duty officer details carry significant costs, and requiring multiple officers for larger lots places a heavy financial burden on small business owners.- Both Clay and Andrew emphasized that Jackson is in an “enforcement phase” and criticized the idea of additional studies on the root causes of crime while immediate enforcement remains insufficient.
### Disturbing Murder StatisticsClay presented FBI-derived statistics from 2021 showing stark disparities in murder offending rates by race and age group:
- Black males ages 15–24: 207.4 murders per 100,000- Black males ages 5–14: 4.9 per 100,000- White males ages 15–64: 5.2 per 100,000
He highlighted that Black children ages 5–14 commit murders at a rate roughly comparable to White males ages 15–64. Black females in several age brackets also showed higher rates than White males. Clay described the numbers as deeply concerning and attributed the patterns primarily to cultural factors, including family breakdown and the absence of strong moral foundations.
Andrew agreed the data reflects serious cultural problems that require honest internal examination within affected communities.
### Civil Rights Education & Upcoming ProtestsClay argued that the way civil rights history is currently taught in schools has created a built-in excuse for failure and conditioned young people to view themselves as perpetual victims. He suggested the material should remain available for independent study but questioned its prominent role in K-12 education, claiming it often fuels grievance rather than preparing students for real-world accountability.
He referenced organized efforts promoting a “Day of Action” protest regarding recent Supreme Court rulings on voting maps, framing it as part of ongoing narratives around voter suppression

Clay opens the show with heavy news — longtime caller and fan favorite Mister Buddy passed away over the weekend. He plays one of Buddy’s most memorable calls where he went scorched earth on convicted child murderer and pedophile Daniel Callahan, then shares a message from Buddy’s son Gabe and asks listeners to donate to the Little Lighthouse in lieu of flowers.

Later, attorney and WYAB host Sean Yurtkuran joins the show to break down the latest major development in the federal corruption case involving the “Free the Land Three” — Hinds County DA Jody Owens, former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, and Aaron Banks. The judge has now combined all three defendants into one trial. Clay and Sean discuss how this affects their defenses, why Chokwe Lumumba’s arguments were rejected, and what this could mean for potential plea deals or cooperation.

**Clay Edwards Show – Mister Buddy’s Passing, The Free the Land Three Trial Update & Sean Yurtkuran Joins (Ep #1218)**
Clay opens the show with heavy news — longtime caller and fan favorite Mister Buddy passed away over the weekend. He plays one of Buddy’s most memorable calls where he went scorched earth on convicted child murderer and pedophile Daniel Callahan, then shares a message from Buddy’s son Gabe and asks listeners to donate to the Little Lighthouse in lieu of flowers.
Later, attorney and WYAB host Sean Yurtkuran joins the show to break down the latest major development in the federal corruption case involving the “Free the Land Three” — Hinds County DA Jody Owens, former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, and Aaron Banks. The judge has now combined all three defendants into one trial. Clay and Sean discuss how this affects their defenses, why Chokwe Lumumba’s arguments were rejected, and what this could mean for potential plea deals or cooperation.
Clay also touches on Governor Tate Reeves canceling the special session on redistricting and announces he’s actively looking for the next great talk radio host on WYAB, offering a weekly Saturday slot to the right person.
Unfiltered, no sugar added reality radio at its finest.

**Clay Edwards Show – Ted DiBiase Jr: The Road to WWE**
Ted shares the real story of how he broke into wrestling. After graduating from Mississippi College — the first in his family to earn a degree despite being dyslexic and having ADD — he told his dad, the Million Dollar Man, that he wanted to follow in his footsteps. His father was against it at first but finally gave his blessing with one condition: if Ted was serious, he had to go train with Harley Race in Missouri.  
Ted started training in May 2006, spent time wrestling in Japan, then went through developmental at FCW in Tampa. Just two years later, on May 26, 2008, he made his main roster TV debut in Denver, Colorado. He talks about the grind, the long drives, and what it really took to make it from Mississippi to the big leagues.
Unfiltered, no sugar added reality radio at its finest.

**Clay Edwards Show – Ted DiBiase Jr: Growing Up as the Son of the Million Dollar Man**
Ted opens up about what it was really like growing up in Clinton as the son of the Million Dollar Man. He shares how his childhood felt pretty normal — friends would come over, they’d watch his dad’s matches on TV, then run outside and play like regular kids. It wasn’t until he was about 7 or 8 that he started realizing his dad wasn’t just “Ted” — he was a global superstar.  
He recalls moments like Virgil (his dad’s bodyguard) picking him up from school in a big Lincoln Town Car, and the first time he met Andre the Giant, who scooped him up with one hand like a basketball and called him “little buddy.” Ted talks about seeing his childhood heroes like Bret Hart in the ring and how his dad would always reassure him, “Don’t worry, it’s not real,” even while living the larger-than-life wrestling lifestyle.
Unfiltered, no sugar added reality radio at its finest.

**Clay Edwards Show – Ted DiBiase Jr. Full Studio Interview: Growing Up as the Million Dollar Man’s Son, WWE Journey & Beating 7 Years of Legal Hell (Ep #1217)**
Clay welcomes former WWE superstar Ted DiBiase Jr. into the studio for a full two-hour conversation. Ted opens up about growing up in Clinton as the son of the Million Dollar Man, training with Harley Race in Missouri, his time in FCW developmental and Japan, and breaking into the main roster in 2008. He shares stories from Legacy with Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, winning tag team gold, standing ringside at WrestleMania watching his former partners main event, and what it meant to almost jump the rail and get in the ring with them in Vegas.
Ted gets deeply personal about the last seven years of his high-profile legal battle over TANF funds, the media storm, false accusations, the heavy toll on his family, depression, isolation, and how his faith in God carried him through what felt like war. He describes the overwhelming relief of the not guilty verdict and the gratitude he feels now that it’s finally behind him, while also talking about his kids (Tate turning 14 and Ava) and his new business ventures.
Unfiltered, no sugar added reality radio at its finest.