Daily Journal | File Debra Carrouthers, left, laughs as J.D. McGee of Magnolia BBQ and Fish sings a country rap song for her entitled “I’m a Poet” during the Communities Forward Festival at Gum Tree Park in 2012. By William Moore Daily Journal TUPELO – The Communities Forward Festival began as a dream of Nettie Davis, a chance to show the comunity that police can be your friend. Over the years, the event held each fall in Gum Tree Park on Front Street in Tupelo has grown. “We have been working together with the Tupelo Police Department in a collaborative effort to improve relations in the community,” said Davis, who represents Ward 4 on the Tupelo City Council.