Residents organize to ‘save’ capital

A group of Jacksonians concerned about the city’s future say they aim to “create a tidal wave” that will foster change and healing in the capital city.

“Mississippi needs a strong capital city,” said Val Vickery, an organizer of Jacksonians 4 Jackson. 

Vickery and her husband live in the Fondren area of Northeast Jackson and have been residents for decades. 

“I have always seen Jackson as a city worth investing in,” she said.

Vickery said it is important that the group recruit members from all seven wards in the city of Jackson.

“We are trying to build consensus,” Vickery said. “We walk a fine line of non-party politics and non-denominationalism. We desire to build momentum so there becomes a tidal wave of like-minded people regarding integrity and the demand that our leaders represent those values.”

Johnny Beason, an active member of the group, lives in south Jackson in the Hibernia Hills neighborhood on Gaylyn Drive. Originally from Newton, Beason came to Jackson in 1972 as a student at Jackson State University. Beason stayed in town after he graduated in 1974.

“We as an organization want to let the current leadership of the city know they have failed us,” Beason said. “It is nothing personal.”

He said he wanted leadership in the city that could “turn the city around.” Beason cited crime and “crumbling infrastructure” as key issues he feels the current city leadership has been negligent in addressing.

“In my opinion, the city is on life support,” Beason said. But he offers hope, “I am convinced we can do better.”

The group hopes to build a roster of over 5,000 voters in Jackson to influence change in the city. 

The group will be meeting on Thursdays at The Cedars off of Old Canton Road across the street from the St. Andrews Lower School campus moving forward. 

The group will meet this evening, Thursday, July 13, at 5:30 p.m. For more information go to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Jxn4Jxn.