Don’t Forget About Jackson

By Lorena Quiroz
Founder and Director of The Immigrant Alliance for Justice and Equity

The “Jxn Icons” mural is located on the back wall of the Old Capital Inn on North Street. It depicts Civil Rights leader Medgar Evers; writer and photographer Eudora Welty; American ballet dancer, educator, and author Thalia Mara; and rapper and philanthropist David Banner.

I live in the beautiful Jackson MS, the city with Soul, a city that is 84% Black, and a city that is welcoming to immigrants and migrants; a city led by a radical mayor. A city that was just ravaged by a legislative session that recently tried to create an entity within our water system that would put the City of Jackson's water and sewer infrastructure in the hands of the state, a bill (SB2628) that was passed by the senate, but thankfully, ultimately defeated. 

This defeat was only possible, because the people rose up to denounce the creation of the Capitol Region utility authority, an entity that would have removed authority from the city leaders over their own water system. A water system that continues to experience repeated water boil notices, infrastructure that causes myriads of potholes, that in turn cause damage to tires, rims, and can even cost you your life. All this due to decades of neglect and divestment. 

As we approach elections and continue to see trends that attack the civil rights gains of people of color, one can only wonder what is in store for Jackson. The one thing we can be sure of is that its residents are and have been ready for a fight for their city. We, activists, organizers and leaders, proudly wear t-shirts that read, keep your hands off Jackson, because Jackson will not go down without a fight.

Learn more: www.iajems.org