We are moving on from Next Door

     Jacksonians4Jackson is growing, and we are happy about this, but we are not happy with our ability to reach our followers and members. Our biggest NextDoor contributor has been banned from NextDoor until the end of October. We don't understand why she was banned _ but there isn't any rhyme or reason to these bannings. The powers that be on NextDoor don't seem to like what we talk about. Apparently, our NextDoor contributor was put on the chopping block because of a biblical quote that wasn't properly notated as to source.
     NextDoor, which focuses on pet owners and neighborhood safety, is a valuable platform. However, it falls short when it comes to sharing information that could benefit the citizens of Jackson, MS. This is why we are urgently seeking better communication channels in Jackson.

     J4J, and specifically, Val Vickery, has used the platform to inform and encourage Jacksonians to get involved with matters that are vital to our city's vibrancy. Our commitment to this cause remains unwavering.

     She has shared stories of people making contributions and asked questions to encourage us to think together about achieving our common goals. Val has been introducing the neighborhoods to the candidates for Mayor in May and June 2025. She spends her valuable time talking to the men who want to run our city so that you can understand what they stand for, what their platforms are, and whether they should earn your vote.

     It is clear that Jackson is at a crossroads with the current administration of the city. So far, three people have pleaded guilty to federal crimes, and others are promised to be held accountable and go to federal court for their crimes.

     Jacksonians4Jackson hopes to be part of the larger community of groups that are helping to bring Jackson back from the brink, where it currently is at this time.                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
     So, we are going to our partners/followers/members to reach out to give or get information on our X (Twitter) account or our Facebook page. Our newsletter will go out monthly and periodically to inform you of any new events. We are working hard to keep you updated on upcoming local elections 2025. We hope you sign up for our newsletter at www.tinyurl.com/joinj4j.

     Like Elon Musk, we believe in FREEDOM OF SPEECH. We want free and fair elections, and most importantly, we want a happy, prosperous, and safe city. Would you like to help us?

Goal of our Newsletter

     The goal of this newsletter has always been to, first and foremost, provide an information bulletin that lets you know what we have found interesting in our quest to make Jackson better and the events we hold to get everyone involved in our group. We want to get valuable content to you. We ask you to be the mouth that speaks, the fingers that hit "forward," and the legs that take you and a friend to our events. We are all well aware of the junk in your email box. Daily, we hit "delete" without reading any content in the emails we get. If you consider us to be "spam," please unsubscribe. But if there is important information, please help us by getting the word out. Jackson is full of praying people inside and outside of our group.

Why is our city falling into disrepair?

      We keep showing examples of things about our city with little to no attempt at repairing them. When addressing the problem, sometimes the answer is, “The State won’t give us money.” Let’s think together for a minute. If a rebellious teen tried that with wise parents, they would tell him to get a job.

     Let’s suggest at the ballot box that our current Mayor get a new job! We, the citizens of Jackson, pay taxes and create jobs. Help us elect a mayor who is for others. A new mayor will hopefully take the role of Mayor to heart. Mayor Lumumba, your plans are not working! We respectfully ask you to admit you could do something besides complain.

     I am a huge advocate of talking, brainstorming, strategizing, and compromising. I do not see State leaders doing any of those things. I am not taking sides with anyone but the tax-paying, voting citizens of Jackson.

Why is our city falling into disrepair?

   We keep showing examples of things about our city with little to no attempt at repairing them. When addressing the problem, sometimes the answer is, “The State won’t give us money.” Let’s think together for a minute. If a rebellious teen tried that with wise parents, they would tell him to get a job.

   Let’s suggest at the ballot box that our current Mayor get a new job! We, the citizens of Jackson, pay taxes and create jobs. Help us elect a mayor who is for others. A new mayor will hopefully take the role of Mayor to heart. Mayor Lumumba, your plans are not working! We respectfully ask you to admit you could do something besides complain.

   I am a huge advocate of talking, brainstorming, strategizing, and compromising. I do not see State leaders doing any of those things. I am not taking sides with anyone but the tax-paying, voting citizens of Jackson.

GROUPS & ORGANIZATIONS in JACKSON, working for the betterment of Jackson

1. Partners in Jackson - JPS - Thea Faulkner, DIrector
2. Jackson Leadership Foundation - Samuel Bolen, Director
3. Bridging the Gap - Cameron Tate, Director
4. Support groups springing out of the Women's Prayer Conference held September 19, 2024 at the Civil Rights Museum - Organizer Angela Butler

Follow this website and this newsletter as this list expands and gives more opportunities to get involved. We will share how to get in touch with these and others in time.

      I believe the core value of J4J is looking for positives in our city and highlighting them. Bridging the Gap is such an organization. I met its founder this morning. Since 2018, Cameron Tate and his wife have poured their lives into this. All over the city they have coalitions. Cameron will introduce us to his friends and vice versa. Together we will become stronger. Be on the lookout as I highlight other groups I'm being introduced to. Jackson is a "little" lighthouse now but the best is yet to come. If you believe me, share stories like this.

Learning about JPS

by Val Vickery

It will take some background to share how profoundly I was impacted by spending time with Jackson Public School educators, Joseph Collins, principal at Boyd Elementary and Thea Faulkner, director of Partners in Education for JPS. Both are exemplary leaders and together shared about so many others like them in the JPS system.

They are making an impact not just on students, but families too. JPS is creating ways to help young people prepare for college degrees or careers in the trades - like barbering, welding, home building and others.

We also got to hear from Mrs. Adams who works with Mrs. Faulkner. The stories she told me gave me encouragement that JPS is really working hard for our students.

Both Collins and Faulkner didn't hide from the recent troubles JPS has faced with the threat of State takeover, but then quickly pointed to a New York Times article singling out JPS advancements in reading scores.

Why is good news so hard to spread while bad news lingers even after the situation is moving quickly in an upward direction? Personally, I have done a small amount of checking out the state of our schools, but will honestly admit that because I didn't know too many people like these two educators, I was reluctant to believe websites. Now I will definitely do more checking in with reports from our school system.

I am seeking to do my part to point our improvements and ask you who read this to join me. Just forward this to 10 people. If you don't know 10 people to send it to, send it to one. All of us know one person we could share good news with. And aren't we blessed to have such stories to share?

Voice of Calvary Ministries and Dr. John M. Perkins

by Val Vickery

The Voice of Calvary Ministries (VOCM) was founded in 1975 by Dr. John M. Perkins, to address issues of poverty, injustice and racism in Jackson, MS. Since then, VOCM has grown to be a multifaceted organization that assists people across the state. We believe the good news which Jesus proclaimed includes spiritual transformation as well as reaching one's full potential economically, physically, and socially. We also believe that transformed individuals help to transform their communities."

I saw Dr. Perkins last week, aged 93. He is still sounding the message of love of God over being a victim of evil. I first met the Reverend John Perkins in the 1970s. It was his books that so impacted me. "Let Justice Roll Down" was a favorite of mine.

Dr. Perkins still has that same "fire in his belly". He told me personally that the problems today center around VICTIMHOOD. Everyone has something they can point to that makes them a VICTIM of something or somebody. To find answers, however, he says they only need to find comfort and healing in the love of God.

That is an age-old admonition from an old saint, who "once was you, but is old now and has never seen his own hungry or begging for bread."

May all of us who come behind Dr. Perkins learn from him in our pursuit for justice and harmony in Jackson so many years after Dr. Perkins first penned those words.

There are many ways you can contribute to the positive changes in Jackson. Attend events, spread the word, or volunteer your time to make a difference!