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Newsletter 1 July 2024
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Positive Jackson - The Ark
by Nick Maneck
In the Bible days, Noah took a massive leap of faith to build an enormous Ark as he had been instructed to do, though he had never seen rain. His obedience helped to preserve humanity after a destructive flood covered the earth.
All these years later, people still take vast leaps of faith to preserve for humanity’s sake. That is the story of a group of Jacksonians who endeavored to help empower transformation in South Jackson by preserving an old Sam’s warehouse.
The Ark became a reality under Representative Ronnie Crudup, Jr., a Mississippi State Representative for District 71.
The Ark was successfully launched on October 11, 2023. thanks to the invaluable contributions of an able executive team that included Dr. Adrianne Swinney, Charles Lewis, Denzel Jones, Jordan Danberry, and Daryl Courtney.
In its current evolution, the Ark houses four basketball courts, two fitness facilities, and other training resources. Membership details can be viewed at https://www.theark601.org/rates. Scholarships are available for deserving youth.
The Ark is located at 590 Raymond Road, Jackson, MS 39204.
November 14 Meeting at Perkins Foundation with James Hopkins
Hello Jacksonians!
We had a meaningful meeting at the Perkins Foundation on November 14. If you don't know where the Perkins Foundation is, it's downtown at 1831 Robinson Street. It is a beautiful house and it does a lot of good for the community. Here is a little about their mission...
The John and Vera Mae Perkins Foundation for Justice, Reconciliation & Community Development (JVMPF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Christian community development and racial reconciliation. Founded in February 1983 in Pasadena, California, by Drs. John M. and Vera Mae Perkins and their supporters, the foundation relocated to Jackson, Mississippi in 1998 to address the challenges faced by the economically and physically deteriorating West Jackson community.
Dr. John Perkins, through years of experience working among the poor, realized that the issues faced by communities like West Jackson require a strong commitment and courageous actions from ordinary Christians with heroic faith. He observed that the most effective long-term solutions for the poor often emerged from grassroots and church-based efforts led by individuals who saw themselves as Jesus’ representatives in their neighborhoods.
The philosophy of John and Vera Mae Perkins is rooted in practical, community-based development. It wasn’t conceived in a classroom or by outsiders unfamiliar with the struggles of the poor. Instead, it evolved from years of living and working among the families in their target area. This philosophy was first developed by John Perkins in rural Mississippi, and for over 63 years, he, his wife Dr. Vera Mae Perkins, and their children have embodied and lived out these principles. They are creating coalitions with like minded people and groups.
We had a great conversation with James Hopkins who talked about his plans should he become Mayor of Jackson next year. James started RESET JACKSON in 2020. James and his group mentor teens and find them jobs. The teen summits the help organize are designed to let teens air their opinions, needs and find solutions. The teens that come to RESET JACKSON do not see a great deal of leadership within their community and in the adults in their spheres. RESET JACKSON specializes in 2-7 years of age. James feels like if his organization can reach these kids early and instill in them the positive things they need to succeed in life, they will be able to develop the skills they need.
James and his organization believe there is positivity in Jackson, and Jacksonian's have to be the ones to clean up the community. He wants to solve crime by creating more homeowners, make financial integrity a big part of the city leadership, infrastructure, and cleaning up the city.