Photo from Barr Elementary's website

Not really sure how this one slipped by us, but we–the bearers of good news–are elated to spread the word about more good news. The Clarion Ledger reported on January 4 that Barr Elementary is one of only 66 schools in the country to to be designated as a National Title I Distinguished School for 2011. The National Title I Association describes the honor as follows:

These schools are recognized either for exceptional student performance overall, or for significantly closing the achievement gap between student groups.  The schools are selected for national recognition by their State Departments of Education based on state-determined criteria, such as use of research-based instructional strategies, implementation of sustained research-based professional development, or established partnerships with parents, families and the community.

So congratulations to Principal Candra Nelson and the rest of the faculty and staff at Barr Elementary. Education is definitely the first step to a resurgent West Jackson.

If you have time, also make sure to read this Clarion Ledger article on Barr by reporter Marquita Brown.

Before and after pecan pies. (Photo by Keeyon Upkins)

We’ll be the first to admit it…Santa probably won’t be getting us a gift on Black Friday because, well, we’ve been rightfully placed on the naughty list. Why? Because our postings on this blog have been minimal and sporadic at best.

Nevertheless, we want you to know that we are very thankful to have you as a reader and a staunch supporter of all things positive in West Jackson. So this Thanksgiving Day goes to you. Happy Thanksgiving!

P.S. We may be on the nice list when it comes to our Facebook and Twitter accounts, so make sure to fan and follow us there.

Photo by Ann Douglas of Flickr

On Tuesday, November 8, 2011, voters will go to the polls to cast their ballots. In this upcoming election, Mississippians are asked to vote for the candidate of their choice in a large number of state offices, including Governor and Lieutenant Governor. In addition, Mississippians will also be marking the ballots for or against Initiative 26, Initiative 27, and Initiative 31.

Initiative 26 known as the Mississippi Life Begins at the Moment of Fertilization Amendment will appear on the general election ballot as an indirect initiated constitutional amendment. The measure proposes adding language to the Mississippi Constitution that declares that life begins at the moment of fertilization. The official ballot summary of the measure reads:

“Initiative #26 would amend the Mississippi Constitution to define the word ‘person’ or ‘persons’, as those terms are used in Article III of the state constitution, to include every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning, or the functional equivalent thereof.”

Initiative 27, known as Mississippi Voter Identification Amendment, will appear on the general election ballot as an indirect initiated constitutional amendment. The measure, if enacted by voters, would require Voter ID at the polls in the state. The ballot summary of the measure reads as follows:

Initiative #27 would amend the Mississippi Constitution to require voters to submit a government issued photo identification before being allowed to vote; provides that any voter lacking government issued photo identification may obtain photo identification without charge from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety; and exempts certain residents of state-licensed care facilities and religious objectors from being required to show photo identification in order to vote.

Initiative 31, known as the Mississippi Eminent Domain Amendment, will appear on the general election ballot as an indirect initiated constitutional amendment. The summary of the amendment reads as follows:

Initiative #31 would amend the Mississippi Constitution to prohibit state and local government from taking private property by eminent domain and then conveying it to other persons or private businesses for a period of ten years after acquisition. Exceptions from the prohibition include drainage and levee facilities, roads, bridges, ports, airports, common carriers, and utilities. The prohibition would not apply in certain situations, including public nuisance, structures unfit for human habitation, or abandoned property.

This is a very important election and can change the future of the State of Mississippi in a number of ways. Therefore, it is extremely important that you get out to vote on Tuesday, November 8, 2011.

Sample ballot for Hinds County http://www.co.hinds.ms.us/pgs/pdf/sampleballots/SampleBallot.pdf

President Carolyn W. Meyers and the Jackson State University family invite you to participate in the Dedication Celebration of the Renaming of Terry Road to University Boulevard. The ceremony will take place on Friday, October 21, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the corner of  University Boulevard and Walter Payton Drive.
 
In 2000, JSU – Center for University-Based Development, began its e-City Initiative, which goals are to coordinate revitalization efforts within a five-mile radius of its main campus.  One of e-City’s primary objectives was the establishment of gateways into the University. This project led to the renaming of  Terry Road to University Boulevard. The effort took significant support of the business owners along Terry Road, surrounding neighborhoods associations, and the City of Jackson.  University Boulevard emerges from Pascagoula Street to I-20 Terry Road South Exit Ramp. In the future, the University will work with the community to achieve beautification projects, business support services, and code enforcement.
 
For more information about this event, please call the Center for University-Based Development at 601-979-2255.   We look forward to seeing you there.

Royal Bleu Boutique owner, Marissa Simms

One of Jackson’s newest fashion boutiques, Royal Bleau, is now open for business in West Jackson. The boutique is located in One University Place–across from Jackson State University’s Student Center at 1100 John R. Lynch Street, Suite 8.

The boutique is owned by JSU student, Marissa Sims. Marissa is a senior majoring in Mass Communications and Business and is putting her education to excellent use with her newest venture. Royal Bleau Boutique offers a variety of designer and costume jewelry as well as fashions for women. Clothing in queen sizes is also available with a limit of four items per style.  If you are attending JSU Homecoming this weekend you can also purchase your JSU and custom Greek apparel at Royal Bleau.  The boutique is currently offering a 10% discount off purchases of $60 or more.

Royal Bleau is open Monday thru Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.   For more information on this exciting new Boutique, please contact Marissa by dialing 601-321-9564.  She’s waiting on your call and/or visit from you.  You will not be disappointed.

Photo from Hawkins Field Air Show's Facebook Page

Looks like cool weather made it just in time for the weekend. If you’re looking for something different to do, check out the annual Hawkins Field Air Show. Hosted by the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority, the show was created as a public service the community and provides great family entertainment.

The event takes place Saturday, October 1, from 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (gates open at 9:30 a.m.) and Sunday, October 2, from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (gates open at 11:30 a.m.).

This event draws thousands of people each day, so make sure that you get there early! Now, since it’s approaching 4:30, feel free to soar into the weekend.

Photo by Roger Smith of Flickr

Mother and Child in a village in Tamale, Ghana were I participated in a community service project to build huts (homes).

The following post was submitted by Kimberly Grayson, Graduate Assistant for The JSU Center for University Based Development

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Did you know that Jackson State University (JSU) was a finalist for the 2010 President Obama’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll Award this year? The Honor Roll, launched in 2006, is the highest federal designation awarded to institutions of higher education for their commitment to and achievement in community service. A total of 851 institutions applied for the 2010 Honor Roll, 114 received the recognition of Honor Roll with distinction, 11 were identified as finalists, and 6 received the Presidential Award. JSU ranked No. 7 of the eleven universities that received the finalist recognition and was the only Mississippi institution and Historically Black College or University (HBCU) awarded.

As a graduate student in JSU’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning and intern for the Center for University-Based Development, I am very proud of this distinction and JSU’s commitment to the community. The University has strongly encouraged my participation in many community service projects both locally and abroad. This past summer, I had the opportunity to study tourism, culture and international community development in Ghana, Africa with a former JSU professor.
JSU’s Center for Service and Community Engaged Learning (CSCEL) is coordinating the Fall 2011 Alternative Break to Shanghai.  I was fortunate enough to be one of the twenty-five students chosen to participate. I’m excited that this trip will give me another opportunity to serve and learn more about different cultures.
We will travel to China from November 10 through 24, 2011. The University of Shanghai for Science and Technology will serve as our host. During this trip, we will participate in community service projects such as teaching English to middle school students and working with the elderly and disadvantaged children. There are also plans to travel by train to Beijing, China to climb The Great Wall of China.
This trip is the first international trip sponsored by CSEL and is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most students. JSU has made the trip as inexpensive as possible, however there are some students still struggling with the cost. Where our motto is “Challenging Minds, Changing Lives,”please consider sponsoring a JSU student or making a financial contribution towards this trip.  For more information, you can contact Center for Service and Community Engaged Learning @ 601-979-1294.

Photo by hearldpost of flickr

The following post was submitted by Kimberly Grayson, Graduate Assistant for The JSU Center for University Based Development

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As children, we all knew people through which our lives were greatly impacted. It may have been our parents, our third grade teacher, the fireman down the street or even our high school coach, children need mentors to look up to.  As a mentor, one of my most rewarding moments was when one of my mentees came to me about a very serious problem and I listened intently to her problem and gave positive feedback– all without judgment. Two weeks later, in one of our mentoring sessions she thanked me so many times, she let me know how much my advice helped her and she even admitted that she didn’t know what would have happened if she did not have me to turn to.

 John M. Perkins Foundation For Reconciliation & Development (JMPF) is currently seeking mentors for their TALKS (transferring a little knowledge systematical) mentoring program at Pecan Park Elementary School. The TALKS mentoring program was founded by Dr. Harold Davis in1995. The mentoring programs ask that you commit one hour a week a boy of girl to help shape their lives. The JMPF will be hosting a met your mentor dinner on Tuesday 9/13/2011 at 6:00p.m. at Pecan Park Elementary. For more information contact The Perkins Center at 601-601-354-1563.

This past Tuesday, the skies were blue and the temperature was what WLBT’s Paul Williams described as a “polite” 98°. Now, I don’t know about you, but the heat this past Tuesday wasn’t very polite, but the crowd and excitement that showed up for gallery 1′s ribbon cutting was just plain ole nice.

Located on the ground floor of One University Place, gallery 1 is the result of a grant garnered by Jackson State University from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The spot is as hip as they come and features artwork from professional artists nationwide. Sure, this sounds like your run-of-the-mill gallery, but here’s the kicker–gallery 1 features many affordable pieces and will eventually incorporate artwork from students at JSU. It’s the perfect venue to introduce art to the west side while teaching JSU students a hands-on lesson in business.

The gallery’s curator is Kimberly Jacobs–a JSU graduate and a very active personality in the arts community. She also happens to be a West Jackson resident.

gallery 1 is the first of several tenants to open in One Jackson Place. Other venues that will open in the coming months include The Penguin restaurant, Royal Blue women’s boutique, and EnVision Eye Care & Optical Boutique.

gallery 1
1100 John R. Lynch Street
(601) 960-9250

Hours:

Tues.-Fri.: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sat.: noon – 4 p.m.
Sun. & Mon.: Closed

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Below are a few photos from the ribbon cutting ceremony. For more, swing on by our Facebook page.

Click here for more pictures

P.S. Get a little more background on west Jackson’s newest offering on Jackson State’s blog:

By Jean Gordon Cook 601-979-1571 jean.g.cook@jsums.edu(JACKSON, Miss.) – Jackson State University President Carolyn W. Meyers and Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. led a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 30 for Gallery 1 at One University Place, which is the first business to open in the JSU-initiated real estate development.  ”This changes not only the landscape of the university, but the landscape of West Jackson,” Johnson said at the start of the … Read More

via Jackson State University News Room