This past Friday, the Center for Social Entrepreneurship held its grand opening event, inviting the community to see all the transformations of the International House on Robinson Road. The shared vision is for the Center for Social Entrepreneurship (CSE) to serve as one of the major catalytic agents that transforms West Jackson, Jackson and Mississippi into areas of greatness.

History
The Center’s genesis is an outgrowth of the Systems’ story. Systems’ first company, Systems Consultants Associates, Inc. (SCA), was formed to provide training and technical assistance to minority and disadvantaged businesses. In 2007, Systems realized that all businesses under the Systems Group had to become more bottom line focused and a non-profit should be formed that the Systems Companies could support on an “as able” basis. Thus, the Center for Social Entrepreneurship was born.

Since its inception, CSE has focused on supporting efforts geared to improving the lives of citizens primarily in West Jackson. Recently, the non-profit received 501(c)3 status. Now it is poised to vigorously address diverse issues including housing, education, economic development, and community engagement. While its commitment to West Jackson is a great as ever, it intends to impact the municipality and state within which it sits.

Vision
By 2021, they envision West Jackson’s once dilapidated houses to have been repaired or replaced. And, many should be occupied by Jackson State University (JSU) local and international students. By then, an International Village will exist in West Jackson which celebrates the richness of talent that diversity and inclusion bring. Existing businesses are thriving, newer ones dot the landscape and every “want-to-be” business owner wants to be in West Jackson attesting to the community’s entrepreneurial spirit. Most of all, one is captured by the aesthetics of the community. Flowers carpet yards like quilt work, art work captures the happiness of its designer rather than its frustration and anger, and national flags on residences of national and international students, alike, permeates the community.

They see life-long and new residents coexisting together in harmonious fashion, students adding value at every level, faculties and staff coordinating with the community with the singular purpose of making Jackson and Mississippi, great. In short, they envision the Center for Social Entrepreneurship as the catalyst that facilitates this metamorphosis.

For more information or if you want to get involved, please call 601-543-8434.

Below are pictures from the grand opening.