By Paula Garrett
“It’s Been A Long Time Coming. But I Know A Change Is Gonna Come” — Mississippian Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke, the “King of Soul,” is known for his Chicago-style music, but he is actually from Clarksdale in the Mississippi Delta. He left Mississippi with his family as a child. He and hundreds of people left. They left in those days, and they continue to leave now. Mississippi suffers from what folks call the “brain drain;” young people leave the state far too often, and they do not return.
Why is that? Is it possible that it’s the same reason people are excited that we are working in Jackson but seem less excited to join us there?
Jackson’s infrastructure, including access to clean, safe water, has brought national attention to the needs and opportunities of this city, and we believe Jackson, indeed all of Mississippi, is ready to take a hard look at economic injustices. Jackson already has strong financial, community-organizing, and faith-based partners ready to make things happen. Together, we believe we can bring even greater economic justice to the region. We need you there to make that happen.
Not incidentally, Jackson, with its 80% Black population, in the poorest state in the nation, provides a clear example of the racial wealth gap. The tools that Neighborhood Economics is identifying can be deployed in Mississippi to repair the damage caused by the connection between race and poverty. The great news is that there are asset-creating projects led by people of color that are ready for investment by allies and partners. And Mississippi’s vibrant communities of faith are looking for ways to become allies to historically disenfranchised Black and brown communities.
Neighborhood Economics in Jackson is an opportunity for a national conversation around these issues where local needs and opportunities are so great. Jackson is a compelling place to do this work. Jackson is not for the faint of heart. It is a place where all of these issues are on display. That’s precisely why we chose Jackson, and it’s why we want you to join us there.