Neighborhood Economics Jackson, MS - A National Conversation

Jackson

On April 24-26, 2023, more than 250 folks gathered at historic Duling Hall in the Fondren neighborhood of Jackson, Mississippi. This event was convening about economic innovations that are reaching tipping points. It was aimed to help three streams come together to create place-based economic justice: Catalytic Capital, Neighborhood Economics, and Faith+Finance.

Through working groups, curated experiences, and neighborhood tours that showcased the possibility and urgency of our shared work, we built momentum and new connections over those three days. Through a movable feast of meals, ideas, and design labs, the event culminated in next steps for many and a shared celebration.

Check out this Nonprofit Quarterly article about the conference by Neighborhood Economics conference participant and speaker Steve Dubbs:

https://nonprofitquarterly.org/connecting-faith-institutions-to-capital/

Here’s a short recap video of our time in Jackson:

Images from Jackson

Thank you to our partners;

Accelerate Your Success

Working Together Jackson

Liminal Creative

Parish Collective

Christian Community Development Association

Fondren Renaissance Foundation

ImpactAlpha

Help Now Charlotte

Conference Organizers

Rosa Lee Harden

Executive Producer

Leroy Barber

Executive Director

Kevin Jones

Event Curator

Tim Soerens

Event Curator

Why Jackson Mississippi?

There are strong financial, community-organizing, and faith-based partners ready to make things happen.

There are asset-creating projects facilitated by Black and brown leaders that are ready for investment.

The city is 80% Black and Mississippi is the poorest state in the nation — which provides a clear example of the racial wealth gap.

Our model can be deployed in the region to repair the damage caused by systemic racism and poverty.

There is an opportunity for a national conversation around these issues in a place where the local need and opportunity are great.

The Venue

Historic Duling Hall in the Fondren neighborhood.

622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS

Catalytic Capital Fund

We are also thrilled to announce, in conjunction with our Neighborhood Economics events, that we are creating a national network of community-directed, philanthropic investment funds that will be left behind in every city where we host an event, and the first such fund will be in Mississippi.

This Neighborhood Economics Catalytic Capital (CataCap) Fund will be a recycling fund to support investment in local, community-directed, economic justice initiatives. This is beyond democratic; this is funders ceding power over the problems addressed and the solutions enacted to the community. Join this movement to be a part of shifting the power. Click below to donate and for more detailed information.