Blue Origin returned from space, can Jackson, Mississippi, finally take off?

By Pauline Rogers

JA Guest Writer

As the world watched the successful return of Blue Origin’s historic all-women crew from space, Jackson, Mississippi, stands grounded. The city is still grappling with problems that no rocket can solve.

But the spirit of that mission – unity, courage, and collective effort – can be applied right here in our capital city. Instead of launching away, it is time to launch together – toward a more just, functioning, and thriving Jackson.

The upcoming mayoral runoff election on April 22 provides such an opportunity, not just for a new administration, but for a new mindset. This isn’t about endorsements. It’s about engagement.

It’s a moment for the people of Jackson and Hinds County to take a long, honest look at ourselves and ask themselves if they have shown up for their city and worked with elected officials, instead of remaining at odds with them.

It is time to vote again – this time with deeper understanding and shared responsibility. Jackson is in crisis – and crisis won’t wait.

According to the U.S. Census projections, Jackson’s population is shrinking faster than any other city in the United States, losing nearly 4,000 residents in a single year. That kind of loss isn’t just about numbers – it’s about hope, resources, and people’s decision to give up rather than dig in.

Add to that the long-standing issues: a crippled water system, public safety concerns, economic decline, and a sense of division that often pits neighbor against neighbor, party against party, and race against race.

Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba has led through these storms, facing criticism for his handling of the water crisis, staffing issues, and infrastructure delays. But the question remains if the city, the county, and the state truly collaborate with him – or did they stand at a distance, waiting to assign blame.

On the flip side, Democratic State Senator John Horhn, who has served for more than three decades, is now seeking to lead the very city he once represented from the State Capitol. Voters should examine his legislative record and ask whether he used his influence to help stabilize the administration, or only to position himself for this moment.

Blaming politicians is easy. Building cities is hard. And yet that is exactly what’s needed. Jackson’s future will not be secured by a mayor alone. It will take so many of Jackson’s residents – voters, business owners, faith leaders, students, retirees, parents, and young people – to move this city forward. That’s the liftoff we need.

It is time to imagine Jackson as a capital city where clean, safe drinking water flows to every home – not just after lawsuits or emergencies, but through proactive maintenance and funding from city, state, and federal partnerships. The EPA’s involvement gives the city leverage.

Public safety must be a guarantee and includes prevention, not just response, with funding for community-based violence interruption programs, trauma services, youth job programs, and reentry support. Other cities have done this – and it’s working.

Education and workforce development are real priorities, preparing young people not just for diplomas but for meaningful careers. That means investing in public schools and in partnerships with HBCUs, trade programs, and businesses rooted right here.

Additionally, City services – from trash collection to pothole repair – must be reliable, transparent, and equitable, regardless of zip code or income. Seamless governance is possible when everyone is at the table.

Yes, democracy works, because people show up. Not just to vote once, but to attend city council meetings, serve on boards, hold leaders accountable, and help shape decisions about where resources go.

This election isn’t just about who gets the title of mayor. It’s about whether Jackson gets another chance at becoming the capital city Mississippi deserves – a place that leads by example, not lags behind.

The successful Blue Origin mission didn’t happen by chance. It took coordinated effort, diverse expertise, and belief in what was possible. The same is true for this city.

We are not launching into space. But we can launch a new era – one marked by cooperation over conflict, and by sustained civic action over short-term outrage.

On April 22, go vote. Not just for a person, but for a path forward. Because Jackson deserves liftoff – and it starts with us.

Pauline Rogers is a longtime advocate for criminal justice reform and the founder of the RECH Foundation.