JANS – On November 29, Dawson Elementary School and Capital City Alternative School students buried a time capsule at Dawson Elementary to honor the Jackson community’s strength and resilience during the 2022 Jackson water crisis.
Over 40 Jackson Public Schools students from grades 5-6 reflected on their experiences during the water crisis to create handwritten letters for the time capsule. The time capsule includes the students’ handwritten notes; a tablet with video messages from school administrators, district officials, and JPS board members; and items from the citywide day of action beautification project. The time capsule is buried near the Calming Tree at Dawson Elementary and will be unearthed in 2035.
The mementos inside the capsule will enable future generations to reflect on the resilience and heroic actions of JPS scholars and the Jackson community during the water crisis.
“Our memories of this moment in Jackson’s history should not reflect only the tragedies but also on the men, women, and children who have committed their lives to build our community,” said Vicki Conley, principal at Dawson Elementary School. “Our students must be allowed to leave their mark and tell their stories of resilience during this unprecedented time in Jackson’s history.”
Earlier this summer, students, community members, and elected leaders participated in a month-long series of events marking the water crisis anniversary, including the assembly of a time capsule and a citywide day of action to beautify and restore public and educational spaces on Percy V. Simpson Drive.
“During the water crisis, many students stepped up to help with donated water and ensured our classrooms had vital resources,” said Tanyatemeika Mason, principal at Capital City Alternative School. “Their determination and resilience have built a movement that will empower future generations to work together to create change in their communities. The time capsule reflects JPS students, district staff, and Jackson leaders’ strength, perseverance, and commitment to the community.”
