OPINION: A new hope for Jackson: Turning the page on chaos and building the city we deserve
By Dr. Stacia V. Hunter
JA Guest Writer
Jacksonians won when they delivered a clear message at the ballot box by securing sustainable change, hope, and clarity by electing Senator John Horhn as mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, on June 3, 2025, during the general election, which included six candidates.
Horhn will assume office on July 1, 2025. With new leadership and civic engagement rising, we are at the brink of a long-awaited new chapter. This change in government is a moment of clarity where Jacksonians ignored the chaos and skepticism to choose a direction towards a collective hope.
A Break from the Past
In the past, our city has been influenced by a mentality of division: city versus state; residents versus leaders’ ward versus ward. This narrative has proven to be challenging and unproductive.
But this moment is not about erasing the past. It’s about learning from it, refusing to repeat it, and no longer memorializing Jackson’s trauma and pain. No longer should Jackson be categorized as a place that can’t get it together, always being defined by what’s broken.
The election is over, and democracy prevailed. Now we must unite for the work ahead. Jackson’s resilience is crucial. Our city belongs to everyone, and we must all contribute to building it.
Therefore, we must leave past rivalries behind. Factions, egos, and divisions have no place in this new season. Now it is time for every resident, every leader, every advocate, and every neighbor to move from isolation to cooperation. From finger-pointing to hand-holding. From grievance to growth.
Lessons from the Ballot Box
In January, the Jackson mayoral race had 22 candidates, including the incumbent, and the entire city council was also up for reelection. Various issues in Jackson were discussed, and potential solutions were proposed. These suggestions came from candidates and residents at forums and town halls, through text threads, social media posts, and church meetings, often amid disagreement but with a common goal of addressing the city’s problems.
This election was about awakening consciousness. The city showed its potential, shifting from a cautionary tale to a case study in revival. Across all seven wards, we witnessed Jackson awakening to its potential, overcoming voter apathy, and striving for improvement as the metro region watched. Jacksonians became civically engaged for the sake of the future of the city that we all love and in which we have invested.
The Work Begins Now
Rebuilding Jackson requires the effort of everyone, not just the new mayor. Imagine a rural African village where the community rebuilds a well after years of hardship. The process needs planning, digging, collective effort, and outside support, but most importantly, the belief that the possibility of clean water can happen. Rebuilding Jackson is no different. The well symbolizes our city – once dependable, now fractured. And we, the people, are the ones who must come together to restore it.
Restoration isn’t confined to City Hall – it’s woven into the daily actions of engaged citizens. It happens when you attend HOA and PTA meetings, knock on doors for a candidate, report crime in your neighborhood, offer a meal to someone in need, or check in on a lonely neighbor. Maybe you ran for public office, mentored a young person, or picked up litter from your block. Over the last five months of this hard-fought election season, you carried hope and helped strengthen the fabric of your community.
The Discipline of Hope
Hope is a daily choice and disciplined effort, not a fantasy. It involves working towards clean water, safe streets, better schools, reliable trash pickup, business growth, and collaboration between City Hall, the state, and every corner of our community. It also includes supporting the leadership of the mayor-elect and participating in efforts that aim to achieve our city’s goals.
Rebuilding Jackson won’t be glamorous or newsworthy. It’s a task we must undertake quietly and faithfully, together. Like a community rebuilt stone by stone, Jackson’s revival will take time, but it is possible, perhaps not to restore it to its original glory, but to create a new one, sustainable for its future.
As we rebuild together, it is important to recognize small wins, focus on achievements, and consider future possibilities. Therefore, it is beneficial to acknowledge the positive aspects of Jackson and its resources, including local institutions like Jackson State University, Belhaven University, Millsaps College, Hinds Community College, and Mississippi College School of Law. Their impact on the city may influence incoming students to build their futures in Jackson.
This is about recognizing the brilliance emanating from The Bean Path, the nonprofit that strategically chose Jackson as its base to bridge Mississippi’s tech divide. It’s also about appreciating the collective impact of churches, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs who collaborate to uplift the vulnerable. It’s about being driven by faith, grit, and action in sync to build a city worthy of its rich history. Furthermore, it’s about respecting the resilience of the people of Jackson, who carried water when the pipes failed and ingeniously fixed what they could with available resources.
Notwithstanding the challenges, Jackson remains resolute. Fueled by new leadership, a vigilant community, and collective determination, a revival of hope is underway. Continue to show up, vote, and care. Hope is now, Jackson – because we are ready.
