OPINION: Who will decide how Jackson is to be revitalized?

Throughout the administration of Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, Jackson continued to decline in terms of blighted and deteriorating property, failing infrastructure, inadequate housing and jobs availability, and underfunded public services, including schools, libraries, and the zoo. In fact, one of the major reasons he lost his bid for re-election was the open hostility of many white Republican leaders as he battled those conditions. They simply refused to offer sufficient state funds and cooperation because he was not the kind of Black man who would, “bow and scrape,” going along with their wishes and plans, in order to get along within the system they controlled.

The questions now are: “Who will decide how Jackson is to be revitalized, if in fact there will be any significant revitalization?” And, “If there is to be revitalization, will it take place as a result of ‘“bowing and scraping?’”

The answers may unfold more rapidly when the new legislature gets back to work and as its leaders interact with Mayor John Horhn and the new Jackson city council. That is because in the latter part of the last legislative session, House Speaker Jason White appointed a special select committee on Capital and Metro Revitalization. That committee is co-chaired by white Independent Shanda Yates and white Republican Clay Mansell. Its Black members include, Chris Bell, Lawrence Blackmon, Angela Cockerham, Ronnie Crudup, Stephanie Foster, Justis Gibbs, Fabian Nelson, and Grace Butler Washington. Its other white members include, Jill Ford, Jonathan McMillan, Brent Powell, Fred Shanks, Lance Varner, Price Wallace, Lee Yancey, and Hank Zuber. 

Secondly, Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann appointed a similar committee in the Senate. That committee is chaired by white Republican Walter Michel, with Democrats David Blount and Sollie Norwood as vice chairs. The rest of the committee consists of Democrat Hillman Frazier and white Republicans Dean Kirby, Brian Rhodes, and Andy Berry.

The past history of the white Republican leaders leaves little room for optimism. The fact that Black legislators from the city of Jackson are a distinct minority also causes close observers to be concerned. On the other hand, this means Jackson citizens need to be vigilant now and throughout the process as lobbyists for what truly matters or ails the city and its overwhelmingly Black, working class citizenry. They cannot afford to wait for the outcomes nor to sit back and expect their needs and interests to be addressed.

Opportunities for Jackson residents’ meaningful participation in the revitalization plans at the city level will depend upon the relationship and negotiating posture adopted and operationalized by Mayor Horhn when it comes to state leaders and those doing business with the city. Although it is no secret that Mayor Horhn was favored by many white Republicans, there should be enough Black working class people in his ear to make a difference. 

Then, of course, the fallback position is that a majority of the city council must approve the contracts, personnel, and other such matters that are decided in the name of the city. These facts, too, mean Jackson residents must be their own best advocates when it comes to meaningful revitalization in Jackson and the metropolitan area.

If there is one lesson that should not be lost or forgotten in this matter, it is this. Black people should let no officials off the hook when it comes to protecting Black rights and interests AND each of us must assure that we are never slackers when it comes to struggling for those same rights and interests. With that being the case, you will decide how Jackson will be revitalized.