Mark Braboy
Blue & White Flash / Staff Writer
As part of an initiative to bring city council meetings to colleges and universities within the city, the Jackson City Council held its regular meeting at Jackson State University on April 2nd inside the Student Center.
Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr., his constituents, and the entire city council were in attendance. The council consists of Quentin Whitwell, Ward 1 (R), Chokwe Lumumba, Ward 2 (D), LaRita Cooper-Stokes, Ward 4, (D) Frank Bluntson, Ward 4 (D), Charles Tillman, vice president, Ward 5, (D), Tony Yarber, president, Ward 6 (D), and Margaret C. Barnett-Simon (D), Ward 7.
“The purpose of bringing the council meetings to the colleges and universities is to strengthen relationships with leaders as well as to provide students an opportunity to see city government in action,” said Beatrice Byrd, deputy city clerk of the City of Jackson.
At 10:00 a.m., the meeting was called to order by Council President Yarber. JSU Interim Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs James C. Renick, gave a warm welcome to those in attendance. The introduction of the council members were given, however the public comments were skipped.
The regular agenda included 32 orders and agreements involving the City of Jackson that the council voted for or against by majority vote. Several notable orders included: an agreement making victim relief ministries available to the Jackson Police Department for victims of traumatic incidents; acquiring surface materials for Battlefield and Tougaloo Park; an agreement between the City of Jackson and the Hinds County Election Commission for the 2013 municipal elections; and executing a resolution to observe the 45th Anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a ceremony.
During the meeting, Cooper-Stokes introduced a resolution honoring the late Gene “Jughead” Young. Young served as the former acting director of the Margaret Walker Alexander National Research Center and professor at Jackson State. The civil rights activist died on March 30, 2011.
Young became famous as a young man during his involvement with the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) when a photo was circulated all over the nation of him getting his haircut in a Kansas City Hotel by a white barber who had refused him service just the day before. This was also the day President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Mayor Johnson stated that bringing the council meetings to college campuses helps students learn the political process.
“Well it’s always a pleasure to be on Jackson State’s campus but it was a special day today where we literally were able to bring government to the campus,” said Johnson. “I know that there are students who study local government and all students are affected by local government, but rarely do you get a chance to see them up close and personal. And so this is what this has done today and we’re very glad to be here. We appreciate the hospitality extended to us by Jackson State University.”
Students enjoyed the rare and educational opportunity provided by the council’s visit.
“I think it is a very productive experience considering the fact we have JSU students that are running for city council. I also believe that it helps us in class everyday and at work. We, the political science department, value and appreciate this opportunity,” said Jasmine McDonald, a senior political science major from Morton, Miss.
Princess Williams, a junior political science major from Jackson, Miss. said, “I think it is great that the city council held their meeting at JSU. It provides the students with an opportunity to see government in action. It also gives the council a chance to be closer to their constituents.”
