Jackson among top 10 nationally for producing most AmeriCorps members

 

On. Aug., 16, the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that administers the AmeriCorps program, released the rankings of the states and cities that generate the most AmeriCorps members per capita. Jackson was ranked in the Top 10.

Mississippi’s capital city was ranked No. 9 among mid-sized cities. Providence, R.I., was ranked No. 1 in that category.

“Over the last two decades, nearly 1 million AmeriCorps members have been an indispensable resource for communities around the country,” Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that administers AmeriCorps, said in a CNCS press release. “AmeriCorps members improve the lives of millions of citizens and make a powerful and lasting impact on the toughest challenges facing our nation. I salute every AmeriCorps member for his or her dedication and determination to ‘get things done’ for America, and congratulate all of this year’s top AmeriStates and AmeriCities.”

In Jackson, Americorps members work with nonprofit organizations and other groups to address the food disparity that exists among senior citizens in the city. The mission of the AmeriCorps Program is to revitalize communities, improve the quality of life and enhance nutritional and educational awareness of low-income individuals through community service.

Mayor Tony T. Yarber said Jackson’s ranking on the list shows the city’s program is improving lives for our seniors, as well as the individuals who serve in the program.

“Our program is generating a more skilled workforce and empowering our citizens through health education. We’re honored to offer an Americorps program,” Yarber said.

Americorps member benefits include an annual living allowance of $12,530; health care insurance for the AmeriCorps member; childcare if the member is income eligible. Upon successful completion of the program, the member will receive an education award of $5,775 from the National Service Trust.

 

Jackson Medical Mall Foundation presents SING! Jackson

 

The Jackson Medical Mall presents SING! Jackson, a premier competition and showcase. Showcase auditions will be held Aug. 26 – 28 at Center Stage inside the Jackson Medical Mall, 350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave, in Jackson.

Audition dates are Aug. 26, 5-8 p.m.; Aug. 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ; and Aug. 28, 3-5 p.m.

Sing! Jackson is a new and exciting program that seeks to discover, develop and display the best young talent in the Jackson Metro Area. This event is part of a broader youth-centered Community Arts Initiative where the ultimate mission is to, develop gifts, transform lives and heal communities.

Students who attend public or private schools in the Jackson area who fall within the following age categories are eligible to participate: elementary grades 2-5;  middle school grades 6-8 and high school grades 9-12.

Showcase winners will receive cash prizes, trophies and more. There is no fee to participate.

Students interested in participating can sign up at at: singjxn@jacksonmedicalmall.org . All emails must include the student’s name, parent’s name, phone number, school and grade. For more information call the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation at (601) 982-8467, or email singjxn@jacksonmedicalmall.org.

 

Boys & Girls Clubs plan alumni celebration, birthday party

 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi’s 80th Birthday Party and Alumni Welcome Home Party is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 23, at the Capitol Unit Gym, 1450 W. Capitol St. in Jackson.

The alumni celebration will last from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by the 80th Birthday Party from 1 – 2 p.m.

During the alumni celebration, former club members will be able to catch up and reconnect with one another. The guest speaker for this event will be fellow BGCCM Club member, Don Overby. General Durr Boyles, a Boys & Girls Clubs Alumnus, will also take part in the event. Boyles is a dedicated alumnus and sits on the Board of Directors for Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi. Boyle was recently appointed by Gov. Phil Bryant as the new General of Mississippi.

Boyles will introduce the Presentation of Colors, Pledge, as well as give his Boys & Girls Club testimonial.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi has been the No. 1 child care facility in Jackson for 80 years.

 

Theme of Tougaloo Summit is Black Lawyers (Still) Matter

 

“Black Lawyers (Still) Matter” is the theme for the Magnolia Bar Association’s 2016 Tougaloo Summit set for 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 20 at Holmes Hall Auditorium on the campus of Tougaloo College.

This annual event is aimed at keeping lawyers from across the state abreast of important litigation and legislation updates, as well as engaging the broader community on issues that affect us all.

“African-American Mississippi attorneys are at the forefront of some cutting edge litigation, and we would like to showcase how these ground-breaking efforts are setting the tone for the rest of the nation,” said Karen T. Peairs, Esq., president of the Magnolia Bar Association.

The 2016 Tougaloo Summit will kick off in the morning with a series of panel discussions on issues like education, criminal justice, and legislation. In addition, the summit will include a voter registration drive and a community forum that afternoon, where candidates can introduce themselves to the broader community.

For more information, contact Peairs at (662) 915-6828 or via e-mail at ktpeairs@gmail.com.