Jackson Mid-Year Progress Report
With 2021 already halfway behind us, let’s review some of the openings, expansions, nonprofit initiatives and updates that the metro area has seen since January.
2021 Metro Restaurant Debuts
Since January, the metro has welcomed new restaurants presenting foodstuffs from varying culinary backgrounds.
Harvey Fiser
Millsaps College appointed Harvey Fiser, a professor of business law, as interim dean of the college's Else School of Management on June 1.
Northtown Pharmacy, Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Race and Outlets Summer Carnival
Dr. Andrew Clark, a Jackson resident who has practiced as a pharmacist for 15 years, opened his own pharmacy called Northtown Pharmacy in northeast Jackson on June 1.
MSU Southeast Emmy Awards and 2021 Conservation Camp, USM Opening Biloxi Cyber Center
The Mississippi State University Television Center recently won four 2021 Southeast Emmy Awards for its documentary “It’s a Journey” during a virtual presentation on Saturday, June 19.
Megan James
Millsaps College recently named Megan James, who has served as alumni engagement associate at the University of Mississippi Medical Center since 2016, as its new dean of students. James assumed the post on Monday, June 21.
Hattie's Chicken and Waffles, Fondren Live and Lap of Love
Carlton Brown, a Jackson-born resident of Houston, Texas, plans to open a new restaurant in south Jackson called Hattie’s Chicken and Waffles, LLC by July 23.
Veronica Cohen
The Council for Advancement and Support of Education recently selected Veronica Cohen, vice president of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs at Jackson State University, as a member of the 2021 CASE District III Cabinet.
MSU Advanced STEM Summer Preparatory Program, Bulldog Bash and JSU Literacy Grant
Mississippi State University is currently hosting its Advanced STEM Summer Preparatory Program. Nearly 100 Mississippi high school students from 13 rural districts are taking part in the program, which is currently in its second week.
District Donuts in Belhaven, AmeriCorps Classes, BeastCore Fitness and Jackson Public Pools
The Belhaven Town Center recently announced that New Orleans-based District Donuts Sliders Brew will take over the space that formerly housed Campbell's Craft Donuts during summer 2021.
New Construction at USM, PRAM Awards and PBS Documentary at MSU
The University of Southern Mississippi has launched a series of construction projects to improve accessibility and mobility on its Hattiesburg campus, including a pedestrian pathway and additional parking.
Dale Danks Jr.
Former attorney and Jackson mayor Alney Dale Danks Jr. died shortly after being hospitalized due to complications from a stroke on Wednesday, June 9. He was 81 years old.
Thomas Hudson
The United Negro College Fund and the Higher Education Leadership Foundation recently named Jackson State University President Thomas K. Hudson as one of eight historically black college or university presidents taking part in the inaugural Presidential Leadership Institute cohort.
WonderBox at the Children's Museum, New Restaurants at the Outlets and Fresh Market Father's Day Meals
The Mississippi Children’s Museum will open a new exhibit titled "WonderBox" on Friday, June 18. WonderBox is a 1,500-square-foot makerspace exhibit that will focus on science, technology, engineering, arts and math.
MSU Professor Receives DOE Award, JSU Alum Building Youth Golf Course and USM Eagle Direct Textbooks
Kun Wang, an assistant professor with joint Mississippi State University appointments in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Department of Chemistry, recently became one of 51 university-employed scientists nationwide to receive $750,000 in funding from the United States Department of Energy Office of Science Early Career Research Program as part of DOE's early career awards.
Broad Street Honoring Lou Gehrig Day, Sanderson Farms Volunteering and Make More Happen Award
In honor of the inaugural Lou Gehrig Day on Wednesday, June 2, Broad Street Baking Company in Jackson is hosting an event in which speaker Katrina Byrd will hold a conversation on "Lou Gehrig's Disease" with free coffee for visitors.
Howard Brown Jr.
Jackson State University recently named alumnus Howard Brown Jr. as its new chief financial officer and vice president for business and finance.
MSU Genealogy and History Fair, JSU Fulbright Distinction and USM Scholarship Awards
Mississippi State University Libraries is hosting the E.O. and Betty Templeton Genealogy and History Fair, a virtual event featuring guest speakers specializing in African American genealogy and Southern photography, on Saturday, June 5, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Coco's Multi-Culti at Cultivation, Ice's Corner Sushi and Poke Bowl Menu and MAC Community Response Grants
Madison resident Cloe Sumrall opened a fusion restaurant called Coco's Multi-Culti in Cultivation Food Hall in Jackson on Monday, May 17.
Scott Trout
Scott Trout, chief executive officer and managing partner of the Cordell & Cordell law firm, will travel to Jackson on Monday, June 7, to host a free seminar on divorce and family law.
MSU Free Mental Health Services and Veterinary Clinic Expansion, JSU CPRAM Awards
Mississippi State University’s Psychology Clinic recently received a $200,000 grant from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to provide free mental-health services for children in the state.
Mississippi Pickle Fest, Preserve the Pit and Fertile Ground Documentary
The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum will host its annual Mississippi Pickle Fest on Saturday, June 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
USM Hosting StoryWalk, JSU Class of 1970 Commencement and MSU Film Award
The University of Southern Mississippi's School of Library and Information Science will host a literacy and physical activity-themed event called StoryWalk on Saturday, May 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum.
Shelley Smith
Belhaven University recently appointed Madison native Shelley Smith, who has served as assistant to the president for coronavirus management since December 2020, to vice president for student development.
A'HA Donuts & More, Jobs for Jacksonians and Crossroads Film Reviewers
Madison resident Frank Phann held a grand opening for his new donut shop, A'HA Donuts & More in Pearl on Friday, May 7, following a soft opening in January 2021.
Sadik Khan
The National Science Foundation recently granted Sadik Khan, a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Jackson State University, a CAREER Award of $539,710 to advance the study and use of vetiver grass for preventing slopes from failing.
Southern Prize and State Fellowships Awards, JSU Commencement Ceremonies and Research Grant
Mississippi State University assistant professor of drawing Ming Ying Hong will represent Mississippi in the 2021 Southern Prize and State Fellowships awards.
All Businesses Prosper in Northpark Mall
TaLyla Cogbill founded her business, All Businesses Prosper Group, in December 2020 in Northpark Mall.
Doc McStuffins at the Children's Museum, Baptist Medical Group-Pearl Primary Care and Foam Improvement
The Mississippi Children's Museum will begin hosting a new exhibit based on Disney Junior's Peabody Award-winning television series "Doc McStuffins" on Saturday, May 22.
JSU Free Summer Courses, USM Project START Partnership and 2021 Retool Your School Awards
Jackson State University is offering free summer courses to assist students and families who faced academic or economic impact during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kylie Hogue
Kylie Hogue, a lifelong Brandon resident, has been working as a horse trainer at Strong River Equine in Brandon since 2020. The facility offers consignment horse sales and horse boarding in addition to training.
Run Foster Run, On the Road with Felder Rushing and Jackson Zoo Reopening
Catholic Charities, Inc. will host its fourth annual "Run Foster Run" fundraiser event on Thursday, May 6, at The Township at Colony Park.
JSU Legislative Session Funding, MSU Sorority House Dedication and Angie Thomas Writers Scholarship Winner
Jackson State University received $500,000 during the recent Mississippi legislative session toward the preplanning for construction, furnishing and equipping a new dining facility.
Nellie "Mack" McInnis
Jackson-born musician Nellie "Mack" McInnis earlier this year received the 2021 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Music for her 40-year career as a jazz, funk, blues and bass performer.
Fresh Market Mother's Day, MPB "Your Vote, Your Voice" and USAIBC Kentucky Derby Party
The Fresh Market is offering all-in-one, ready-to-cook brunch and dinner meals for Mother's Day. Customers can place their orders online and pick them up in the store.
JSU Food Giveaway and Project HEALTH, Hinds Summer Courses and USM Waking Joy Project
Jackson State University's Center for Community Engagement is partnering with local organizations to provide 1,500 free food boxes containing non-perishable goods to needy families in the community.
Bill Moore
Bill Moore, an optometrist for Odom's Eye Care in Jackson, recently retired after 37 years with the business. The staff and management of the shop held a celebratory luncheon on Friday, April 9, to commemorate Moore's retirement.
2021 Virtual Art Party at the Museum, Mississippi Coding Academies and Drive-In Movies in the Park
The Mississippi Museum of Art is preparing to host its 2021 virtual Art Party fundraiser on Saturday, April 17, beginning at 7 p.m. The virtual program will include jazz in the museum's galleries, a silent auction and more.
Brian Regan, “On The Rocks” and Sharing Joy Through Comedy During a Pandemic
Brian Regan, a Florida-native stand-up comedian who specializes in observational and self-deprecating humor drawn from everyday life experiences, is coming to Mississippi to put on a show at the Brandon Amphitheater on Friday, April 9.
JSU Truth Initiative Partnership, USM Virtual MLK Prayer Breakfast and MSU Virtual Twelfth Night Performances
Jackson State University is one of 10 HBCUs partnering with Truth Initiative as part of a national movement to address smoking, vaping and nicotine use at college campuses nationwide.
Peter Friedrich
Millsaps associate theatre professor Peter Friedrich recently received the Seeking Solutions to Global Challenges Award from the Fulbright Program.
Kingston Frazier Memorial Splash Pad, Van's Pizza and Beer Deal, Jackson Summer Program
The City of Jackson Department of Parks and Recreation hosted a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for the Kingston Frazier Memorial Splash Pad, a miniature water park for children in Jackson, on Friday, April 2.
2021 Easter Brunch Offerings
Jackson's local restaurants have all you could ever want when it comes to Easter brunch. Here is some of what's on offer for this year's holiday season.
USM Completes Southern Station, MSU Startup Summit and JSU Museum Consortium
The University of Southern Mississippi's Southern Miss Alumni Association recently announced the completion of a multi-use entertainment venue called Southern Station in Spirit Park on the university's campus.
Jackson Park Set to Receive Keith Haring Fitness Court
The Greater Jackson Arts Council recently announced that it has partnered with the San Francisco-based National Fitness Campaign to make Jackson one of 10 locations in the United States to host a Limited Edition Signature Series Keith Haring Fitness Court.
Almesha Campbell
Almesha Campbell, assistant vice president for Research and Economic Development at Jackson State University, recently took on a position as executive director of the university's Engaging Researchers and Innovators for Commercialization at HBCUs program.
Children’s Museum Meridian, IMMC Islamic Heritage Month and Fresh Market Easter
The Mississippi Children’s Museum in Jackson opened its first satellite museum in Meridian on Saturday, March 27.
JSU Amerigroup Scholarship, USM Last Mile Education Fund and MSU Bingocize
Amerigroup, a Medicaid-managed care company that promotes healthier communities, recently donated $75,000 to Jackson State University for scholarships for students with health-related majors.
Jaquan Powell
Jaquan Powell, a political science major at Jackson State University, recently got the chance to take part in a five-day leadership institute that the Thurgood Marshall College Fund hosted, which then led to an internship with the United States Department of Agriculture.
Broad Street Easter Baskets, Operation Shoestring Water Donation and Children's Museum National Honor
Broad Street Baking Company recently released two sets of new Easter basket sets for children, in addition to its two "Boozy Brunch Baskets" for adults.