1st Annual Athletic/Community Sponsored Banquet

The night was spectacular!  It could have been listed among the Emmy Awards or the Grammy Awards.  The event could have come straight out of Hollywood, but it didn’t.  It happened in Jackson, Mississippi at 168 Colonial Drive in the 39212 zip code.

The 1st Annual Athletic/ Community Sponsored Banquet hosted by the Association of South Jackson Neighborhoods (ASJN) was a first class event. The Banquet was held on September 23, 2021 at New Jerusalem Church to honor and salute athletes of Forest Hill and Wingfield High Schools and also to recognize corporate sponsors and government officials who support ASJN. 

The program was opened by Master of Ceremony Pastor Alvin Johnson with a prayer by Kelly Johnson followed by a Welcome by Brittney Bowman.   The poem, “Heaven’s Grocery Store” was recited by Alice Johnson.  Guest speaker for the evening was Ronnie Colvin, President of Comcast, Jackson. 
 
The first year’s roster of honorees read like any star studded event.  Who’s Who included Credell Calhoun, Hinds County Board of Supervisors, President District 3 and wife, Peggy Hobson Calhoun, former Hinds County Board of Supervisors; Luke Carroll, Walmart; Ronnie G. Colvin, Comcast; Dr. Brian Grizzell, Jackson CIty Councilman, Ward 4; Jim Pollard, AMR; Judge Johnnie McDaniels, Hinds County Court Judge, District 3; Jessica Gunter Comcast; Jamie Travis, Owner and Manager of Waste Disposal Services, LLC; Jon Sleman, Greater Jackson Arts Council; David Henry, CEO Merit Health Central; Kim Jones, BancorpSouth Assistant Vice President & CRA Specialist; Latoya Williams, Bancorp South Branch Manager II; David Blount, State of MS Senator; Ronnie Crudup, Jr., State of MS Representative; Ruby Williams, Rally’s Manger; Jarvis Dortch, Executive Director, ACLU MS.

Presentations were made by Ernest Ward, President and Johnny Byrd, Vice President on behalf of ASJN.  Each honoree received a huge “Thank You” along with a diploma inserted in a blue jacket for their generous donations and support.  These donations make it possible for ASJN to positively impact our community.  ASJN presented Forest Hill and Wingfield High School football teams with a BIG paper check for $1,000 each.  They also presented a BIG paper check to Forest Hill’s baseball team in the amount of $1,000.  On hand to receive the awards for JPS were coaches Ed Blake, Marquis Darby and Mekael Carpenter, along with Superintendent Errick Greene and Assistant Superintendent of High Schools Lakeita Marshall-Thomas.  These school donations will enable the athletic departments to purchase much needed equipment and supplies.  The partnerships formed with our donors and recipients is important to the continued growth and development in the future of South Jackson. 

A slide show presentation was created by Willa Watson with music arranged by Acacia McNeil highlighting many of the activities ASJN has performed over the past 3 years. The intent of the slide show was to familiarize the audience with the mission of ASJN and to encourage them to get involved.  It featured photos of various activities such as food and water distributions to senior citizens and the community at large; multiple book bag, school supply and clothing drives; South Jackson Proud Parade and Peace Rallies, just to name a few. 
 
Bon Appetit!  What is a banquet without great decorations and delicious food? Both were provided by two siblings, Margaret and Cliff Blanchard and team.  The hall was decorated in red, white and blue with giant red rose bouquets as centerpieces.  The menu consisted of baked and/or  smoked chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, roll, tea and cake.  The food was superb!  Everyone is still talking about the good food. 

Special “Thank You” to Alice Johnson, Chairperson of the Banquet Committee and Cherie Caradine, committee member for spearheading this event.  In addition, “Thank You” to Cheryl and Johnny McGee, members, for promoting and selling T-shirts at the event.  “Thank You” to Pastor Dwayne K. Pickett for providing such a beautiful venue to host our event. 

Board Members of ASJN presented to Alice Johnson a plaque, along with a bouquet of flowers, expressing their gratitude for accepting the challenge to organize ASJN’s 1st Annual Athletic /Community Sponsored Banquet.  Mrs. Johnson, you did a fantastic job,  Take a bow! 

Before the night ended, Alice Johnson surprised President Ward and wife, Georgia, with a framed certificate of appreciation and gifts for his hard work, tireless efforts and dedication while working on behalf of  the Association of South Jackson Neighborhoods. Mr. Ward, you are the hardest working man in Jackson, MS. We appreciate you and your service and we are ecstatic to have you as the fearless leader of ASJN. 

To complete the evening, Mrs. Johnson provided door prizes.

Finally, to everyone who attended this event “Thank You” for your continued support and for making our evening a night to remember!