ASJN Athletic & Sponsor Banquet

Thursday, September 11, 2025, the Association of South Jackson Neighborhoods (ASJN) in conjunctions with all parties hosted its fourth Athletic and Sponsor Banquet on the campus of Forest Hill High School at 2607 Raymond Road, Jackson, Mississippi (The University of South Jackson) at 6:00 p.m... To show their appreciation for the hard work and community involvement of the students , the communities,  elected city, county, and state representatives, judges, businesses/organizations & stakeholders gave and showed up for their unwavering commitment in supporting our efforts to change the narrative of South Jackson.  This year’s function was different in that not only was the student athletics were recognized, but each of the outstanding educational achievers from each grade was recommended by the instructors and staff to receive a monetary gift. Each grade had a representative on stage alongside of the donors/ sponsor and contributors from the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades.

The overall Council Representatives of each grade were among the presenters and shared the stage with the guests. The panelist were, Jerry Hayman Cash Saver’s Manager, Belinda Lane of MORA, Jessica Gunter of Comcast, Dr. Michael Bookhart, and Ryan Wilson AMR Central Mississippi Operation Manager.  Our ASJN Board member, Rachael Mays of Southern Echo, was the moderator of the event and Mistress of Ceremony.

We would also like to thank Jackson Public Schools, Mr. Hampton of Forest Hill High School and the entire staff and faculty members for allowing use to host the event on their campus.  They selflessly offered the use of their facility and equipment for our event. The Board and Members of the Association of South Jackson Neighborhoods (ASJN) are very appreciative of each and every one for their act of kindness.

We were also had in attendance Mayor John Horhn and staff, the City of Jackson Councilmen and women, the Hinds County Board Members, the State of Mississippi elected Senators and Representative, the Hinds County and Circuit Judges and host of other dignitaries and business leaders. We would also like to thank all those individuals and groups that contributed to making sure that the students could attend by sponsoring them to attend the event.

A special presentation was given to retiring Police Chief Joseph Wade for his commitment for years of service and working with our youth and the communities within the City of Jackson and especially South Jackson and the neighborhoods within their boundaries.

Forest High School, better known as “The University of South Jackson,” received $1,500.00 for their athletic departments to use to purchase equipment, needed item and uniforms).  We also gave four students selected from each grade by the Forest Hill High School leadership, a monetary gift.

It is the ultimate goal for this organization to Lead, Inspire, Transform, and Engage all citizens of the South Jackson area. 

There were approximately 200+ people, including some parents and guardians, present to show their support towards the work that is being done physically within the communities for which we reside and work. We are appreciative of each and every one of our sponsors, stakeholders, communities, members of ASJN, and whomever else that has assisted us in guaranteeing that our banquet was a success! 

Special thanks to Mrs. Margaret Blanchard, the caterer and her staff for providing us with a delicious dinner and the ambiance of the event.