May 30, 2019

The Association of South Jackson Neighborhoods Day began early ASJN Board members and volunteers arrived at 6:30am. The parade started promptly at 9:00am with a drone view of the parade captured by Renjah Brimage. The drone also followed the parade which ended at Cordoza Middle School there and the festival began. Residents of the city of Jackson lined up with their chairs on McDowell Road to hear bands marching, cheerleaders cheering, car clubs displaying off their rides, and elected officials waving/throwing candy to the children.

The parade lined up at the parking lot of Little Ceaser’s. - Jackson State University Band The Sonic Boom of South led the 5th Annual Parade and Festival, a total of eleven participating bands.

Our Grand Marshals, Mrs. Laketia Marshall Thomas and Judge Pieter Teeuwissen thank you for leading the way!

Residents of the city of Jackson lined their chairs alongside McDowell Road to get a good view along the parade route to hear the sounds of bands marching, cheerleaders cheering, car clubs showing off their rides, and elected officials waving/throwing candy for the children.
This year, we were elated to have the following JPS Schools Bands:

Forest Hill High School, Provine High School, Wingfield High School, Callaway High School, Jim Hill High School and Murrah High School

Blackburn Middle School, Cordoza Middle School, Northwest Middle School and Bailey Magnet APAC Middle School

After the bands strutted/marched through the parade, they graced us with a mini showcase for fans/audience in front of Cardozo Middle School. What a dynamic performance they provided! For the best High School & Middle School band in JPS.

There were over 40 vendors at the festival on site that allowed guests to patronize their businesses. Each vendor, small business owner and entrepreneurs with hand-crafted products for you to see, touch, and purchase one stop shopping for all festival goers to interact with
Food trucks lined the circle to showcase their assortment of delicious appetizers and entrees with a twist.
Healthcare vendors were onsite to provide screenings and other educational information for seniors, early enrollment updates, and vaccinations. Health is wealth and our guest walked away with a wealth of healthcare information.
Kids Zone attracted children with space jumps, and a giant slide fun for all!
Education Vendor were on site college recruiters offering opportunities for our young and young at heart.

Live performances for the audience including the Fitted Hat Ministry.

There was also a raffle/giveaway. Raffle/giveaways were awarded to the following participants: Sharon Brown (umbrella), Shadarius Butler (sock tool set) and Luresa Owens (computer). The items received were donated by parade donors.

ASJN would also like to thank Southern Echo, Incorporated for their leadership and tireless efforts in organizing volunteers and voting registration. Your dedication truly made a difference.

Many thanks to Dr. Blake, Principal of Cardoza Middle School, for your support! Thank you Grand Marshals, Mrs. Laketia Marshall Thomas and Judge Pieter Teeuwissen for your support!

We are immensely grateful for the The Association of South Jackson Neighborhoods (ASJN), especially ASJN President Ernest Ward and ASJN Vice President Johnny Byrd for their determination, persistence to the realization of the Parade/Festival

A special mention to local law enforcement and AMR ambulance service and the Hinds Sheriff’s Department for the impactful DUI crash simulation activity. It's crucial for our students to understand the dangers of driving under the influence. The crash scene had a lot of passersby who were concerned. I believe it was highly successful in driving home the importance of not driving while impaired.

Thanks goes out to City of Jackson’s Solid Waste Department and Parks and Recreation Department for their hard work, patience, and support of this event. These special details and high-level assistance were extremely important.

Thank you, Richard’s Disposal, Inc. for donating the cardboard disposal containers, and helping to make sure that the area was free of trash and debris.

To all the vendors, donors, corporate sponsors, and elected officials who contributed, thank you for your support.

To all who contributed your contribution, this event was not only a success for South Jackson but a celebration for all Jacksonians.