A Night for the Neighborhoods: Jackson’s First Community Impact Gala Celebrates the Power of People
Photo courtesy of Derrick Robertson and the Mississippi Native Plant Society
On Thursday, March 26, the Jackson Association of Neighborhoods collaborated with the City of Jackson’s Department of Planning and Development to host the inaugural Community Impact Gala at the Jackson Medical Mall. It was an evening that did more than present awards. It told the story of a city powered by its people.
From neighborhood associations to small businesses, from lifelong public servants to emerging young leaders, the room reflected what Jackson has always known: real change begins at the community level.
As shared at the top of the evening by a video welcome by Mayor John Horhn, “Every community event tells a story of Jackson’s endurance and pride. The neighborhoods recognized tonight represent all those who build connections, restore trust, and make our city a better place for families to live and grow.”
That spirit carried throughout the night.
Mayor Horhn reinforced the importance of collaboration, noting that transformation does not rest solely in government. “When communities come together, we affect development. When residents take pride in their block, we fight blight… Real change starts with people who care enough to show up and work together.”
The evening’s honorees reflected that very philosophy.
Organizations like Jackson Rising and Downtown Jackson Partners were recognized for their commitment to housing solutions and revitalizing the city’s core, while Keep Jackson Beautiful received a Lifetime Achievement honor for decades of supporting neighborhood cleanups, recycling efforts, and environmental stewardship across the city.
Individual excellence was also celebrated, including longtime city employee Esther Ainsworth, whose nearly 40 years of service, particularly through programs like VITA, have helped Jackson residents build financial stability year after year.
Across all seven wards, neighborhood associations and businesses were recognized for the everyday work that often goes unseen but never unfelt. From Winchester Wilhurst Highland Terrace to Presidential Hills and the collective “Unity in Action” neighborhoods, the awards highlighted a shared commitment to cleanliness, accountability, and pride.
As City Councilman for Ward 4, Mr. Brian C. Grizzell, noted while honoring a neighborhood group, their impact is rooted in consistency: “They are really meaningful and intentional about making sure that they keep their community clean… they report everything under the sun… and I am very grateful for the hard work that they do.”
Beyond recognition, the gala created space for reflection and vision.
For many in attendance, the evening was not just about honoring the past, but about shaping the future.
Award winner for Autumn Hill, Rhonda Tappel, shared simply but powerfully, “Together, we are better.”
Anothers offered practical wisdom for those wondering how to get involved. Just start in your neighborhood. Just on your block, taking care of your neighborhood.
And perhaps that was the true takeaway of the night.
Not just that Jackson’s neighborhoods are doing the work, but that the work is open to anyone willing to step in.
The inaugural Community Impact Gala made one thing clear: Jackson’s strength lies not in a single program, policy, or initiative. It lies in its people, citizens, local business, and residents of Jackson. It lies in all of the neighbors who organize cleanups, in the businesses that feed the community, in the barbers who go above and beyond, in the bookstores whose presence have become legendary, in the young leaders choosing to stay, return, and rebuild, and in the shared belief that when neighborhoods thrive, Jackson thrives.
With a successful first year completed by Dr. Robbie Smith and the City of Jackson Department of Planning and Development, the question is no longer whether this celebration should return, but how much bigger its impact can grow.
If this night proved anything, it’s this: the story of Jackson is still being written, and its strongest chapters are happening block by block.
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD WINNERS 2026
Ward 1
Northeast Jackson Clean-Up
WWH Neighborhood Association
Business: The Book Rack
Ward 2
Autumn Woods
Presidential Hills–Natchez Trace HOA
Business: Monroe’s Donut Shop
Ward 3
Georgetown Community Neighborhood Association
Unity In Action
Business: HomeTown BBQ
Ward 4
Westside Civic Club
Northwest Hills Terrace
Business: Rosie Mae’s
Ward 5
Gowdy-Washington Addition Association
ZAPP
Business: Maxine’s Country Kitchen
Ward 6
Wingfield HOA
Mayfair Subdivision
Business: Southside Barber Shop
Ward 7
Our Fondren Neighborhood
Duttoville HOA
Business: Marshall’s Music & Bookstore
SPECIAL HONORS & RECOGNITION
In addition to ward-level awards, several individuals and organizations were recognized for their leadership, service, and lasting impact across Jackson’s neighborhoods.
The Philanthropic Leadership Award was presented to the Community Foundation for Mississippi in recognition of its continued commitment to strengthening communities through generosity, partnership, and sustained support of neighborhood initiatives.
The Community Service Impact Award was awarded to Greater Pearlie Grove Missionary Baptist Church, honoring its dedication to improving the lives of residents through meaningful outreach and consistent service.
The Legacy Leadership Award was presented to Princess Barber-Williams for her visionary leadership, years of service, and lasting contributions that have advanced community empowerment and civic engagement. Additional Legacy Leadership recognitions included the Viola Smooth Legacy Leadership Award and the Dorothy Daniels Legacy Leadership Award.
The Lifetime Service Award recognized an individual whose years of unwavering dedication and leadership have strengthened neighborhoods and inspired others to serve.
The Visionary Leadership Award honored forward-thinking leadership that continues to guide meaningful growth and progress within the community.
Several individuals were recognized with the Neighborhood Champion Award, including Seymore Bell, Robert Sulton, and Dr. Fran Bridges, for their leadership, advocacy, and commitment to strengthening neighborhoods through collaboration and service.
The Emerging Leader Award was presented to a rising leader whose enthusiasm, initiative, and dedication to service represent the future of community leadership in Jackson.
Awards of Recognition were also presented to JAN board members and community members across multiple wards, including Jamie Rasberry, Angela Moore, Mark Wise, Mary Crump, Sirena Wilson, Felicia Tripp, Dorothy Johnson, Ruthania Hudson, and Ray McCants III, Robert Sulton, Sylvia Walker, and Azia C. Wiggins, for their continued service and stewardship.
The evening also highlighted the importance of collaboration, recognizing community partners such as SPLC and Operation Shoestring for their ongoing support of neighborhood initiatives.