What You Missed: Voting Rights, New Leadership and More at JAN
The Jackson Association of Neighborhoods hosted its monthly board meeting Monday, Aug. 3, at Urban Studio, courtesy of Downtown Jackson Partners.
Jermarius Everett, field advisor for Mississippi Votes, speaks during the Jackson Association of Neighborhoods board meeting. Photo by Imani Khayyam.
JAN welcomed Jermarius Everett, field organizer with Mississippi Votes, as the meeting’s guest speaker. Everett discussed voting rights, legislation affecting Mississippi voters and ways Mississippi Votes can work with neighborhood associations to strengthen civic engagement. He also encouraged residents to get involved ahead of the 2026 midterm election through volunteer opportunities such as door-to-door canvassing, phone and text banking, voter registration, tabling at community events and other civic engagement activities. Neighborhood leaders are also encouraged to connect with Mississippi Votes about potential collaborations, including community events and voter education sessions.
Resources and Ways to Get Involved
JAN members and neighborhood leaders may review and share the Mississippi Votes presentation and the Know Your Rights handout, which includes information on voter registration, polling places, voter identification, affidavit ballots, accessibility and the Mississippi Votes voter information hotline. Those interested in volunteering with Mississippi Votes can sign up at msvotes.org/volunteer. For partnership opportunities, contact Jermarius Everett at 601-345-1068 or jermarius@msvotes.org. Mississippi Votes will also host Volunteer Training on Aug. 18. Visit JAN’s community calendar for event details.
Board members Azia Cimone, president-elect and Ward 7 representative; Robert Sulton, treasurer and Ward 6 representative; and Dorthy Johnson, Ward 4 representative, attend the Jackson Association of Neighborhoods board meeting. Photo by Imani Khayyam.
Board Business
Following the presentation, the board conducted its regular business and approved several governance changes. The board amended JAN’s bylaws to change the vice president position to president-elect, a move designed to strengthen leadership succession and continuity within the organization.
The board also elected Azia Cimone as JAN’s president-elect and established the President’s Advisory Board, composed of past JAN presidents. The advisory board will help preserve institutional knowledge while providing guidance and support to JAN’s current leadership.
JAN thanks Downtown Jackson Partners for hosting the August meeting, Everett and Mississippi Votes for sharing information and resources, and JAN board members for their continued commitment to strengthening Jackson’s neighborhoods.
JAN’s next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 14, 2026.
Sirena Wilson, Ward 3 representative, and Jennifer West, past president of the Jackson Association of Neighborhoods, attend the board meeting. Photo by Imani Khayyam.
Join JAN
Want to get more involved in strengthening Jackson’s neighborhoods? Join the Jackson Association of Neighborhoods and become part of a citywide network of residents, neighborhood associations, businesses and community partners working together to build stronger communities. JAN members receive access to leadership training, resources and toolkits, funding opportunities, networking, collaborative programs and other benefits.
