June Hardwick, 31, believes in Jackson’s potential. “People need to get involved, buy homes, get to know their neighbors,” she says. “To make Jackson better, Jacksonians must reinvest in Jackson.”
The idea for “Forever Friday” arose at June’s 30th birthday party in July 2005. The concept was a monthly gathering for African-American entrepreneurs and professionals to socialize and be entertained—”a place to play as hard as we work,” Hardwick says.
“We wanted to create a space for people to socialize with a diverse group, to get educated about Jackson and current on local events. Somewhere to feature and showcase local black artists and businesses.”
“Forever Friday” uses only local vendors and facilities, rotating to a new location every month to show people the hidden gems of the community. Past events have been held at The Red Eagle Art Gallery, the Jackson State E Center, Stamps Superburgers, Club Sapphire and Club Total. R&B artists, hip-hop, poetry, and visual artists entertain the crowd in between drinks, food and socializing.
A recent graduate of Mississippi College School of Law, Hardwick is preparing to take the bar exam this month. Her life is a buzz of activity; she sings, dances, writes poetry and mothers her son, 5-year-old Raha Maxwell.
“I have to schedule phone calls and exercise,” she says, laughing.
She moved to Jackson in 2005. “Like a lot of my contemporaries, I left Mississippi in 1993. I came back in 2001 and made a conscious decision to stay in Jackson,” she says. “I like that I’m well connected to the community. It feels like home because I am home.”
Hardwick roots run deep. Her mother, Velma Hardwick, taught for 29 years in Jackson Public Schools. Her father, Andy Hardwick, a jazz musician since age 14, is a regular fixture on the music scene. The daughter taught English and math, along with learning strategies, at Siwell Middle School for two years herself before going to law school.
“I taught life skills. I told many of them, if the music you are listening to or the TV you are watching doesn’t improve or enrich you, then you need to be more selective. We have to be educated about our history,” she says. “We need to travel abroad, read and not just accept what the media tells us about ourselves. If I only watched the news and didn’t get out there and meet people, I’d be scared too. Jackson isn’t a scary place.”
The next event will be held July 28 at the Executive Place on Bailey Avenue across from the Medical Mall with DJ Phingaprint, and art work by Tony Davenport, Shambe` and George Miles Jr. Doors open at 9 p.m. Visit http://www.4everfriday.com
Previous Comments
June has always been one of my favorite creative people. Though we rarely see each other, there is a definite connection with us. I look forward to being one of the featured poets that will be at the 4Ever Friday this week.
#82508 | Author: c a webb | Date: Jul 26 2006
She is incredibly unique! Something about her made me peaceful.
#82509 | Author: tiffitch | Date: Jul 27 2006
Nice article. Hope to meet her one day.
#82510 | Author: LatashaWillis | Date: Jul 28 2006
Great article. June is a wonderful person. She has been the same creative soul for years at least dated back to her Tougaloo days. Congratulations June on your Forever Friday creation, a much needed tool in the Jackson area. I still have yet to get to one, but I am going to make it my business to be there when Mr. Webb entertains. I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to meet him. A very DESERVING candidate for this article….way to go!
#82511 | Author: Queen601 | Date: Jul 28 2006
