As the world watched the successful return of Blue Origin’s historic all-women crew from space, Jackson, Miss., stood grounded. The city is still grappling with problems that prevent the Mississippi capital from progressing.
But the spirit of that mission—unity, courage and collective effort—can be applied right here in our capital city. Instead of launching away, it is time to launch together—toward a more just, functional and thriving Jackson.
The upcoming mayoral runoff election on Tuesday, April 22, provides such an opportunity, not just for a new administration, but for a new mindset. This isn’t about endorsements. It’s about engagement.
It’s a moment for the people of Jackson and Hinds County to take a long, honest look at ourselves and ask ourselves whether we have shown up for our city and worked with elected officials, instead of remaining at odds with them.
It is time to vote again, this time with deeper understanding and shared responsibility. Jackson is in crisis, and the crisis won’t wait.
U.S. Census projections show that Jackson is one of the fastest-shrinking cities in the United States, losing nearly 4,000 residents in a single year. That kind of loss isn’t just about numbers—it’s about hope, resources and people’s decision to give up rather than dig in.
Add to that the long-standing issues: a crippled water system, public safety concerns, economic decline and a sense of division that often pits neighbor against neighbor, party against party and race against race.
Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba has been the city’s leader during these storms, facing criticism for his handling of the water crisis, staffing issues and infrastructure delays. Voters should look at his policies from his time in office and ask themselves if they agreed with his efforts to try to address the city’s problems.
On the flip side, Democratic Sen. John Horhn, who has served in the Legislature for more than three decades, is now seeking to lead the very city he represents in the Capitol, and has faced some criticism for his friendlier approach to state officials. Voters should examine his legislative record and ask whether he has used his influence to help the city.
Blaming politicians is easy. Building cities is hard. And yet that is exactly what’s needed. Jackson’s future will not be secured by a mayor alone. It will take so many of Jackson’s residents—voters, business owners, faith leaders, students, retirees, parents and young people—to move this city forward. That’s the liftoff we need.
It is time to imagine Jackson as a capital city where clean, safe drinking water flows to every home—not just after lawsuits or emergencies, but through proactive maintenance and funding from city, state and federal partnerships. The EPA’s involvement gives the city leverage.
Public safety must be a guarantee and includes prevention, not just response, with funding for community-based violence interruption programs, trauma services, youth job programs and reentry support. Other cities have done this, and it’s working.
Education and workforce development are real priorities, preparing young people not just for diplomas, but for meaningful careers. That means investing in public schools and in partnerships with HBCUs, trade programs and businesses rooted right here.
Additionally, City services—from trash collection to pothole repair—must be reliable, transparent and equitable, regardless of zip code or income. Seamless governance is possible when everyone is at the table.
Yes, democracy works, because people show up. Not just to vote once, but to attend city-council meetings, to serve on boards, to hold leaders accountable and to help shape decisions about where resources go.
This election isn’t just about who gets the title of mayor. It’s about whether Jackson gets another chance at becoming the capital city Mississippi deserves—a place that leads by example, not lags behind.
The successful Blue Origin mission didn’t happen by chance. It took coordinated effort, diverse expertise and belief in what was possible. The same is true for this city. We are not launching into space. But we can launch a new era—one marked by cooperation over conflict, and by sustained civic action over short-term outrage.
On April 22, go vote. Not just for a person, but for a path forward. Because Jackson deserves liftoff—and it starts with us.
This MFP Voices opinion essay does not necessarily represent the views of the Mississippi Free Press, its staff or board members. To submit an opinion for the MFP Voices section, send up to 1,200 words and sources fact-checking the included information to voices@mississippifreepress.org. We welcome a wide variety of viewpoints.
