A crowd from Jackson State University, Blackburn Laboratory Middle School and other supporters gathered to celebrate the completion of Phase I of a community garden at the corner of Pearl and Dalton streets during an afternoon event Tuesday that culminated with a ribbon cutting.
City representatives, donors and neighborhood associations were also in attendance.
Representing JSU’s administration, Dr. Kimberly Hilliard, executive assistant to the president for special initiatives, said, “It is our hope that we see many more community gardens throughout West Jackson.” In addition, she said, “We want to see these relationships thrive. … The unique partnership between JSU’s College of Education and Blackburn helps connect us with young people to give them all the resources they need to be successful.”
Hilliard credited the leadership of Jason Brookins, director of the Center for University-based Development (CUBD) at JSU, for helping the two-year concept, which was led by project manager Heather Wilcox.
Well-balanced diet
Meanwhile, Blackburn student body president Ranesha Adams further explained the significance of the occasion.
“It is very important for kids, as well as adults, to receive a well-balanced diet. Having fresh fruits and vegetables is key to nutritional growth and having this garden will allow all students at Blackburn Middle School to receive access,” Adams said.
Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Cedric Gray, said, “This experience gives scholars an opportunity to learn gardening and understand how science and math are wrapped into this process, as well as language arts and social studies. This means that learning is applicable. … This is a community effort. Everybody is wrapping their arms around our kids so they can have a brighter future. It says we’re willing to invest in our community today so there can be stronger tomorrow.”
Intersection of key players
Of the garden, Wilcox said, “This is a unique space where JSU, Blackburn Middle School and University Park neighborhoods all intersect. JSU had two vacant, overgrown parcels here owned by the university. Blackburn didn’t have the land to build a garden, so it asked the university if it would be willing to loan land for this project.”
After approval, Wilcox said two lots were transformed into usable space for Blackburn. She said the University Park Neighborhood Association will also help with the garden. When students are out of school she said JSU’s summer camps would have access to the garden as well.
For Phase II, Wilcox, the neighborhood development assistant for CUBD, envisions an outdoor classroom with a covered space, along with a system for harvesting rainwater.
“We want to bring in our biology department and CSET (College of Science, Engineering and Technology) experts to help foster a lasting collaboration and to experiment, for example, on harvesting energy from potatoes.”
