By Rachel James-Terry
Jackson State University will receive assistance from the National Park Service(NPS) to preserve its rich Mississippi legacy. The HBCU has been awarded $198,564 for the necessary maintenance and upkeep of the Zachary T. Hubert Health Center, named for JSU President Zachary T. Hubert, who served the university from 1911-1927.
A one-time hospital, the Center opened in 1944, providing critical healthcare for the Jackson community. It was also one of the first structures built on campus under the leadership of JSU President Jacob L. Reddix. The facility included 24 beds, a men’s and women’s ward, two isolation wards, two staff offices, a reception room, operation room, utility room, kitchen, and apartments for nurses.
“We deeply appreciate this generous grant award from the National Park Service. This funding will be instrumental in preserving the history of our Zachary T. Hubert Health Center, once a vital resource for the healthcare needs of our neighbors, students, faculty and staff. Safeguarding this facility helps us in our mission to honor and uplift the Jackson State legacy. We are grateful for the continued support to maintain our historical assets,” said Jackson State President Dr. Marcus L. Thompson.
According to the Director of JSU’s Office of Community Engagement Dr. Heather Denne’ the Center proved to be a significant benefit for African Americans as healthcare was a major civil rights issue in the state.
“During this time, JSU served as a pillar for healthcare services and provided access to hospital services such as childbirth for Black people in Mississippi until the mid-1970s. Although the building no longer operates in the same capacity, it is a constant reminder of our history,” Denne said.
The building is JSU’s hidden gem as it seems many are not aware of the impact it had bringing new Jacksonians into the world. Matter of fact, Harrison Wilson III, father of NFL Quarterback Russell Wilson, was born at the Center. Russell Wilson’s grandfather, Dr. Harrison Wilson Jr., served as Jackson State’s head basketball coach (1951-1960). The last on-campus birth by a community resident was in the 1960s.
The NPS funds will be used to replace the Center’s roof and repair the HVAC system. The building no longer serves as a hospital but houses the university’s work study offices and has been renamed the Zachary T. Hubert Payroll/Student Employment Center.