By William H. Kelly III
(JACKSON, Miss.) – Jackson State University (JSU) walked away with five awards at Visit Jackson’s 31st annual Hometown Hero and S.U.M.I.T.T. (Superlative Merit in Travel & Tourism) awards presentation on Friday, March 7, at the Capri Theatre. The event reflects the industry’s deep appreciation for long-time commitment, accomplishments, and service by individuals and entities that have enhanced the Jackson visitor experience and elevated the travel and tourism industry.
JSU’s Margaret Walker Center was awarded two 2024 S.U.M.I.T.T. Awards, earning Attraction of the Year and Festival or Event of the Year for hosting the 50th Anniversary Reconvening of the Phillis Wheatley Poetry Festival (PWPF) in 2023.
“We are very proud to be honored by Visit Jackson as the Attraction of the Year in the city, and to have the Phillis Wheatley Poetry Festival recognized as the Event of the Year at the same time is a testimony to the hard work and commitment of the entire Margaret Walker Center team,” said Robert Luckett, Ph.D., director of the Margaret Walker Center.
The sold-out festival drew an impressive 4,334 attendees, including established literary figures to rising young talents like Alice Walker, Jesmyn Ward, Sonia Sanchez, Imani Perry, Eve Ewing, Joanne Gabbin, and Jackson’s own Tonea Stewart and Angie Thomas.
Women’s Basketball Head Coach Tomekia Reed and the Women’s Basketball team also scored a 2024 S.U.M.I.T.T. Award with the Friend of Tourism award. Reed was honored for her dedication to excellence, her commitment to the community, and her record breaking numbers on and off the court.
The Lady Tigers have a five-peat SWAC (Southwestern Athletics Conference) Championship run, an astounding 48-1 record in conference play, and a jaw-dropping 97.95% winning percentage in league games.
“I’m extremely proud of what I have been able to accomplish over my last six years in Jackson with an amazing staff, team, and administrators. I strive to not only be a great coach, but a great mentor and role model to my student-athletes, so that when the game is over they can go out and be well-rounded individuals in the community that surrounds them,” said Reed. “Home is where the heart is, and I want to thank everyone who voted for me to have the Friend of Tourism Hometown Hero Award.”
Shonda de Verteuil received the Meeting & Group Tour Planners Hometown Hero award for generating $85,600 dollars in economic impact through the 2023 Mississippi Association of Housing Officers (MAHO) Conference. de Verteuil is currently the assistant director of Housing Operations at JSU and is a member of MAHO. The 2023 conference was hosted by JSU.
The Meeting & Group Tour Planners category acknowledges individuals with an eye for detail and a love for creating the perfect event, while inspiring and welcoming visitors to the “City With Soul.” MAHO is an organization for all housing and residence life professionals in the state of Mississippi. Their mission is to promote excellence in housing programs and staff by promoting best practices, networking, professional development, and involvement opportunities.
Brad Franklin is the branding and marketing director for the Public Health Informatics & Technology (PHIT) Department at JSU, and curator for JXN Indie Music (JIM) Week. Franklin won the Hometown Hero award under the Festival and Event Organizers category for JIM Week’s economic influence, bringing the most out-of-state artists in the week’s 10 year history, including artists from California. He also acquired the award during last year’s presentation.
The seven-day music festival celebrates the culture of the birthplace of America’s music through concerts, showcases, and panels, and it encompasses music, movies and culture. Since its conception, JIM Week has garnered up to 300 artist submissions and held up to 50 acts around the city of Jackson. The annual platform continues to pay homage to independent music and shows that the creative community can be an economic driver for the city.
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