ASJN Preps for its 6th South Jackson Parade and Festival

The Association of South Jackson Neighborhoods (ASJN) was established in 1979 to enhance the quality of life for South Jackson residents by networking with local government, businesses, and other institutions. South Jackson has experienced many changes over the years; however, ASJN has remained committed to its original mission. The non-profit organization created the South Jackson Parade and Festival 6 years ago to unite the community, build relationships with local businesses and organizations, and celebrate South Jackson neighborhoods with a fun day of family-friendly events. “We want residents to bring pride back to their neighborhoods,” said Ernest Ward, president of ASJN.

Ward has served as ASJN’s president for almost 8 years. He is also president of the Cedar Hills Neighborhood Association in Ward 4. Ward is most proud of the organization's establishment of this annual event. He is also proud of ASJN’s commitment to public schools. ASJN has hosted athletic banquets for Forest Hill High School and the former Wingfield High School to celebrate its student-athletes. Last year, ASJN donated $1500 to Forest Hill to support programming.

Ward believes that code enforcement is the key to creating a better Jackson. “We’re trying to get neighborhoods to come together and care for their properties and what’s happening in their communities,” Ward said. “If we can get code enforced properly, our city will be better, and that’s what we will continue to work towards.”

The annual event, which takes place on the second Saturday of April each year, is scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The parade will start at Save-A-Lot on McDowell Road between Suncrest Drive and Highway 18 West and end at Cardozo Middle School for the festival. ASJN is currently accepting applications for vendors, volunteers, and participants to make this year’s event successful. Civic groups, neighborhood associations, local and state officials, school organizations, and law enforcement agencies have participated in the past and are encouraged to apply. Jackson State University’s “Sonic Boom of the South” marched in last year’s parade, and ASJN is looking to bring them back this year. “We’re also working to get Alcorn and Valley’s band, but if we don’t, we’re working to have a vendor space for them to do recruitment,” Ward said. “We created this to bring entertainment to South Jackson, and we’ve been growing stronger each year. We’re looking for vendors who can help the community. Last year, we had a DUI crash simulation, and we would like to bring that back this year. We try to build a certain family feel, so we’re looking for vendors who can offer good information and products, whether health-related or about crime prevention.”

If your group would like to participate, visit ASJN’s website for forms, flyers, and the parade map. For further information, contact Ward at 601.201.3020 or erne6wa@yahoo.com. ASJN meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Peggy Calhoun Community Center in the Will-O-Wood neighborhood. “We constantly encourage residents to get involved with us.”