West Jackson Church Works to Re-Ignite Neighboring Communities
St. Luther M.B. Church joined forces with residents in Dalton Deer Park and University Park throughout October to host cleanup and outreach efforts, revitalizing neighborhoods and strengthening community bonds. This united effort aimed to prepare West Jackson for Jackson State University’s homecoming festivities while fostering long-term pride and care for the area. With the homecoming parade returning to these streets, thousands celebrated in the heart of West Jackson, marking a special weekend for the community.
Sister Fran Bridges, a dedicated member of St. Luther and JAN Ward 5 representative, collaborated with Pastor Charles Polk, Sr., Deacon Barry Dixon, and a 12-member committee to launch this project. Volunteers served as street and block captains, sharing flyers and distributing garbage bags to encourage residents to dispose of trash early and help beautify the area. The collective effort extended to other churches, including Epiphany Lutheran Church, Evergreen M.B. Church, Pratt Memorial United Methodist Church, Pilgrim M.B. Church, and New Mount Zion M.B. Church, highlighting a shared commitment across congregations.
Known affectionately as Dr. Fran, Sister Bridges is respected for her commitment to change. During the cleanup on October 26, she drove through the neighborhoods, inviting residents to St. Luther for food, fellowship, and a message of collective accountability in keeping properties well-maintained. “When blight and overgrown properties go unaddressed, it sends the wrong message to our youth and neighbors,” she shared. “It can lead people to accept these conditions as normal, ultimately fostering poverty. We want to be intentional about accountability—for ourselves, our residents, and local businesses.”
This community transformation effort was made possible by partnerships with the City of Jackson, Keep Jackson Beautiful, Hinds County, Bank Plus, Hope Credit Union, Fahrenheit, Delta Waste Solutions, Jackson State University Community Engagement, and the Center for Social Entrepreneurship (CSE), along with several local businesses and neighboring churches. To continue this important work, the Pecan Tree Park Neighborhood Association is accepting donations via check or CashApp ($PTPNA09). To learn more or get involved, contact Deacon Barry Dixon at 601-454-4993 or Sister Fran Bridges at 601-454-6349.
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