The Department of Communications is responsible for managing and coordinating all internal and external messaging for the organization. It oversees public relations, marketing campaigns, branding, social media, website content, media relations, and internal communications. The department ensures that information is clear, consistent, and aligned with the organization’s mission and goals. By developing strategic messaging and maintaining a strong public presence, the Communications Department helps build trust, strengthen reputation, and effectively engage key audiences.
The Department of Communications is responsible for managing and coordinating all internal and external messaging for the organization. It oversees public relations, marketing campaigns, branding, social media, website content, media relations, and internal communications. The department ensures that information is clear, consistent, and aligned with the organization’s mission and goals. By developing strategic messaging and maintaining a strong public presence, the Communications Department helps build trust, strengthen reputation, and effectively engage key audiences.
The Department of Communications for the City of Jackson is committed to keeping residents informed about important city initiatives, events, and public service updates. Through the News section, citizens can stay up to date on major announcements from city leadership, infrastructure improvements, public safety updates, and community programs taking place across Jackson.
Our goal is to provide timely and accurate information that helps residents stay engaged with what is happening in their city. The Communications Department works closely with city departments to share updates on policies, projects, and services that impact daily life in Jackson. From road improvements to community events, this page serves as a central place for official city news.
The City of Jackson believes that strong communication builds stronger communities. By regularly publishing news releases, media updates, and event highlights, the Department of Communications aims to increase transparency and strengthen the connection between local government and the people it serves. Residents are encouraged to check back frequently for the latest updates and announcements.
Chief RaShall Brackney’s Citywide Community Meetings
Since February, Dr. Brackney has met with residents, business owners, and faith leaders across the city, to hear directly about public safety concerns, neighborhood priorities, and ways JPD can strengthen its partnership with the community. She will now continue those conversations through a series of evening meetings and daytime outreach events in April and May.
Upcoming community meetings include:
· Today, April 14, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.
Georgetown Event Center
800 Woodrow Wilson Avenue
Jackson, MS 39213
· Thursday, April 16, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.
Christ United Church (Fellowship Hall)
6000 Old Canton Road
Jackson, MS 39211
Note: Please park on the south side of the campus for closer access to the Fellowship Hall and to avoid a long walk.
· Thursday, April 30, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.
Stronger Hope Church
223 Beasley Road
Jackson, MS 39206
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.
The Peggy Hobson Calhoun Community Center
4331 Willow-O-Wood Blvd
Jackson, MS 39212
Thursday, May 14, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.
Jackson Police Department, Precinct Two
965 Bobby Rush Boulevard, Jackson, MS 39209
Each meeting will include brief remarks from Chief Brackney, an overview of current public safety efforts, and an open listening session for residents to share concerns, ask questions, and offer ideas.
“I want every neighborhood in Jackson to know that their voice matters and that their police department is listening,” Dr. Brackney said. “These meetings are a chance for me to sit down with residents where they live, worship, and work, to hear directly about what’s working, what isn’t, and how we can move forward to make every part of this city safer.”
Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting in their ward or any date that works best for them.
He brings many technical skills to the position including; Fire Officer I & II, Fire Instructor, Mississippi Highway Watch Training, Adult Defense Driving Class, First Aid & CPR, and Vehicle Fires & Extrications. With a host of other leadership skills and training.
Chief Thomas has many accomplishments before becoming the fire chief. He served at Hinds Community College as the Campus Police Chief in 2022, U.S. Marine Corp in 1997. He also served as the IAFF Local 87 Union President for 8 years advocating for labor rights for all firefighters. He is married with two children and stands strongly on his Christians beliefs. Chief Thomas states that his top priority is the health and safety of our firefighters and citizens of Jackson, MS. He leads with honor courage and commitment.
JACKSON, MS — The Association of South Jackson Neighborhoods will host the Annual South JXN Parade on Saturday, April 18, 2026, with parade activities beginning at 9 a.m.
The parade will begin at the Little Caesars parking lot on McDowell Road and will end at Cordoza Middle School. Vendor setup will begin at 7 a.m. at Cordoza Middle School, which will also serve as the site for festivities and the fun zone at 3180 McDowell Road Extension.
Councilwoman Lashia Brown-Thomas and Councilman Kevin Parkinson will attend and are available for comment.
· Event: Annual South JXN Parade
· Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
· Parade start time: 9 a.m.
· Parade start location: Little Caesars parking lot, McDowell Road
· Parade ending location: Cordoza Middle School
· Vendor setup: 7 a.m. at Cordoza Middle School
· Festivities and Fun Zone: Cordoza Middle School, 3180 McDowell Rd. Ext
For more information, contact Ernest Ward at 601-201-3020 or Johnny Byrd at 601-720-9965.
Choose to Grow Students to Showcase Businesses at Market Day Following Shark Tank Competition
Jackson, MS – The Juanita Sims Doty Foundation is inviting the community to support student entrepreneurs at its upcoming Choose to Grow Market Day, scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in front of the Jackson Convention Complex.
The event follows the Foundation’s recent Shark Tank Competition, held March 30, where more than 70 middle school students from Canton, Jackson, Okolona and Tupelo presented original business ideas and products before a panel of judges. Students competed for nine awards totaling more than $2,900 and are now preparing to bring their products to the public marketplace.
Through the Choose to Grow Afterschool Program, students work with mentors to develop, refine and produce their business concepts. Market Day gives those young entrepreneurs an opportunity to sell directly to the community and keep the profits from their sales.
The City of Jackson has been a valued partner in supporting the Choose to Grow Afterschool Program. First Lady Lydia Gail Horhn serves as the program’s Honorary Champion. Her support has included participation in several key initiatives and events, including the Back to School Bash, Presidents-Mentor Training, Dining Etiquette Experience and the Shark Tank Competition.
“Programs like Choose to Grow help equip young people with confidence, practical skills and the vision to see what is possible for their future,” said First Lady Lydia Gail Horhn.
“This is an opportunity to show these students that we honor their hard work and that we believe in them. We are a part of their village, so let’s celebrate all of their efforts,” said Karla McCullough, Choose to Grow Project Director.
Community members, families and supporters are encouraged to attend Market Day and purchase products from the Choose to Grow Ambassadors and Gems and participating student entrepreneurs. The event is designed to celebrate student creativity, entrepreneurship and community investment in the next generation.
For more information, please contact: kmccullough@jsdfoundation.com, 678-907-0057 or jsimsdoty@gmail.com, 601-566-9039.
WHAT:
Jackson Police Department Chief RaShall Brackney will hold a press conference to provide an update on Homicide #15, which occurred at the Rebel Woods Apartments on March 18, 2026.
WHEN:
Today, Wednesday, April 8, 2026
1:00 p.m.
WHERE:
Jackson Police Department Headquarters
327 East Pascagoula Street
Jackson, Mississippi
The press conference will be held in front of JPD Headquarters. Members of the media may arrive between 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.
For more information, please contact Detective Tommie Brown at (601) 218-8140.
Local Vendors Encouraged to Apply for National Folk Festival Marketplace
Jackson, MS — Local artisans, craftspeople, and specialty vendors are encouraged to apply for a spot in the Marketplace at the 83rd National Folk Festival, which returns to downtown Jackson November 13–15, 2026.
The Festival Marketplace features juried, handmade creations from artists and craftspeople, with priority given to Mississippi vendors. Organizers are especially seeking strong local participation as the early bird application deadline closes on April 10, and the final deadline is June 1.
Vendors selected for the Marketplace will be chosen based on artistry, distinctiveness, craftsmanship, traditionality when applicable, connection to state, regional or local traditions, relationship to their cultural or artistic community, and booth presentation.
The Marketplace will feature both traditional crafts and more contemporary artistic expressions. Eligible items include handmade artwork, jewelry, textiles, woodwork, pottery, folk and traditional crafts, and packaged made-in-Mississippi or Deep South food products. Commercial reproductions, manufactured items, kits, and molds are not permitted.
To support local participation, the Mississippi Arts Commission offers Mini-Grants for Individual Artists, providing $500 in funding to help offset the costs of professional development and participation in events like the National Folk Festival Marketplace. The application window for these grants is May 1 – June 1.
These funds can help make participation more accessible by covering expenses such as:
· Booth fees (Marketplace booths are approximately $350 for the weekend)
· Application fees (including the $35 non-refundable fee if accepted)
· Lodging and mileage to attend the festival
· Promotional materials such as custom tablecloths, business cards, labels, and packaging
Applicants are encouraged to review the Marketplace Vendor Guidelines before applying. Additional information and application details are available at:
https://www.nationalfolkfestival.com/marketplace-vendor-guidelines
Applications for both the NFF Vendor Marketplace and Mississippi Arts Commission Individual Artist Mini-Grants are available at:
www.arts.ms.gov/apply
For local vendors interested in sharing their work with thousands of festivalgoers, now is the time to apply.
The Communications Department serves as the primary point of contact for members of the media and the public seeking official information from the City. This section provides media contact information for press inquiries, access to the city’s press release archive, and guidelines for requesting interviews or filming on city property. Journalists and media representatives can use this page to find the appropriate contacts, review official announcements, and learn the procedures for coordinating interviews with city officials or staff. Guidance for photography, video recording, and news coverage requests is also provided to help ensure an organized and timely response.
