2021 - 2022 jackson grown leader fellows

The 2021 - 2022 class of Jackson Grown Leader Fellows were a dynamic, courageous group of high school Juniors and Seniors. As the inaugural class for the Jackson Grown Leader Fellowship, these Fellows joined us on our journey to learn and explore what was needed across the Jackson community. Representing each high school across Jackson Madison County, the Fellows battled the difficulties of the pandemic. They taught the team as much as the team contributed to their growth. 

Importantly there was a strong recognition of what they, as students, individuals and members of the community, needed to thrive. It was however their understanding of the incredible contributions they could make to society, which drove Jackson Grown forward in its first year.

Fellows went on to pursue further studies at universities including University of Tennessee at Martin, University of Memphis and and University of Memphis at Lambuth. They are completing a range of majors including psychology, nursing, graphic design, and physical therapy.

Reflections on the Inagural Class of the Jackson Grown Leader Fellows

Whatever you are, be a good one. — Abraham Lincoln

Looking back, the blank spaces in our daily schedules during the 2020-2021 COVID year(s) provided a moment to brainstorm about how we could build on the Jackson Grown series started in 2017 and published in Our Jackson Home magazine. 

Together with Courtney Searcy, Justin Searcy and a large team of volunteers, we had the “brain space” to think about how alumni from the Jackson Madison County School System (JMCSS) and members of the Jackson community could offer something to some of the best hidden gems in Jackson’s public schools. In August 2021, we kicked off the Jackson Grown Leader Fellowship centered on mentor investment, skills development, network building and knowledge growth during the critical final year of high school.

From the outset of Jackson Grown, we received wonderful input and strong coordination from the community. The Kickoff event was held at Baker Bros BBQ and sponsored by the Jackson Old Hickory Rotary Club. Speakers included Superintendent Dr. Marlon King and New York Times Best Selling author Brad Montague. Renowned artist LOLO offered a guest performance of her song “Shine”. She also took the time to speak deeply about why it was important to Love Yourself. 

Relying heavily on the incredible, consistent commitment of school counselors and principals, the Fellows arrived for the first meeting at the end of September. Admittedly, there was a bit of nervousness and uncertainty on everyone’s side. Would the students connect with one another? Would they care? Were we being overly idealistic?

The Fall semester centered on introducing students to a few of the JMCSS’s most inspiring alumni. Having spent a career walking hundreds of feet above the ground in some of the world’s most inspiring settings, professional slackliner Heather Larsen (Northside ‘04) spoke to the Fellows about what it was like to Take Risks. At that first September meeting Carita Cole (JCM ‘03) joined as well and spoke about the risks she took and fears she felt as she continues to grow her rap career and serve Jackson with West Tennessee Legal Services. 

In October, multi-platinum award winning songwriter Josh Miller (Liberty ‘05) reflected on the importance of allowing yourself the freedom to Be Creative. Landon Preston led a coaching session focused on how to balance authenticity, humility and drive. 

The November/December meeting welcomed world-renowned actress and fashion model Wakeema Hollis (JCM ‘01) who talked with each of the students about what it meant to Stand Bold. Jackson State English and writing professor Mark Walls helped the Fellows begin to brainstorm initial ideas for the Challenge to the City. 

As we turned the corner into the Spring semester, the program encouraged the Fellows to continue reflecting on challenges they see or experience in the Jackson community. They worked hard to think about and frame the issues by identifying 

• An issue they care about and why they care about it 

• An example they have seen in the community of this challenge

• An idea or two of why that challenge might exist

• A proposal for how the issue could be addressed

In January, with LOLO (Lauren Pritchard) came back as the group moderator at Hub City Brewery, the Fellows sat together in a round table and presented their issues to one another. She helped guide them through their initial presentations in an environment that was both safe, encouraging and creative. 

Building on the conversation with LOLO, the Fellows continued to structure their presentations. In February, they had the opportunity to sit with a select group of mentors from the community. Each mentor was chosen based on their expertise and experience which connected with the Fellows’ individual interests and the City Challenges they selected. March was “practice month” and each Fellow came prepared to present five minute speeches in front of the other Fellows as a trial run for the final Challenge to the City at the end of April. 

Observing the Fellows over the course of the year has been as inspiring as it has been encouraging. They have had the courage to dive into issues ranging from gang violence, littering, teacher pay, nutrition in low-income urban environments, guns, child abuse and the availability of extracurricular opportunities for youth. These are, of course, difficult and highly complex. 

Too often as adults we become numb to the reality of these and similar issues. We overlook them because, perhaps, our day to day lives don’t intersect with them directly. Or maybe, we are reluctant to dive too deeply into them because we are afraid our current assumptions might be challenged or we will be called to take action that shakes our personal status quo. 

The 2021-2022 Jackson Grown Leadership Fellows challenge the Jackson community to look at them, listen to their stories and answer their calls to action.