MEET carita cole

Carita serves as a Testing Coordinator and Paralegal for West Tennessee Legal Services and works on issues ranging from improving access to health care and ensuring people’s safety to access to affordable housing and securing income.

Having started as a trumpet player at Tigrett Middle School in Jackson, she has also made quite a career as a recognized hip-hop artist playing a wide range of local and regional events. She has amassed a strong following of online fans projecting new, bold visions for conscious rap and performance.

Having graduated from Jackson Central-Merry High School in 2003, she has established herself as a highly respected contributor to the Jackson community. Having done so as a one of a kind artist and a dedicated professional, Carita is a tremendous, committed asset to the community in Jackson.

Carita’s expertise, leadership and passions: #affordablehousing #urbandevelopment #youthprograms #incomeinequality

“The Jackson, TN Community is one of the most unique communities in the world. We have a metro population with a small town vibe. Being apart of the schools in Jackson, have instilled in me a never give up attitude. Because we weren't the biggest city or have the largest resources, I have learned to work a little harder to accomplish my goals. The community and the schools that I have attended have taught me that big things can come in small packages.”

- Carita Cole

HI, I’M Carita…

So for starters, what’s your favorite book?

“It would have to be Life after the storm by Mrs. J. Its a really wonderful book with some great perspective.”

As an accomplished singer, songwriter and performer, this question is designed for you. So we are curious, what’s your favorite song or type of music?

“That would certainly have to be "One in a million" by Aaliyah”

There’s a lot of movies out there, but if you had to pick one…what would it be?

“I think I’m going to go with “The Body Guard” with Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. It goes back a few years, but it really is a good one.”

So you moved to Jackson as a 4th grader at Andrew Jackson Elementary. Since then, what hasbeen one of your favorite memories of Jackson?

“Haha, whew there have been a lot of good ones. You know…I always really enjoyed watching the NAIA Women’s National Basketball Tournaments at the Oman Arena. Between the basketball and the crowds and the energy there in the Arena, it has always been something really great to see.”

Who would you say is the most inspirational person you’ve ever met?

“There have been a lot of supportive people. But, I’d have to say my Great Grandmother Mable Jones stands out. I think she is the best person I have ever met. Her kindness, helpfulness, and love inspired me to be the best that I can be.”

Life is an adventure. What has been the greatest adventure you have had?

“Living in Izmir, Turkey for 3 years, while my dad served in the US Air Force. Though I was young, it was such a different culture and reinforced, even at that age, to the beauty of diversity and the fascinating world we live in.”

There are challenges that everyone faces. Some are hidden and some are more visible. What are some of the issuess and challenges you are particularly passionate about addressing?

“From my perspective, we really need to pay more attention to affordable housing. Affordable housing though with acceptable, safe conditions are actually really hard to find. Its sort of a hidden problem that many folks don’t see in their day-to-day lives. For low income families in Jackson, and all around the country, its a huge issue we deal with as a community. Strengthening the quality and availability of activities for youth in urban neighborhoods is also essential. I also would like to see our community invest resources - whether time, energy or money - into activities in urban neighborhoods for youth. I think it would help contribute towards encouraging a positive environment that will ultimately create better opportunities, increase support and improve connnections across lines...that are often hard to cross.”