The launch of “100 Days of Peace” heralded a somber yet determined atmosphere in Jackson as city leaders initiated this ambitious plan to enhance public safety. The campaign, rolled out with an array of community activities, aims to curb violence through partnerships with local credible messengers—individuals who have personal experience with crime and work with youth to deter violence.
As part of the day’s events, the mayor presented a symbolic check to these credible messengers at City Hall. Concurrently, families affected by gun violence gathered at the state Capitol, calling for stricter gun control laws. Meanwhile, police continued their duties despite the initiative’s launch, attending to a shooting incident at a Belhaven apartment complex that evening.
The “100 Days of Peace,” also branded as “100 Days of Action,” is a city initiative focused on community-driven crime reduction solutions. This initiative involves credible messenger programs and will include community listening sessions, town halls, and training leading up to a celebratory Sneaker Ball in June. Benny Ivey from Strong Arms of Mississippi, one beneficiary of the funds, plans to leverage his background in mentoring youth entangled in the juvenile system.
Ivey explained that their mentoring efforts focus on building trust, allowing young individuals to open up and aspire for change. Alongside Ivey’s program, Fredrick Womack from Operation Good, another grant recipient, emphasized community cooperative learning to achieve peace, highlighting the necessity of skill training to facilitate job opportunities.
The funds are sourced from the city’s Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery, established with a grant in 2022, and aim to support youth mentorship initiatives. Keisha Coleman, head of the office, stressed their focus on high-risk youth and community groups prone to violence, reflecting a proactive approach to engagement.
Jackson’s Mayor Chokwe Lumumba praised the credible messengers for their efforts during the 2022 water crisis and reiterated their impact on reducing local violence in formerly high-crime areas. Although specific success data from the pilot programs was unavailable, some reports suggest a reduction in violent crimes with the involvement of these initiatives.
Examples from other cities, such as Birmingham and Memphis, show a spectrum of peace initiatives, with local authorities pressing for workforce development as a key to reducing violence. In alignment, Jackson plans job fairs as part of its strategy, reinforcing Mayor Lumumba’s view that crime solutions must transcend policing and delve into root causes such as economic stability.
As “100 Days of Peace” commenced, police activity in Jackson persisted without disruption, although Chief Joseph Wade clarified JPD’s supportive yet non-central role in the initiative. The day continued with typical police operations, with consistent efforts to address crime within the city.
Alongside city efforts, families of gun violence victims held a memorial vigil, voicing the broader crisis of gun violence in Mississippi, which has one of the highest firearm-related death rates. Advocates called for legislative changes to address the rampant issue, emphasizing the impact of gun deaths on communities.
The initiative has primarily aimed at preemptive action rather than reactive policing, as indicated by Mayor Lumumba. In light of recent discussions, Jackson’s police and city leaders pledged collaborative and transparent communication, working together to understand and implement effective measures that address crime’s underlying social factors.
