Jackson Free Press

Will Jemison, 24, is five steps ahead of his generation. Everything about him says professionalism and goal-oriented. He walks into the interview, and I can't believe that he's only 24. His poise and proficient way of speaking are charming.

The Jackson native graduated from Murrah High School, then from Dillard University in New Orleans in 2003. He spent semesters abroad studying in Germany, Chile and India, but these days he's staying in the states. He works in the mayor's office, where he is the division of youth services manager.

From the Youth Council Program, he has seen kids progress and go to college. One student who took advantage of this program attends Harvard. The program has over 300 students from Jackson this year involved in some part of the program.

It provides savings accounts to students who have excelled and have good grades throughout city schools. The funds are matched up to $500 and once a student decides to enroll in a form of higher education such as college or trade school, he or she has access to the funds.

"We've represented every college in Mississippi—Hinds, Holmes, Tougaloo College, JSU and Xavier University in Louisiana," he says with a proud smile. "We have students who are scattered across the country all originally from Jackson."

The program offers this option at each school. The schools' counselors and attendance officers refer students to the program. They have daily status reports on all of these students. Two of the program's social workers call every day to check on their behaviors, grades and attendance.

"My biggest goal is to see one or several of them rise to positions within the city or their situations that they may be in," he says.

Though that job keeps him pretty busy, he helps manage the Quality of Life Program as well. "The Quality of Life has changed since Katrina," he says in a matter-of-fact tone. "We have new people in the area and it's like a culture shock to them."

His office was able to collect 400 school uniforms and backpacks for Katrina evacuees. This helped 400 new students in the JPS system.

His ultimate goal is to be a U.S. senator so that he can have an affect on legislation and young children everywhere.

Previous Comments

ID

82410

Comment

NO WAY HE'S 24! NO WAY! He is the most well-spoken person I've ever worked with. Ever. He is NOT 24. Fact check please! ;)

Author

emilyb

Date

2005-10-05T18:44:22-06:00

ID

82411

Comment

he's t-totally 24, miss.

Author

casey

Date

2005-10-06T12:35:03-06:00

ID

82412

Comment

People like this make me feel absolutely worthless. At 24 I was still funneling beer and trying to NOT get a full-time job. ;)

Author

Lori G

Date

2005-10-06T13:13:50-06:00

ID

82413

Comment

I am very happy that Jackson Government is being staffed with young bright Black professionals. This fellow fits the mold of the new order that will represent that city to the nation. Things are looking up in the big "J". Imagine what he'll be at 30!

Author

ATLExile

Date

2005-10-06T15:56:59-06:00

ID

82414

Comment

He could be Jackson's Next Mayor. amazing

Author

Jocelyn

Date

2005-10-07T11:44:09-06:00

ID

82415

Comment

Agree with all the comments here. I love to read these success stories that give all of us hope. And help us all to strive for even more greatness.

Author

blkconservative

Date

2005-10-11T15:04:52-06:00