Jackson Free Press

Jessica Catchings blazes a trail across Jackson accomplishing multiple tasks at once and creating more in the process. The 22-year-old history student plans to graduate from Jackson State University in August, and then dive headfirst into law school. (She is deciding between Mississippi College and Ole Miss.) But Catchings is more than just a student, she is a committed citizen.

When she's not balancing 21 hours of college courses with her duties as a member of the JSU Quiz Bowl Team, Catchings works with Dr. Bill Cooley at the Center of Social Entrepreneurship. In her role as associate social entrepreneur, she helps Cooley plan efforts to entice businesses to return to West Jackson.

"We want to help local businesses improve," she says. The center also assists nonprofits in writing grants to obtain federal funds.

Through the Center of Social Entrepreneurship, Catchings developed Friday Forums, a weekly event hosted by the Koinonia Coffee House. Each Friday at 9 a.m., the coffee house welcomes a local dignitary to lead the forum and discuss pertinent issues concerning Jackson. Past guests have included JSU President Dr. Ronald Mason, Sen. John Horhn and Assistant Police Chief Lee Vance.

Catchings says that the first meeting only pulled in 10 participants, but now the forum averages 30 to 40 attendees. "It is a great opportunity for networking," she says. "We realize that it needs to be a group effort in order for West Jackson to re-emerge."

Catchings is still learning to budget her time; it is easy to become overwhelmed by all of her activities. Preferring a relaxed weekend with her family in Ridgeland, she would rather watch a funny movie or read a book than bar-hop around town.

"I guess you could call me a bookworm," Catchings says, laughing. She is also thankful for the support her church gives her. "Hanging Moss Church of Christ is like a close-knit family. It is great to have everyone encouraging me.

After finishing law school, Catchings hopes to reside in Jackson and defend civil rights. She has recently become interested in cold cases and the Innocence Project.

"I hope to delve into these issues and let the former civil-rights workers know that their work was not in vain," she says.

And if she does not practice law, Catchings may end up running a business.

"My mentor, Dr. Bill Cooley, says I should have been a business major," she says. "So I may go back to school after law school. Who knows? I love to learn. I love to grow."