Mayor Proclaims Homeless Persons' Memorial Day | Jackson Free Press | Jackson, MS

Mayor Proclaims Homeless Persons' Memorial Day

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Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. and city department leaders will answer questions from residents tonight at the Ward 3 community meeting.

[verbatim] Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson, Jr., will proclaim Friday, Dec. 18, as James Ivory Homeless Persons' Memorial Day at an observance scheduled for 9:30 a.m. that day at the Stewpot Community Services sanctuary, 1100 W. Capitol St. in Jackson.

The Mississippi State Hospital Community Services Stubbs Homeless Program and Partners to End Homelessness, in conjunction with the National Coalition for the Homeless, sponsor the event, named for the late James Ivory, a former director of the Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center's Homeless Clinic who was an ardent advocate for the homeless.

Since 1992, the event has served to remember homeless persons who have died during the year and to call attention to the many issues of homelessness. This year's observance will include a performance of "Boxmen," a one-act play about two men who reside in a cardboard box. Written by Linda Townes, director of the Stubbs Homeless Program, "Boxmen" stars Bob Muse, a professional actor with movie, stage and television credits who is currently homeless in Jackson, and Anthony DiFatta, well-known Jackson artist and Mississippi State Hospital art instructor.

The event will also include music, a dramatic recitation, a memorial drumming session and an update by Heather Ivery, City Project Coordinator for "Destination Home," on Jackson's 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness.

About 100 communities across the United States currently conduct homeless memorial services, including candlelight vigils, plays and other events. The events call attention to the estimated 3.5 million people, including more than a million children, who are likely to experience homelessness in a given year.

For more information, call 601-351-8523.

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