Jackson Free Press

Two months after electing Tony Yarber as their newest mayor, the citizens of Jackson will have an opportunity to celebrate the moment.

"Our Moment, Our Time" is the theme of Yarber's black-tie inaugural gala, scheduled for Saturday, June 21, at the Jackson Convention Complex at 7 p.m.

Othor Cain, the public-relations chairman for the Inaugural Gala Celebration Committee, said an official inauguration did not take place after Yarber's swearing in back in April because he needed to hit the ground running.

"He had to go, go, go," said Cain, who is also the spokesman for the Hinds County Sheriff's Office and hosts a radio show.

Yarber filled the vacant seat after Mayor Chokwe Lumumba passed away in late February. A former south Jackson councilman, Yarber won the election over a packed field of candidates that included two council colleagues, a state legislator, a former mayor and Lumumba's son, Chokwe Antar Lumumba.

Cain stressed that private citizens and corporate sponsors—not city tax dollars—are paying for the inaugural gala. The gala fundraising committee, which Tameka Garrett of Garrett Enterprises chairs, is also separate from Yarber's mayoral fundraising committee, Cain said.

Donors to inaugural committees are often private, but it's unclear if there are any public disclosures the inaugural committees will have to make. City officials drew criticism in April when WJTV reported that the city spent approximately $2,000 on printing copies of Lumumba's obituary for his memorial service, which was held at the Jackson Convention Complex.

Yarber's inaugural ball is free to attend, and organizers ask that people not bring children. Food stations will feature local fare from Mangia Bene and Chef Nick Wallace. Gospel, jazz and blues artists, including Willie Clayton, Dexter Allen, Tonya Ware and Ben Cone, will perform.

Cain said the event is an opportunity for regular folks, a theme of Yarber's election bid, to celebrate Yarber's vision.

"It's an opportunity for everyday people to come together and celebrate what's good in Jackson," Cain said.