These are just a few of the first hopes expressed at the “Before I Die ….”” wall at the Arts Center of Mississippi. It is Jackson’s piece of a global art initiative that encourages people to think about mortality and share the things they care most. Candy Chang, a New Orleans-based urban designer/artist who was present at the unveiling, said that “Before I Die” is really about emotional communion. After the green cover was removed and the black wall appeared, she even ran in a happy circular. More than 30 students from Obama Magnet School, Tougaloo College and Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba were among those who shared their goals and future plans in colored chalk. In less than half an hour, all of the “Before my death I want to blanks” were filled and words were trailed into other spaces. These words addressed community ills and individual ambitions, anxieties, visions and fears. The installation measures approximately 8 feet in height and 24 feet wide. It covers the entire back wall of the lower atrium. It is a joint venture between the Greater Jackson Arts Council’s creative power and public art programs. Sponsored by Visit Jackson, the installation reflects the council’s emphasis on art as a means to address social injustices and meet community needs. Janet Scott, Greater Jackson Arts Council executive Director, says that art should be a necessity and not a luxury. It should be something people want to do. It can transcend barriers, it can cross cultures, it can even cross religions. People can discuss taboo subjects through art and it’s easier. Although people may not wish to talk about their plans for the future, they will write them on the wall. The wall will be an active chalkboard that captures thoughts from passersby until it is filled and sealed. “Before My Death walls are now more than 5,000 in more than 75 countries and more that 35 languages. They can be filled up, erased and then written on again, which causes them to change over time. Jackson’s wall will be a permanent public art installation when it’s sealed. Chang calls it a “remarkable experiment”. “I wish I could have captured these moments on other wall. It will be a portrait of the community at that moment in time, which will be preserved for many years. Chang believes that this is a wonderful idea. He predicts that the writings of Chang, which are vulnerable and honest, will grow in value over time. Johnson, the first African American mayor in Jackson, will have the lower atrium named in the renovations. He also shared his desire to be a published author. It does make you think about your priorities and your mortality. What are you going to do with it? Johnson hopes to share his insights as an educator and public servant in a book. Chang said that it brings people together because we all think on the same plane. We want to make a difference, to do something with our lives before leaving here.” Alisha Newell, a recent graduate of Jackson State University, says that she realized that she needed to help her community. “I want us to overcome our emotional trauma because there is a lot in our community that we don’t talk about. Perhaps that’s my purpose.” Tougaloo College junior Latrice John writes, “Before my death, I want to fulfill and/or be first African American woman who does something.” She says that “something” is still to be determined, but she said, “But, I still want to become that first.” Scott Crawford, an ardent advocate for accessibility, saw this space as an opportunity to share a deep-seated desire — to sail alone. He believes that this would make all of his community efforts worthwhile. Chang’s public phenomenon was very personal. Chang was grieving the death of Joan, a close friend and mother who had suddenly died. This caused her to go through a period of deep grief and depression. Chang shared her thoughts with listeners at the TECH Jackson festival and conference in mid-April. “There were still so many other things she wanted to do.” Chang found clarity in her life through contemplating death and wanted to know the most important things for others. She created a stencil from scratch and enlisted the help of her friends to transform an abandoned house in New Orleans into a chalkboard that would allow passers-by to reflect, share and stop. “The responses of people made me laugh and cry, and they helped me through some of my most difficult times. She says, “I clearly saw that I wasn’t alone in trying to understand my life.” She became passionate about the connection between public spaces, emotional health, and this “little experiment… little what-if”. Each wall is a testament to living an open and honest life. She says that it is easy to lose sight of the humanity of others and to feel alone and alienated when there are so many barriers to allowing people to talk to us. It can be extremely reassuring on an individual level to see a private part of your mind reflected in the handwriting of another person. It’s also a step towards seeing ourselves in one another.”_x000D