When the Jackson district is being discussed today, it’s easy to focus on its abandoned stores and high levels of crime. A mayor of the capital described the unsuccessful attempts to revitalize the area as an albatross that weighed on the heads of local leaders. Recent efforts to revitalize the business district are still in legal limbo. You can walk along the boulevard and see a place that is far removed from its glory days. Today, there are a few family-owned businesses within the historic district. There are many buildings that offer little light, with only the corners and windows of old buildings allowing for glimpses of light. The new townhomes were built by an Oxford-based developer using low-income tax credits through a state agency. It all depends on who you knock at the door to see if this development is a sign that there has been progress or not. Despite the public paralysis caused by the numerous attempts to transform the Farish Street business area into Jackson’s entertainment district (Jackson’s entertainment district), the district is still home to a vibrant neighborhood of dedicated people who fight to preserve its sense of place and history, as well as fighting to keep it together as a community. Ma’ati Jone Primm (a community activist and the owner of Marshall’s Music and Bookstore), said that “we are ignored.” The district was once a hub for black Mississippians. They give the best real estate to outsiders at the lowest price, while construction companies are looking to demolish 20 to 30 homes at once. Tony “Dr.” said that we are concerned about Farish Street preservation. “Bourbon Street in New Orleans doesn’t have anything at Farish Street back then.” Shoemaker Brothers is the owner of Dennis Brothers Shoe Repair Service, a family business located in the 300 block on Farish Street. “There was so many businesses and so many opportunities.” The street was filled back then with African American doctors and dentists, accountants, and merchants. This was because the white political leadership allowed black professionals access to the area. When he was NAACP field secretary Medgar Evers kept an office over the Big Apple Inn. Today, it is the last remaining establishment from the glory days of Farish Street. Farish Street is almost empty during the day. However, the bright lights from Farish Street’s ends lighten the night sky until the wee hours of the morning. F. Jones Corner, Johnny T’s Bistro and Blues are the pillars of Jacksonians, tourists, and residents of Farish Street Historic District. F. Jones Corner was opened in 2009, and Johnny T’s Bistro in 2015. These businesses remind us of the early juke joint that helped to revitalize Farish at night. They bring life to the street even after the sun goes down. Farish Street residents are also bonded by other forms of memory and history. Marilyn Martin, 53, is a District resident for almost 20 years. Martin’s Davis Street home, which she describes as a refuge and a place where she keeps close to her heart memories, is more than a place she can lay her head at night. She has witnessed her husband’s loss to stomach cancer in 2016, and the tragic death of their only son in 2010. Martin’s nephew, who recently moved in from California, was killed in Jackson this summer. Martin is open about the challenges facing her neighborhood. Martin points out the abandoned house next to her, which she would like to tear down. Although she made numerous complaints about the problem to the city, she was assured that the house would soon be demolished. She plans to continue complaining to the city about the issue until it is resolved. In the meantime, she hopes to be able to host outdoor events and birthday parties in the future. She says that moving to another place is impossible. Martin said, “I have too many memories here to leave home.” “You can’t make me leave.” Mississippi Today interviewed Farish Street residents and shopkeepers during the fighting for survival period in June and July. Lee Eric Evans, 26, shared his unique perspective about the district after only being there for a few days with Marilyn Martin. Evans stated that he moved to Mississippi to enjoy a slower pace of living and escape violence in Inglewood. Evans was shot and killed two miles from where he lived shortly after the conversation. Jackson saw an increase in homicides, despite the fact that overall major crimes have been declining for many years. Evans’ comments notwithstanding, they reflect a common perception of a large crime problem in the capital. James Davis, the new city’s interim police chief, and other officers led a discussion about crime to about 17 people at a Jackson Police Department’s Precinct 2 community meeting. This precinct covers west Jackson including the Farish Street neighbourhood. Davis stated that they are dedicated to serving all of you — it’s what we have signed up for. Davis stated that they are committed to serving you all — that’s what we signed up to do. It takes all the businesses, churches, apartments, convenience stores, and neighborhood associations to come together.” But people like Vernon Hartley who attended the Precinct 2 Meeting and stated that he cut the grass on the overgrown lots in his community, Marilyn Martin who keeps the pressure on the city officials to remove blight, and Ma’ati Primm, who are raising alarm about the creeping trend of gentrification, do just that — they come together to keep the Farish Street neighborhood intact. They believe they have achieved success so far. Primm said, “I am amazed we are still capable of withstand.”