The City of Jackson Michigan Southside neighborhood and it’s predominate population of black residents dates to the early 1900s during the northern migration of thousands from the slave-holding southern United States.

In search of employment opportunities, self-determination and to reestablish familial ties, these newly minted Americans began to weave the strands of black culture into a resilient community.

One hundred years after its inception, Jackson’s Southside neighborhood has much to celebrate and a future that presents opportunity for cooperation and cohesion.

Still about 20 percent of the city’s overall population, our Southside neighborhood has produced Tuskegee Airman, professional athletes, history-making women leaders, educators and other professionals, business owners, respected clergy, social and fraternal organizations and generations of families.

(Jackson was the first city in Michigan to have a black-owned bank, establishing the National Savings & Loan Bank, 417 E. Main St. in 1923)

To further the progress of this community, the City of Jackson has established a Martin Luther King Jr. – Corridor Improvement Authority organized to promote economic growth and development in the area by aiding in the intentional reinvestment and revitalization of property and supporting community and business opportunities within this distinct area.

For full project information and submission instructions, please see commission document.