The Farish Street Historic District was once the heart and soul of black Mississippi’s civic cultural life. Today, when people talk about the district, located in downtown Jackson, the conversation predictably focuses on abandoned storefronts and crime. Despite the high-profile paralysis of efforts to convert the Farish Street business district into Jackson’s entertainment district, Farish remains home to a dynamic neighborhood full of dedicated people fighting to retain its sense of history and place, fighting to hold it together as a community. Meet a few of them.
A man rides his bicycle in the 300 block of Farish Street in Jackson Wednesday, June 27, 2018. Farish Street Historic District, once the heart and soul of black Mississippi’s civic cultural life, is still home to a dynamic neighborhood that is fighting to hold the community together.
Ma’ati Jone Primm, owner of Marshall’s Music and Bookstore, center, gives Malcolm Thompson, left, and his grandson Jonterrence Hanna, 13, purchased products from her store in the 600 block of North Farish Street in Jackon Friday June 29, 2018. The bookstore has been located on Farish Street for over 50 years.
Lee Eric Evans, 26, shows his entry and exit gunshot wounds while at his aunt’s home on Davis Street in the Farish Street Historic District Tuesday, July 3, 2018. Evans has been shot on three different occasions near the historic district. On Saturday, July 7, Evans was shot multiple times and found laying on Central Street which is about two miles from the Farish Street Historic District. He died later at the scene.