****For Immediate Release****

Subject: BMA Takes a Stand!

As I reflect on where Jackson was, what it is today and its potential, I am deeply saddened that
we have not recognized the real issues that could make us a leading city. In the words of Fannie
Lou Hammer, I believe that the citizens of Jackson are sick and tired of being sick and tired.
We are sick and tired of being sick and tired of pot holes tearing up tires, rims and front ends, and
we the people can barely afford to pay our water bills.
We are sick and tired of certain elected officials specifically republicans of the state of Mississippi
encroaching upon the city of Jacksons assets.
We are sick and tired of ineffective and immature fighting over whos the HNIC while our mothers
dont feel safe in the city they call home.
We are sick and tired of African American Businesses getting less than 2% of contracts within our
state and city.
We are sick and tired of out of state firms and white Anglo Saxon firms getting all our contracts
within our city.
And finally, we are sick and tired of our state elected officials particularly republicans, not
prioritizing funding for education, specifically within African American school districts.
And being sick and tired, it is with a declaration of urgency that the Business Ministerial Alliance
of Mississippi proposes and demands the following of the elected officials representing our city
and state.

BMA proposes that our city place 7 contractors for each ward in this city, that represent
the demographics of each ward to fix the pot holes. You cant run one truck from Savannah
St. to Hanging Moss Dr. to fix all the pot holes. We must respect our citizens enough to
not just patch the streets but maintain our streets.
BMA request that the city seeks guidance from the state on how to make maintenance
contracts become available under professional services.
BMA proposes that every board and agency in this city represents the demographics of this
city, we oppose all black boards. If we declared, it was wrong when it was all white than
it is wrong when its all black.

BMA of Mississippi Inc. ~ 2659 Livingston Rd. Jackson, MS 39213 ~ www.bmaofms.org

BMA proposes that if outline communities pay into our water system than they should have
representation as to the governance of our water system. We will not advocate for taxation
without representation.
BMA believes that Hawkins field should be run by a new board, specifically to spur
economic development in the city of Jackson.
BMA believes that it is criminal for African American Businesses to have capacity but still
not be utilized by elected officials who are African American. All because of immature
and inexperienced leadership that lacks the ability of promoting an atmosphere conducive
of building an African American Business Class.
We also propose to Continental Tires that they become the example and model of
businesses that seek to grow and invest within the community in which it is located. We
desire that Continental tires should lead the way by first looking inside of Hinds county for
all its resources, both its citizenry and businesses.

As Martin Luther King, Jr spoke of the fierce urgency of now, BMA recognizes the need for
immediate vigorous and positive action on the issues that affect the hard working citizens of
Jackson.
We deserve better.
The Business Ministerial Alliance of Mississippi is a coalition of church, business leaders and
individuals. The mission of BMA is to advocate for growth among African American Businesses
and to promote economic and social justice amongst disenfranchised communities. Members of
BMA understand the vast array of accomplishments that are possible when church and business
leaders work together to advocate and fight for economic and social justice amongst
disenfranchised communities.

With Urgency!
The Members of Business Ministerial Alliance of Mississippi
Pastor Dwayne Pickett, Chairman (Religious Community)
Socrates Garrett, Vice Chairman (Business Community)
Bishop Ronnie Crudup, Vice Chairman (Religious Community)

For media inquiries contact:

Aaron Banks, Executive Director
email-bmamississippi@gmail.com
phone-601-978-0937

BMA of Mississippi Inc. ~ 2659 Livingston Rd. Jackson, MS 39213 ~ www.bmaofms.org