Creating Safe Spaces for Kids

Operation Shoestring thinks about kids every day. More specifically, we think about creating safe spaces for kids and that, in turn, creates opportunities for success.

In fact, we’ve been doing that for more than half a century now. We actually got started when a group of brave folk here in Mississippi’s capital city responded to the powerful pressures of Mississippi’s social strife in the 1960s by creating safe places for children to play.

The City built a fence around our neighborhood park—to keep out African Americans—leaving few good options where young children could safely run, jump and just be kids. So some civic-minded people made a few playgrounds on vacant lots.

And within two years that effort ultimately led to the creation of Operation Shoestring.

Still serving kids five decades later, Operation Shoestring is just as committed to ensuring we’re creating the right environment for children. Toward that end, we’re completely transforming our building and property here in the heart of Jackson. In a few months, we’ll release plans for light-filled, wonderful learning areas and an inviting, interactive green space for our children and families. This will be a clear reflection of our values in support of what’s good for our kids, their families and our whole community.

While we’re talking about creating the right environments for Jackson’s kids, I can’t help but think about the Jackson Public Schools District bond referendum before Jackson’s voters.

Without a doubt, JPS kids and families need the funding necessary to create great learning spaces for kids. Kids need 21st-century libraries, functioning school bathrooms, STEM-appropriate spaces, adequate HVAC systems, competitive athletic facilities, and more.

These aren’t fancy things. They’re the fundamentals.

In fact, they’re what each of us wants for our own kids—essential components of an environment in which kids feel valued, safe and able to thrive and work towards realizing their dreams.

On Tuesday, August 7, as you head to the polls to vote, I urge you to think about what you value for your own children, and what you think Jackson’s children deserve.

I expect my own kids to learn and grow in spaces that encourage their education and social development, and I do all that I can to make that happen. I expect and work for the same things for the kids I serve at Operation Shoestring.

All of Jackson’s children—including those in JPS—deserve no less. Let’s make it happen for them, and for all of us who care about kids—and our community.

This article was published in the Clarion-Ledger. Click here to read more.