Bailey Avenue Garden Club celebrates 70 years of beautifying communities

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Seventy years ago, a group of gardeners planted the seed that still leaves an impact today.

In 1956, a group of 13 African American women came together to beautify their community, forming the Bailey Avenue Garden Club.

Seventy years later, it continues to grow.

Members gathered to celebrate the legacy and look forward to the future.

Linda Williamson serves as the third president within the 70 years of the garden club. She said teaching the youth is key.

“I think it’s very important, especially trying to teach our younger kids, passing that down to them,” Williamson said. “I’m very thankful that my parents passed that down to me.”

The club works to beautify the community through not only teaching about gardening, but through donating to organizations and participating in community projects.

“Based on our members and they bring suggestions, whatever we think we can afford, we take on that project,” Williamson said.

City of Jackson Ward 2 Councilwoman Tina Clay attended the celebration, sharing her appreciation for groups like this.

“I’m super excited to know that there are groups out there working to try and keep Jackson beautiful and are willing to do projects with me in my ward to do something extra special with the seniors and juniors,” Clay said.

The day became even more special when Jackson Mayor John Horhn proclaimed June 13 as Bailey Avenue Garden Club Day in the city of Jackson.

“Everybody wants to see something that’s beautiful, we can change the city of Jackson with a little bit of effort just by making it beautiful,” Clay said.

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