Ayer Hall (Now MWC - Margaret Walker Center)
Ayer Hall, built in 1903, is the oldest building on JSU's campus and holds significant historical importance. Originally serving as a science building, it now houses the Margaret Walker Center, named after the renowned poet and scholar Margaret Walker Alexander. This center is dedicated to preserving African American history and culture through extensive archives and educational programs, contributing greatly to the understanding of Black history and the arts.
Gibbs-Green Plaza
Gibbs-Green Plaza is a pivotal site on Jackson State University's campus, honoring the tragic events of May 14-15, 1970, when police opened fire on students protesting racial injustices and the Vietnam War. This attack resulted in the deaths of Phillip Lafayette Gibbs, a JSU student, and James Earl Green, a 17-year-old bystander. The plaza today serves as a space for remembrance and reflection, with a monument dedicated to the victims and survivors, providing a solemn reminder of the ongoing struggles for racial justice.
COFO Building
The Council of Federated Organizations (COFO) Civil Rights Education Center, located near JSU, was the headquarters of the COFO coalition, which united organizations like SNCC, CORE, NAACP, and SCLC during the Civil Rights Movement. The building played a central role in the 1964 Freedom Summer, focusing on voter registration and civil rights advocacy. Today, it stands as a museum and educational space, honoring Mississippi's pivotal role in the fight for civil rights.
Mt. Olive Cemetery
Mt. Olive Cemetery, one of Jackson's oldest African American burial grounds, is a key site for understanding the city's history and the resilience of its Black community. Many influential figures, including activists, educators, and formerly enslaved individuals, are buried here. The cemetery highlights the ongoing efforts to preserve African American heritage, particularly in relation to historically neglected burial sites. It is also believed to have originated as part of a larger plantation burial ground, adding to its historical depth.
Johnson Hall
Opened in 1944, Johnson Hall has long been associated with the arts and humanities at JSU. It is now home to the JSU Permanent Art Collection, which fosters cultural engagement and preserves artistic heritage. The building also serves as a site for exhibitions and is involved in digital archiving efforts for JSU’s art collections. Its legacy includes being a central place for African American art during the Civil Rights Movement.
Rose E. McCoy Auditorium & The Sonic Boom of the South
Named after Dr. Rose Embly McCoy in 1980, the Rose E. McCoy Auditorium has been a vital space for cultural and community events at JSU since its construction in 1950. The auditorium, originally a hub for Jackson’s African American community, continues to serve as a venue for performances and academic events. It is also home to the Department of Speech and Theatre. The Sonic Boom of the South, JSU’s renowned marching band, frequently performs here, adding to its rich cultural history.
Health Center
JSU's Health Center was a crucial institution during the era of segregation, providing healthcare to African Americans when many hospitals refused them or provided substandard care. This center operated as a hospital until the 1970s and was a significant part of JSU’s role in addressing healthcare disparities for Black Mississippians. Today, the building houses the university’s payroll and student employment services, and efforts are being made to preserve this historic structure.
Student Center
The Student Center at Jackson State University serves as a central hub for student life, offering spaces for academic, social, and extracurricular activities. It is designed to meet the evolving needs of the student body, providing facilities for student organizations, meetings, and gatherings. The center plays an important role in fostering a sense of community and supporting the development of student leadership and engagement on campus.
Divine 9
The Divine 9 refers to the nine historically African American fraternities and sororities that are part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). These organizations have long been a part of the JSU community, promoting academic excellence, leadership, and service. They are vital to campus culture and the broader African American community, offering support networks and shaping the university’s social life.
Administration Tower
The Administration Tower is an iconic structure on JSU’s campus, symbolizing the university's role as an educational leader in Mississippi. As the administrative heart of the university, it houses various offices responsible for university operations and leadership. The tower is a prominent part of the campus landscape, serving as a visual representation of JSU’s legacy and its ongoing commitment to higher education in the state.