The Jefferson Street United Merchants Partnership (J.U.M.P.) celebrated two decades of work developing, fostering, and promoting cooperative economic development in North Nashville with a 20th anniversary luncheon, hosted by former Mayor Karl Dean, held at Meharry Medical College’s Cal Turner Family Center, and honoring prominent members of the Nashville community who have made an impact on the success of the organization. Honorees included current Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Jimmy Church, Cheri Henderson, Harvey Hoskins and Avery Patton.
“Jump is a very special organization. I’ve been involved with JUMP and known Sharon, for some time and the things that JUMP stands for, improving the lives of people and doing it together is so meaningful for our city,” said Dean.
“The belief in celebrating the past and planning for the future of our city and is what makes us great. And though we might face a myriad of problems, I believe that if we work together, we can solve our issues together. Jefferson Street’s history is indeed an enrichment to the fabric of our community and is something we should tap to bring us together and because Sharon pushes, and demands, that things are done for all who live in Nashville, she is truly a great Nashvillian.”
Mayor Megan Barry is currently serving her first term as Nashville’s Mayor, the first woman and the first member of the Metro Council to ever be elected mayor. Barry has put her focus on improving schools, creating affordable housing, and building upon Nashville’s economic growth.
Jimmy Church is a Nashville native and leader of The Jimmy Church Band. After entering music professionally while still in high school, starting out with vocal group the Seniors, Church pursued many endeavors including Johnny Otis’ band in Los Angeles before deciding to return back to the South to begin a solo recording career with the Hickory label.
Cheri Henderson is the President and CEO of the Tennessee Minority Supplier Development Council. She works to create connections between large corporations and minority owned small businesses.
Harvey Hoskins currently serves as the managing partner at Hoskins and Company CPAs. With over thirty-six years of governmental and public accounting, he has vast experience with various financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, and government entities.
Avery Patton is a prominent member of the Nashville community, President of the Dirty Dozen Men’s Organization, training coordinator for the Metro Division of Assessments, assistant basketball coach for the boy’s team at East Nashville Magnet High School and a member of the Nashville Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
“It is an honor to reach this milestone,” said Sharon Hurt, president and CEO of J.U.M.P. “The community has rallied around us over the years. The work that we do assists people from all socio-economic backgrounds and has an opportunity to ensure those in the North Nashville community are not left-out or left behind. That’s ultimately why I’m still here, fighting the fight of the persons and community that we serve.”
For more information on J.U.M.P., visit the website at www.jumpnashville.com
