Train Depot to be used for SOUL Collaborative program

JACKSON, Tenn. — The City of Jackson and theCO are giving a program a new home in the Hub City.

The city’s news release says the former N.C. & St. Louis Depot and Railroad Museum building will be the new home of the SOUL Collaborative program.

The program, which was started in June of 2021, is aimed at elevating arts, culture, knowledge and wellness of Black and minority businesses through unity, commerce, education and social entertainment, the release says.

“I believe in nurturing the creative force of Black American communities now and for the future by highlighting those who paved the way before us while introducing the talents of those among us,” said Trunetta Atwater, founder and director of the SOUL Collective. “I am ecstatic about partnering with theCO on the SOUL Collective. The opportunity to house the SOUL Collective incubator in the historic N.C. and St. Louis Train depot is a pivotal moment in the history of Jackson, TN. Looking forward, we believe this project will drive a culture of success, opportunity, unity, and leadership among Black entrepreneurs and the City of Jackson.”

This approval came from Jackson’s City Council on Nov. 2, and the theCO’s board on Nov. 9, the release says.

“theCO is grateful to the City of Jackson for the opportunity to utilize the vacant Train Depot to provide space to foster creativity, build culture, and encourage unity through SOUL Collective,” said Lisa Garner, Executive Director of theCO. “We’re thrilled to partner with Trunetta Atwater to help bring the vision she has for this program to empower Black and minority entrepreneurs to develop and scale their brands. We move forward with the hope that this investment in our entrepreneur community will have great impact for years to come.”

As for the museum itself, the city says the Train Depot’s memorabilia was transferred to the Casey Jones Museum following its closure in 2020.

“As we searched for a future use for this historic space, this partnership with theCO and the SOUL Collective presented a significant opportunity to provide a meaningful and empowering space for our community,” said Lauren Kirk, Director of Performance Management for the City. “We believe this project represents powerful reclamation of vacant space, as well as the potential to transform the surrounding neighborhood and our city as whole.”

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