Lumumba signs off as mayor, announces reopening of Thalia Mara Hall before exiting office
Standing in front of Thalia Mara Hall's front doors, Lumumba stepped up to the podium for one final Monday press conference — a tradition he's held, on and off, since taking office.
"We stand here excited, here at the conclusion of our administration, to reopen Thalia Mara Hall," Lumumba said. "Today marks what we view as a full circle moment, rejoicing in the iconic space where community has come together for decades in the City of Jackson. Thalia Mara has always been more than a venue, it has been a gathering place for people in the City of Jackson."
The downtown venue closed in August 2024 after a malfunctioning HVAC system caused mold. Since then, it has faced a series of setbacks and complications — including potential asbestos, issues with the fire curtain, vandalism by unhoused individuals and a failed Mississippi State Fire Marshal inspection — all of which have delayed its reopening. Nearly $3 million has been spent on repairs since the closure, according to a March "Clarion Ledger" report, though that number may have increased since.
Now, almost 10 months to the day since its closure, Lumumba announced the venue has passed all necessary inspections. Reporters were invited inside to see the progress. No leaks, vandalism or visible mold remained.
Only two repairs still need to be made, but Lumumba and Amad Al-Turk, the city's de facto public works director, said they won't prevent the venue from reopening or hosting events.
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The first repair involves reinstalling the fire curtain, which requires remediating the beam it hangs from due to the presence of asbestos. Al-Turk said that work should take about a week. The second is the installation of a second air-conditioning chiller, which is expected to be completed in fall 2026. Al-Turk said it will take 14 to 16 weeks for the unit to arrive, contributing to the delay.
Lumumba's announcement follows a June 3 follow-up inspection by the State Fire Marshal's Office, which determined that Thalia Mara meets the standards to reopen, according to State Fire Marshal and Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney.
"We are hopeful for the future of this auditorium that it may be able to provide a more up-to-date experience for residents, inviting shows that people are able to see across the world, bringing them to Jackson," Lumumba said.
It's unclear whether any events have been scheduled at Thalia Mara. None are currently listed on the venue's website.
After speaking about Thalia Mara, Lumumba invited his wife, Ebony, to stand beside him and opened the floor to questions — most of which focused on his time as mayor, what he was proud of and his plans for the future.
"Because this is my last press conference, I just want to end it with an expression of gratitude," Lumumba said. "I'm grateful for the residents of Jackson for giving me the professional honor of serving you. I have enjoyed the service, not necessarily every moment has been an easy one, but grateful for the opportunity to try to build our city into a better place. Moving to Jackson in 1988 was the best decision my parents ever made. We not only found a home, we found community. I have spent more time with the residents of Jackson than my own blood relatives."
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Lumumba thanked his wife, his executive administration and the residents for the past eight years he served in office. Mayor-elect John Horhn, who defeated Lumumba in the April 22 Democratic run-off, is set to take office Tuesday, July 1. Lumumba announced he will not be in attendance during the inauguration due to a prior engagement.
Lumumba said he will be returning to practicing law, as well as consultancy work. He said he has no plans to run for mayor again.
"I love Jackson, I will always love Jackson, and, again, I'm grateful the opportunity to serve the city," Lumumba said.
Contributor: Mary Boyte, Clarion Ledger
Contact Charlie Drape at cdrape@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Thalia Mara Hall reopens as Lumumba ends his time as Jackson MS mayor
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