Albert Wilson’s Bio

I was born on March 7, 1966, and am now 58 years old. I am the son of Mr. Howard Wilson and Mrs. Mildred Wilson (both deceased), who were raised in Canton, Mississippi. My parents, having grown up in the late 1940s, stressed the importance of the one thing they were denied: “an education.” I attribute my foundations of faith, family values, and zeal to serve others to my parents.

My youth was difficult, as I saw firsthand how negative influences could lead to negative outcomes. I was born and raised in a poverty-stricken area of Jackson, Mississippi, but found success through hard work, education, and helping others. Determined to overcome such obstacles, I promised myself that I would lead a life of positivity and philanthropy and help others in similar situations. While I encountered negative influences that could have derailed my future, I remained determined to lead a positive life and give back to others like myself within my community. I completed my education at Wingfield High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics from Jackson State University in 1989. Aside from my educational achievements, I am most proud of my marriage to Kim Wilson, raising our three children—Bryson, Victoria, Brittney—and our granddaughter, Kaia.

Using my background in business, technology, and education, I founded my nonprofit, Genesis and Light Center. I aimed to create an organization focused on combating a wide range of youth problems, including school dropouts, poor academic performance, inadequate college entrance preparation, lack of knowledge about the job market, abuse or neglect, teenage pregnancy, and the risk of drug use or involvement in crime or gangs. I applied my strong leadership skills and business acumen in computers and information technology, as well as my experience as a geometry instructor in the Jackson Public School District and program coordinator, skills I honed through working and volunteering at community centers. This experience expanded my understanding of marginalized communities.

Today, I take pride in being the humble leader of Genesis and Light Center, an organization that serves students from kindergarten to age 18, senior citizens, and low-income families in the Jackson community who need supportive services and workforce skills. The center provides workshops and seminars on relevant issues, such as wellness fairs, to raise awareness of community problems. Additionally, hundreds of low-income children benefit from our afterschool and summer programs that promote healthier living.

The center’s name reflects its mission to enlighten Mississippi communities on better ways of living. For over 30 years, I have dedicated myself to enhancing the impact of Genesis and Light. Our services have reached cities in Illinois and Mississippi, including Jackson, Natchez, Hazlehurst, Yazoo City, Tunica, Forest, Canton, Greenville, Durant, and Utica. Specifically, our afterschool services have impacted over 35,000 disadvantaged youth, and our summer programs have reached over 15,000. Our senior services have improved the lives of over 1,000 senior citizens.

Genesis and Light has not only provided services to the disadvantaged but also employed over 350 individuals, offered volunteer opportunities to more than 5,000 people, and helped 75 individuals find employment. These accomplishments demonstrate my commitment to leading Mississippians toward new economic and educational opportunities.

As a candidate for mayor, I highlight my business and technological expertise, along with my ability to connect with all residents of Jackson, regardless of age or background. Being a Jackson native, I have a deep understanding of our community’s needs and a strong desire to give back to the people who supported me during my struggles.

“We have really helped a lot of kids—who were on their way to failure, drugs, and crime—to resist those environmental issues,” Albert said in an interview published in the *Northside Sun* newspaper. “Our senior citizens, if they weren’t coming here, would be at home waiting to die. Their quality of life wouldn’t be as good. We engage their minds, get them active again, and renew their spirits.”