HIGH POINT, N.C. (WGHP) β Jackie's Place, a live entertainment and event venue in High Point, is still thriving.
The business has weathered the pandemic, the passing of its founder, and changes in the region. The current owners credit their success to a strong family foundation. They use entertainment and family-friendly values ββto draw a diverse crowd to the historic Washington Street corridor.
Jackie Haslip, or Ms. Jackie, was the founder of Jackie's Place and a “grandma” to everyone. We opened Jackie's Place in 2012 with the hope of sharing the feeling of coming to Grandma's house with the entire community.
“She loved having a good time and wanted others to be able to do the same in an affordable way and bring people to this community.” Jackie's oldest said Richonda Moses, granddaughter and current co-owner of Jackie's Place.
Jackie's home is located in the middle of High Point's historic Washington Street corridor, the neighborhood where Jackie spent much of her time growing up. She graduated from Griffin School of Art.
In the early 1900s, Washington Street was filled with thriving black businesses, churches, and schools. As the neighborhood began to change over the years, former residents and historians returned, hoping to find a way to preserve its rich history.
Jackie joined in the effort, dreaming up a fun, safe and beautiful place for her to live in for the community.
“My grandmother really helped lay the foundation for that. And before that, my sister. Before this was Jackie's Place, this was the Washington Drive Resource and Enrichment Center. They wanted to bring people back to Washington Street for a positive reason and let them know it was a safe and nurturing environment like it was generations ago,β Moses said.
Generations of history are reflected in the exterior of the building, the art on the walls, and the memories made at Jackie's home. Live entertainment is a medium that brings people of all backgrounds to the Washington Street area, and now Jackie's home is booked year-round for private events of all kinds.
That's exactly what Jackie intended. This could be a place where people of all backgrounds can learn about the history of Washington Street and feel safe and accepted.
“My mom and I always say, we're not just black people, we're black-owned. And we feel like we can celebrate our culture and embrace others as well. . We can really do the same thing. It doesn't literally have to be black and white.”
When Jackie passed away in 2019, Odell McBride took over the estate, along with Jackie's daughter Raynetta Jackson and granddaughters Cerise Jackson, Richonda Moses, and Richonda's husband.
“We've seen a diverse group of people come in since we've been here, and I think everyone will enjoy Jackie's spirit once they're here.” Jackie's said Place manager Odell McBride.
Jackie's Place is currently accepting reservations for private events.can make Book on website.