The MLBC Rundown: Sept. 3rd Update
Updated: Sep 8
THE MLBC RUNDOWN - Sept. 3, 2026 When Communities Speak, Things Move
Here is what happened, why it matters and what you can do next.
This week brought a clear reminder: when people organize, speak out and keep the pressure on, public officials must respond.
From Senatobia, where city leaders fired the police chief, to Louisville, where residents filled the room to speak directly with lawmakers, Mississippi communities are making their voices heard.
The work is also crossing state lines as Black lawmakers build stronger partnerships around the issues affecting the people they represent.
ACCOUNTABILITY IN SENATOBIA
Senatobia Aldermen Fire Police Chief
The Senatobia Board of Aldermen voted unanimously Tuesday to fire Police Chief Harold Vanderford.
Vanderford attempted to resign after investigative reporting revealed that he repeatedly used racist slurs in private text messages. The Board rejected his resignation and terminated him instead.
The people of Senatobia refused to let this be pushed aside. Community members kept asking questions, demanding accountability and making it clear that this conduct could not be accepted from someone entrusted to lead a police department.
The firing matters. But it does not answer every question.
The investigation into the police shooting that killed 1-year-old Kohen Wiley remains open. Kohen’s family is still owed facts, direct communication and a full accounting of what happened on June 14.
Accountability cannot stop with one personnel decision.
Read the latest reporting:https://mississippitoday.org/2026/09/01/senatobia-police-chief-fired-after-racist-texts/
TOWN HALL RECAP
Louisville Showed Up - and the Story Traveled
Residents came together Monday for the Protect Our Voice Legislative Town Hall in Louisville.
The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus partnered with the Winston County Branch of the NAACP to discuss voting, possible changes to Mississippi’s congressional districts, new state gun laws and other issues affecting local communities.
People did not simply sit and listen. They asked questions, raised concerns and spoke directly with elected leaders.
WCBI covered the town hall, helping carry that community conversation beyond the meeting room.
That matters. When residents show up and local media tell the story, more people understand what is at stake—and more people know how to get involved.
Watch and read the WCBI coverage: https://www.wcbi.com/ms-black-caucus-encourages-voter-participation-ahead-of-election/
Later this month
GREENVILLE
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 5:30 p.m.
Elks Lodge | 1818 E. Alexander Street, Greenville, MS 38703
Special Guest: Attorney Scott Colom
LAUREL
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 11:00 a.m.
L.T. Ellis Community Center | 610 Munson Street, Laurel, Mississippi
Lunch will be served.
BUILDING POWER ACROSS STATE LINES
Mississippi and Tennessee Lawmakers Strengthen Their Partnership
The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus recently joined the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators in Nashville for important conversations about education, healthcare, economic opportunity, criminal justice reform and voting rights.
Black communities across the South face many of the same challenges. Our responsibility does not end when a meeting is over.
Black communities across the South face many of the same challenges. The work now is to stay connected, establish shared priorities and turn those priorities into measurable action.
This collaboration gives Mississippi and Tennessee lawmakers an opportunity to strengthen their strategies around education, healthcare, economic opportunity, criminal justice reform and voting rights.
Thank you to our Tennessee colleagues and every MLBC member who participated. Our families are counting on us to continue this work with purpose and urgency.
Photo credit: Mayor Erik D. Simmons
RETREAT AND TOWN HALL
The Work Moves Forward in Greenville
MLBC members will convene in Greenville September 16–20 for the 2026 Annual Legislative Retreat.
The retreat will include a public Protect Our Voice Town Hall:
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 5:30 p.m.
Elks Lodge | 1818 E. Alexander Street | Greenville, MS 38703
Special Guest: Attorney Scott Colom
REDISTRICTING WATCH
Natchez: Your Voice Belongs in the Room
The next public redistricting hearing will be held:
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Alcorn State University
MBA Building Auditorium, Natchez Campus
15 Campus Drive
Natchez, MS 39120
Arrive early to sign in and secure your seat. A clear bag policy may be enforced.
Want help preparing to participate? Email mslbc1976@gmail.com.
Cannot attend in person? Watch the livestream through legislature.ms.gov. Find a hearing near you.
Public redistricting hearings are scheduled across Mississippi through October 1. Attend in person or watch online.
OPERATION TURNOUT
One Church. One Action. Thirty Days.
Operation Turnout Part 2 will bring faith leaders and community partners together for virtual organizing session focused on voter engagement and coordinated civic action.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. | Virtual meeting via Zoom
Every church can take one clear action. Identify a civic engagement captain who will share voter registration information, hearing dates and time-sensitive community action alerts with the congregation for the next 30 days.
WHAT YOU CAN DO NEXT
Know. Share. Show Up. Organize.
Know: Learn what proposed map changes could mean for your community.
Share: Send this Rundown and the upcoming event information to your church, neighborhood group, family chat or organization.
Show up: Attend the Natchez redistricting hearing on September 8, join Operation Turnout Part 2 on September 9 and attend the Greenville town hall on September 16.
Organize: Ask your church to appoint one civic engagement captain for the next 30 days.
Decisions are being shaped now. Our communities must be part of shaping them.
Our Voice. Our Power. Our Future.
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