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The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus invites the public to a Legislative Hearing examining how the recently passed Federal Budget Bill will impact Mississippi families. 📅 Tuesday, September 30, 2025 🕤 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM 📍 Mississippi State Capitol, Room 113 This important hearing will cover issues vital to our state: Healthcare SNAP/TANF Education Tax Reform Child Care State Budget You’ll hear directly from Congressman Bennie G. Thompson and leading policy experts including Theresa Lau (SPLC), Carol Burnett (MLICCI), Ruth Friedman (The Century Foundation), John Dillon Harris (Center for MS Health Policy), Christin Calloway and Nsombi Lambright (One Voice), and Lee Anne Robinson (MS Legislative Budget Office). We encourage community members, advocates, and stakeholders to attend and engage in this critical conversation about the future of Mississippi families. The One Big Beautiful Bill  is more than just numbers on a page—it’s a sweeping federal budget proposal that will shape how Mississippi families live, work, and thrive for years to come. At stake are the dollars that keep food on the table, child care centers open, hospitals running, and classrooms supported. With Mississippi relying on federal funds for more than 40% of its budget, the decisions made in Washington will have an immediate and lasting impact here at home. This hearing is about lifting up those realities, addressing families most affected, and ensuring lawmakers fully understand what is at risk if these cuts move forward.

We are deeply concerned about the tragic loss of Trey Reed on the campus of Delta State University. Our hearts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, and the entire DSU community during this difficult time. We are continuing to ask questions of local officials and remain engaged as the investigation unfolds. We are closely watching developments to determine what further action, if any, may be necessary to ensure transparency and accountability.

By Austin Johnson , WLOX See Full Story Here: https://www.wlox.com/2025/08/20/mississippi-legislative-black-caucus-begins-series-town-halls-coast/ Published: Aug. 19, 2025 at 10:24 PM CDT GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) - Democratic elected leaders across Mississippi hosted a town hall on the Coast Tuesday, as an attempt to energize the base ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus is made up of 55 members. Their main focus is on quality-of-life issues that affect people of color. Caucus Chairman Kabir Karriem said the town hall also gave people on the Coast a chance to express concerns and ideas that they will take to Jackson and fight for. “We’re unapologetically pushing those issues that are important to Black people in the state of Mississippi,” Karriem said. “We are their voice, and this is important for us to engage in the community as we prepare to get ready for the 2026 session.” Karriem also represents Mississippi House District 41. “This is what it’s all about— community. People talking to one another and not at each other,“ Karriem said. ”We’re trying to find out what’s on the minds and hearts of folks across Mississippi as we go back and we put legislation that will directly affect them, and try to defeat legislation that is bad for them." The panel of state leaders spoke on gerrymandering, voter restoration, and public school funding. Gulfport Resident Alanderia Whitlock was one of nearly 100 people in attendance. “We’ve always wanted a seat at the table, and once we have our seat at the table, we want to be heard,” Whitlock said. Whitlock said she is ready to make a difference in her community, and this town hall was another step toward progress. “My community is frowned upon, looked down on, but you have to be a part of the solution you want to see. I just want change. I want better for my community,” Whitlock said. “It’s so easy for millennials to just leave and go to other places, but while I am living here, if there’s anything I can do to voice my opinion for other younger people to do something and change it, even if it doesn’t work, I’m here to do it.” The town hall is one of many to come across the state, with hopes to strengthen engagement between lawmakers and the communities they serve. Karriem says the other townhalls are still in the process of being planned.

Action Alerts The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus is committed to ensuring your voice is heard. We encourage all constituents to stay informed and take action on critical issues affecting our communities. Your participation is vital in shaping the policies that impact our lives. Let’s work together to advocate for change and make a difference! The Future of the Voting Rights Act Digital Dialogue Register Now Addressing Mississippi's Maternal Health Crisis Legislative Hearing Share Now Greenwood Town Hall "Community Conversations with the Caucus" Share Now Laurel Town Hall "Community Conversations with the Caucus" Share Now "The Federal Budget Bill and Its Impact on Mississippi Families" Legislative Hearing More Info To Come Town Hall Meeting Learn More MDE Proposed Rules on DEI Ban House Bill 1193 prohibits the use, promotion, and institutionalization of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, policies, and offices across the state's public K-12 schools, community colleges, and public universities. The Mississippi Department of Education will hold a public hearing on the proposed rules. Get engaged and raise your voice on this issue. View More Stay Connected! Get immediate actions and stay plugged in our our social media channels. Be sure to follow us @mlbcofficial!

Be sure to stay up to date with the current news and events for the Mississippi Black Caucus. In The News 2025 Media Coverage Group of state legislators stop in Laurel to discuss topics expected to be addressed in next session Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus begins series of town halls on the Coast 2025 Media Releases and Advisories PSA: MLBC kicks off "Community Conversations with the Caucus" Series in Gulfport Media Advisory: MLBC's "Community Conversations with the Caucus" on August 19

Welcome to The Mississippi Black Caucus Website. Be engaged. Be involved. Be empowered. Donate to the Caucus Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus Advancing Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for African Americans in the Magnolia State Gulfport Town Hall Coverage WELCOME FROM OUR CHAIR As I embark on the role of Chairman, I am filled with profound gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility. This opportunity is more than a personal achievement. More importantly, it is a sacred trust bestowed upon me by my fellow members—a commitment to lead with virtues, listen with empathy, and amplify our collective voice for the communities we serve. It is my pleasure to welcome to the official website of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus. Here you will find important information about our legislative policy, stay informed about our legislative priorities, and receive legislative updates. We champion issues that impact all Mississippians, with particular emphasis on African Americans, those in rural communities and those who are disadvantaged. We advance equity, justice, and opportunity by advocating for economic empowerment, criminal justice reform, job creation, educational advancement, voting rights, business development, improvements in infrastructure, and access to affordable healthcare. On behalf of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus, thank you so much for your support as we continue this critical work. May we remain steadfast and united in our mission, and may God bless each of you and the great state of Mississippi. Sincerely, Kabir Karriem Representative Kabir Karriem House District 41 Chairman, Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus ABOUT THE CAUCUS The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus is made up of 55 members in the Mississippi Senate and House of Representatives Learn More MAKE A CONTRIBUTION Partner with the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus to ensure we can continue our advocacy work for African Americans across the State of Mississippi Donate Now CAUCUS NEWS To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Join Our NEWSLETTER Sign Up Mailing Address Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus New Capitol PO Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39201 Email mlbc1976@gmail.com