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Statement from MLBC Chairman Rep. Kabir Karriem: Monday's action by the Supreme Court of the United States should trouble everyone who cares about fair representation in Mississippi. A lower federal court previously found that Mississippi’s state House and Senate maps diluted Black voting strength. Following that ruling, new districts were established and special elections were held. Now, however, the case is being sent back to the lower court under rules that may make it harder to protect Black voting power. We fought for fairer maps and won relief. Black Mississippians should not have to fight the same battles repeatedly while the rules shift around us. This is not simply a technicality. These maps determine our representation in the Mississippi House and Senate, affecting decisions on schools, hospitals, infrastructure, and public safety. Maps decide power, and they dictate which communities have a voice. The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus will continue to demand that decisions regarding our political maps happen in the open. If lawmakers are studying these maps, they must do so publicly. We demand transparency with data and plans, and we insist that Black communities be heard before lines are drawn. Black voting power remains on the line, and we will not be quiet about it.

This statement may be attributed to MLBC Chairman Rep. Kabir Karriem: Reports indicate that Gov. Tate Reeves is canceling the May 20 special session. Let me be clear: canceling the session does not cancel the fight. People are beginning to pay attention. Questions are being asked. Communities are preparing to respond. The session is now canceled, but the issue has not gone away. Black representation and Black voting power still deserve public attention, and Mississippi leaders still owe the people transparency. We know our history. We know what happens when decisions about voting power are made without the people in the room. Black political power must never be treated like something to move around, weaken, or bargain away behind closed doors. If there are plans to redraw congressional lines in 2027, the people deserve to know that now. We should not have to wait until the last minute or to find out after decisions have already been made. The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus will keep watching. We will keep asking questions, speaking up, and standing with the people of this state to protect Black representation, Black voting power, and fair political voice. To everyone who was ready to show up, post up, and speak up: stay ready. The date may change. The fight has not. Mississippi remains on the front line. Black political power is still on the line. Protecting Black voting power does not only happen when maps are drawn. It happens when people stay registered, stay informed, vote in every election, attend community meetings, and ask hard questions before decisions are made. We are asking every eligible voter to register by the October 5, 2026 deadline and vote on November 3, 2026 during the General Election. Stay connected to the community conversations happening across this state

The decision by Governor Tate Reeves to convene a special session at the Old Mississippi State Capitol is deeply troubling. It is a painful and deliberate reminder of one of the darkest periods in Mississippi history. That building stands as a symbol of the systematic destruction of Black political power in this state. It was there that legislators voted to secede from the Union and, under the 1890 Mississippi Constitution, that laws were crafted with the clear intent to strip Black Mississippians of the right to vote, silence Black voices, and erase Black representation from the political process. The architects of that Constitution openly declared their intentions to disenfranchise Black people and cement white political control. Let us be clear: symbolism matters. For Speaker White to hold the Governor's special session in that very building in 2026 — at a moment when Black voting representation and political power are once again under attack — is a slap in the face to the 1.2 million Black people of Mississippi. This decision sends the wrong message to every Black family whose ancestors bled, marched, suffered, and died for the right to vote. Our people endured literacy tests, poll taxes, lynchings, intimidation, and violence so future generations could have a voice in democracy. Men and women were beaten, murdered, and terrorized simply for seeking the ballot box. We will not sit quietly while efforts are made to turn the clock backward. We cannot ignore the history of the Old Capitol, and we also cannot allow history to repeat itself through modern-day decisions. The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus stands united and fully prepared to fight against any attempt to dilute, dismantle, or destroy Black voting strength and Black political representation in Mississippi. We refuse to allow the ghosts of 1890 to dictate the future of 2026. We are watching. We are organized. And we are prepared to stand in the gap for the people of Mississippi. As Scripture reminds us in Amos 5:24: “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.” The fight for freedom, justice, and equality continues.

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! MLBC is Coming to Ripley, MS This town hall is free and open to the public. MLBC will provide a legislative update and hear from residents about their concerns. Community Blueprint for Maternal & Infant Health News Release Download Jackson Flyer Download Canton Flyer Download Cleveland Flyer Participant Registration Volunteer Registration Education Equity Hearing on School Choice This hearing has been postponed indefinitely. MLBC and Faith Leaders Gather at State Capitol for Prayer and Policy Agenda Release Download Media Advisory The Future of the Voting Rights Act Digital Dialogue Watch Now Addressing Mississippi's Maternal Health Crisis Legislative Hearing Watch Livestream Greenwood Town Hall "Community Conversations with the Caucus" Share Now Watch Now Laurel Town Hall "Community Conversations with the Caucus" Share Now "The Federal Budget Bill and Its Impact on Mississippi Families" Legislative Hearing Watch Now 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!

Meet our executive board members for the Mississippi Black Caucus. Donate to the Caucus EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS Representative Kabir Karriem Chairman Senator Rod Hickman Vice Chairman Representative Oscar Denton Treasurer Representative Zakiya Summers Secretary Representative Tamarra Butler-Washington Assistant Secretary Representative John Faulkner Parliamentarian Senator Gary Brumfield Chaplain Representative Robert Sanders Sergeant At Arms Join Our NEWSLETTER Sign Up Mailing Address Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus New Capitol PO Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39201 Email info@msblackcaucus.org

Your help is needed for us to continue serving our community. By donating, you can help ensure that we are able to make a difference. A Better and Brighter Future for Mississippi Read More Sponsorship Opportunity click the link below and email mlbcsponsorships@gmail.com if you're interested. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iXE344jjLQxOL4h5wP2FRUxGgfmRaxkL