Nearly 15 years ago, Zakiya Summers applied for a job at One Voice. Derrick Johnson, who then led One Voice and the Mississippi State Conference NAACP, hired her. She went to work behind the scenes, helping organize campaigns, programs and events and learning from civil rights leaders whose work had opened doors for her. This November, the Mississippi NAACP recognized Summers with the Dr. Aaron Henry Lifetime Service Award. Summers, who represents Mississippi House District 68 and serves as secretary of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus, credited her faith, her NAACP family and the people who helped her grow into public service. She also shared a lesson from those early years that she still carries into the Capitol: “Our work doesn’t end on Election Day.” The award bears the name of Dr. Aaron Henry, who helped establish the Clarksdale branch of the NAACP, led the state organization for more than three decades and served in the Mississippi Legislature. His life is a reminder of what Mississippians can change when they organize together and carry that work into the places where decisions are made. The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus congratulates Rep. Summers. We’re proud to serve alongside her and grateful to the Mississippi NAACP for recognizing the years of work behind this honor.

MLBC Chairman Rep. Kabir Karriem’s op-ed, “Robert Clark’s Legacy Must Not Be Redrawn Out of Mississippi,” was published in the Jackson Advocate on October 16, 2026. Drawing on Mississippi’s history of excluding Black voters and lawmakers, Karriem calls for transparency and accountability in redistricting and protection of Black electoral opportunity. He connects Robert Clark’s groundbreaking service to the responsibility lawmakers carry today. “Mississippi’s history of silencing Black voices must remain a warning, but never become a blueprint.” Read the op-ed in the Jackson Advocate

Your guide to Mississippi’s November 3, 2026, General Election Your vote belongs to you. Before you head to the polls, take a few minutes to check your information and make a plan. Knowing where to go, what to bring and who to ask for help can make the day easier. Black Mississippians deserve clear, accurate information about exercising their right to vote. The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus wants you to arrive prepared and confident. Here is what to know. Confirm your registration and polling place Check your voter registration through the Secretary of State’s verification tool. Then use My Election Day to find your polling location and sample ballot. The portal recommends confirming your polling place with your county circuit clerk. If you have moved or something looks wrong, contact the clerk now to confirm where you should vote. Check your registration Find your polling place and sample ballot Bring an accepted photo ID Accepted options include a valid Mississippi driver’s license, a valid U.S. passport, an official Mississippi Voter Identification Card, and a current, valid student photo ID from an accredited Mississippi college, university, community college or junior college. Check the official list if you are unsure about your ID. Eligible voters without an accepted photo ID can get a free Mississippi Voter Identification Card through a circuit clerk’s office. Call 1-844-678-6837 for help. Your voter registration card alone does not replace the photo ID requirement. See accepted photo IDs and free voter ID information Set your voting time and arrange your ride Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time. If you are in line at 7 p.m., stay in line. You are entitled to vote. Choose when you will go and arrange transportation in advance. Check with anyone planning to ride with you so everyone knows the time and location. Know what to expect with your paper ballot After you sign the receipt book, the designated poll manager initials the back of your blank paper ballot before issuing it to you. The initials are checked again before your completed ballot goes into the ballot box or scanner. This is part of Mississippi’s official voting process. A text claiming those required initials invalidate your ballot is misinformation. Ask questions if you need help If your name is missing, ask a poll manager to verify your precinct and explain the affidavit ballot process. An affidavit ballot requires officials to review your eligibility before it can be counted. Ask how to check its status. If you lack an accepted photo ID, ask for an affidavit ballot. You then have five business days after Election Day to present accepted ID or apply for a Mississippi Voter ID Card at your circuit clerk’s office. Ask for the follow-up instructions before leaving. Voters with a physical disability who cannot enter the polling place may vote curbside. Contact your circuit clerk before Election Day to plan for assistance. For election questions, call 1-800-829-6786. Eligible for absentee voting The in-person absentee deadline is noon Saturday, October 31. Circuit clerk offices will be open that day from 8 a.m. to noon. Mississippi absentee voting requires a qualifying reason; contact your clerk to confirm eligibility. If you are returning a mailed absentee ballot, confirm the postmark, receipt and return requirements directly with your clerk now. Share information people can use Faith leaders, families and community groups can share this checklist, help someone find official information and encourage people to ask questions. Before forwarding a voting message, check it against an official source. Our communities deserve information they can trust. Go prepared. Know your rights. Make your voice heard. Official resources Y’all Vote voter information hub County circuit clerk contact information Absentee voting eligibility and instructions 2026 County Election Handbook voting process and voter rights

Welcome to The Mississippi Black Caucus Website. Be engaged. Be involved. Be empowered. Share Your Voting Experience Donate to the Caucus Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus Advancing Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for African Americans in the Magnolia State Find the Latest on Redistricting CAUCUS NEWS To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. WELCOME FROM OUR CHAIR 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. Please click the 2026 Policy Agenda graphic below to view our policy proposals. 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. See Photos of the MLBC 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 58 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 MLBC Kicked Off Town Hall Series in Gulfport. Check out this Media Coverage. Join Our NEWSLETTER Sign Up Mailing Address Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus New Capitol PO Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39201 Email mlbc1976@gmail.com

Here, you should be able to see our policy agenda's. 2026 Legislative Session Policy Agenda The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus is guided by a commitment to moral leadership, public accountability, and policies rooted in dignity, equity, and opportunity. Our work reflects an understanding that strong communities are built through shared values, responsible governance, and a deep respect for the lived experiences of the people we serve. The Caucus recognizes the important role that community voices—including faith leaders, advocates, and civic partners—play in informing public policy and strengthening democratic institutions. These perspectives help shape legislative priorities that address education, healthcare access, economic opportunity, public safety, and the protection of civil and voting rights. By centering values alongside research, data, and community input, the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus advances policy solutions that are both principled and practical. This approach reinforces our commitment to good-faith governance and to building a Mississippi where fairness, accountability, and opportunity are accessible to all. Key Features: Provide automatic restoration of suffrage for persons convicted of nonviolent crimes MS Maternal Health Momnibus Act Robert G. Clarke Mississippi Voting Rights Act: House Bill 1446 and Senate Bill 2582 The Mississippi Anti-Hunger and Anti-Food Insecurity Task Force HBCU Equity Fund Prohibit contamination of clean soil with "forever chemicals" Require Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality to evaluate toxic air pollutants and revise air quality standards Require Mississippi Department of Health to track food deserts Values-Driven Public Service and Policy Leadership 2026 Policy Agenda Gallery of the 2026 Policy Agenda Release Provided by SCR Photography

MLBC Retreat 2025 Unifying the Caucus, prioritizing our shared mission, and moving forward together. Thank You Sponsors! The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus brought together our members in a spirit of unity, reflection, and strategic planning. Over several days, members engaged in meaningful conversations about the state of the caucus, identified legislative priorities for the coming year, and strengthened the bonds of fellowship that ground our work. From strategy sessions and policy discussions to moments of celebration and connection, the retreat underscored our shared commitment to advancing justice, equity, and opportunity for all Mississippians. The retreat also honored our rich legacy of leadership, while challenging us to think boldly about the future. Together, we emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear vision: to move forward as One Caucus, united in service to the people of Mississippi. We thank all our members, partners, and sponsors who contributed to making this retreat a success. The lessons, strategies, and commitments made here will guide our work in the upcoming legislative session and beyond. Black Caucus Retreat 8-18-2025 043 Black Caucus Retreat 8-18-2025 1011 Black Caucus Retreat 8-18-2025 032 Black Caucus Retreat 8-18-2025 043 1/121