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The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus fiercely opposes House Bill 2 because it undermines education equity, weakens public accountability, and threatens the long-term stability of Mississippi’s public education system—particularly for Black, rural, and low-income students. Public education in Mississippi has never been accidental. It has been the result of hard-fought struggles for access, equity, and opportunity. From the era of legally segregated schools to the creation of “segregation academies” designed to evade desegregation, Mississippi has a documented history of using policy to deny Black children equal educational opportunity. Public schools—especially in Black and rural communities—became the primary vehicle through which generations gained access to literacy, economic mobility, and civic participation, even in the face of chronic underfunding and resistance. Take Action: Participate in the MLBC Legislative Hearing on Education Policy House Bill 2 moves the state backward by redirecting public dollars away from the very schools that have long been asked to do the most with the least. Rather than repairing historic inequities, this legislation risks recreating a two-tiered education system—one that advantages families with means and access, while leaving behind students who depend most on public schools as anchors of their communities. The MLBC’s position on this issue is clear: prioritize equitable investment in Mississippi’s public school system. Mississippi has not yet met its constitutional or moral obligation to fully and fairly fund public education. Teacher shortages persist and teachers are severely underpaid, school facilities remain inadequate, early learning access is uneven, and students with disabilities and special needs continue to face gaps in services. HB 2 fails to address these foundational issues while offering no meaningful guarantees of transparency, accountability, or nondiscrimination for entities receiving public funds. Any education policy that allows public resources to flow to schools that are not required to accept all students, meet uniform standards, or provide full civil rights protections cannot be justified as serving the public good. From fully funding the new student formula to expanding postsecondary pathways and workforce training, MLBC continues to focus on policies that ensure every student has the opportunity, support, and preparation needed to succeed in school, careers, and life. MLBC advocates for support of after school programs, remediation services in schools, (re)instituting civics and financial literacy curriculum, literacy coaches for grades 4-8, school building assessments, full funding of drivers’ education, addressing conflict resolution and parental accountability strategies, prohibiting hair discrimination in schools with The Crown Act, and strengthening opportunities within STEM with the utilization of AI.  Mississippi’s future depends on a strong, equitable public education system that serves all children—not a select few. HB 2 does not meet that standard, and we urge colleagues to reject it in favor of solutions that truly advance educational justice.

Today, the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus formally requested that Governor Tate Reeves explore all possible options to ensure that families relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) do not face interruptions in their benefits. In a letter sent to the Governor, MLBC Chairman Rep. Kabir Karriem urged immediate action to protect the more than 400,000 Mississippians—including children, seniors, and working families—who depend on SNAP to meet basic nutritional needs. The letter calls for consideration of either a state of emergency declaration or a special session of the Legislature to prevent gaps in access to food assistance. “Ensuring that no Mississippian faces hunger due to administrative delays or funding gaps must be a top priority,” said Chairman Karriem. “We’re asking the Governor to use every tool available to protect our most vulnerable residents.” The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus remains committed to advocating for policies that protect families, strengthen communities, and uphold the dignity of every Mississippian. Read the full letter here:

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.

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

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 MLBC Kicked Off Town Hall Series in Gulfport. Check out this Media 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

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!