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Gov. Reeves: Honor Jesse Jackson’s Legacy and Let Mississippi’s Flags Fly at Half-Staff By Chairman Rep. Kabir Karriem The passing of Jesse Jackson marks the end of an era in American public life. For more than five decades, Reverend Jackson stood on the front lines of the struggle for civil rights, economic justice, and human dignity. His voice thundered in pulpits, echoed through protest lines, and rang out on debate stages across this nation. Whether one agreed with him politically or not, his impact on American history is undeniable. Reverend Jackson walked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. He founded Operation PUSH and later the Rainbow Coalition, advancing an agenda rooted in fairness, inclusion, and opportunity. He ran for President of the United States, not once, but twice, expanding the political imagination of what leadership in America could look like. His campaigns inspired millions, particularly young people and communities long excluded from the political process. Mississippi knows something about struggle. We know something about courage, and we know something about redemption. Our state stands on sacred civil rights ground. From the Mississippi Delta to Jackson, from Meridian to Philadelphia, history has tested this state in ways few others have experienced. That history includes pain, injustice, and resistance, but it also includes resilience, faith, and transformation. Reverend Jackson’s life intersected with that larger American story. He helped push this nation and states like ours toward a more inclusive democracy. His work opened doors in boardrooms, classrooms, city halls, and state capitols. Leaders across generations stand on ground he helped clear. As Chairman of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus, I believe it is both appropriate and necessary that the State of Mississippi formally recognize his contributions. Honoring him is not about partisanship. It is about acknowledging the arc of history and those who bent it. I have respectfully called upon Governor Tate Reeves to order flags across our state to be flown at half-staff in honor of Reverend Jackson. Flying the flags at half-staff is more than symbolism. It is a public statement of recognition. It tells future generations that when history called, Mississippi did not remain silent. It affirms that we understand the weight of sacrifice and the power of perseverance. Scripture reminds us in Matthew 25:23: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Reverend Jackson’s life embodied service to faith, to justice, and to the enduring promise of America. At this moment, Mississippi has an opportunity to demonstrate true leadership, unity, and moral clarity. Lowering the flags would not erase our past, but it would acknowledge that leaders who fought for equality helped shape the freedoms we all share today. History is always watching how we respond in moments like these. Let Mississippi respond with dignity. Let us respond with respect. Let our flags fly at half-staff in honor of a man whose life helped move this country forward. This editorial was published at www.thepeoplespaperms.com .

By Rep. Timaka James-Jones Let’s be honest — a lot of Black folks in Mississippi are tired. Tired of feeling like our votes don’t change much. Tired of watching decisions get made that don’t reflect what our communities actually need. But 2026 is not the year to check out. From the Delta to Jackson, what’s on the ballot touches our everyday lives — healthcare, jobs, public schools, safe neighborhoods, fair representation. And while we’re preparing for elections, lawmakers are also moving major election legislation during the 2026 session that could directly shape how, and whether, our voices are heard. This year, we’re seeing proposals tied to the federal Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act). The SAVE Act would require documentary proof of citizenship — such as a passport or birth certificate — to register or re-register to vote in federal elections. On its face, it’s framed as election integrity. In practice, it risks creating new barriers for eligible voters, particularly married women whose names have changed, seniors without updated documents, rural voters, and low-income residents who may not have easy access to paperwork. At the state level, Mississippi lawmakers have also debated versions of a “shield” proposal — often referred to as the SHIELD Act — aimed at tightening voter eligibility verification and expanding enforcement mechanisms around election procedures. While proponents argue these measures strengthen confidence in elections, civil rights advocates warn that layered documentation requirements and expanded enforcement authority could have a chilling effect, especially in communities that already face obstacles to voting. At the same time, multiple 2026 election bills are addressing absentee voting procedures, voter roll maintenance, ballot curing timelines, and administrative oversight of county election officials. Each of these policy decisions might sound technical — but they determine who can vote early, whose ballot gets counted if there’s a clerical error, and how quickly voter challenges can move forward. We’ve seen before how district lines and voting rules can either lift our voices or water them down. That’s not politics as usual — that’s power. And power matters. We can’t afford to only show up when it’s a presidential race. Local and legislative elections shape what happens in our hospitals, our schools, our water systems, and our neighborhoods. They also determine who writes the election laws in the first place. If we don’t vote, someone else decides for us — and they may also decide the rules of the game. Our history in Mississippi proves one thing: when we organize and turn out, things shift. Maybe not overnight. Maybe not perfectly. But they move. From Freedom Summer to modern fights over redistricting and ballot access, engagement has always been the lever. In 2026, it’s simple. If we care about our future, we’ve got to show up for it. We have a matter of days before the upcoming primary election. Don’t let fatigue steal your voice. Don’t let new barriers intimidate you. Don’t sit out while decisions are being made about you and without you. This year — more than ever — participation is protection. Make your voice heard. VOTE. Mississippi State Rep. Timaka James-Jones represents District 51, encompassing Humpheys, Sharkey, Holmes, Yazoo, and Leflore Counties. This editorial was published in the www.thepeoplespaperms.com .

By Senator Hillman Frazier  Mississippi is facing a child care crisis. Those directly impacted –  our kids, working parents and day care providers – are calling on the state to utilize existing state and federal Temporary Aid for Needy Families funds to fill the gap and ensure all eligible working families have access to child care. As a state senator proudly representing the hard-working families of Hinds County, I’m joining them in that call. The crisis is coming from many directions. As a result of expired pandemic funds,  nearly 20,000 families  in Mississippi are now on a growing wait list for child care vouchers – coupons that make child care affordable for low-income working parents. Then there’s President Donald Trump’s federal budget bill, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which pays for trillions of dollars in tax cuts to billionaires and corporations by  cutting Medicaid and food assistance for hundreds and thousands of our neighbors. And the bill’s child care provisions  do little  to help the crisis families face. On top of all of that, this year the federal government announced a  federal funding freeze , paired with a notice that it was  rescinding rules  permitting states to pay providers without verifying attendance logs. All of this has added to the confusion and stress of Mississippi’s child care providers, and the parents who depend on them. But these are not just numbers, statistics, legislative or executive actions. These are thousands of working families without vouchers trying to piece together haphazard child care with family members, or going into debt with their child care providers. Child care providers carry the burden too, eating the cost and  risking closure . Child care providers are small business owners and  have monthly obligations that they must meet. I recently had an opportunity to tour the Agape Christian Academy World Day Care in my district and learned firsthand the challenges the child care center is facing daily. The owner, Cantrell Keyes, told me that her center has the capacity to serve 75 students, but because of the cut in vouchers her center is now serving only 22 students. Her center once received $23,00 per month in child care vouchers, but is now receiving $5,000 a month. Her overhead is the same. This has put stress on her center to make payroll and to keep the center open to provide quality child care to these families. Many parents are facing a dilemma of whether to work or to stay home with their children because they cannot afford to pay for quality child care. Leaving their child at home unattended is not an option. I spoke with Sharon Watson, a single parent who works in the private sector. As a result of the voucher crisis, her payment for child care went from $60 a week to $200 a week. That limits what she can provide for her child. She said that she is thankful that Cantrell Keyes at Agape Christian Academy World Day Care understands her circumstances and is working with her to continue providing the quality care that her child is receiving. Cutting off or slowing child care funding worsens the state’s affordability crisis, with disastrous impacts for parents, children, workers and the economy. It just takes one day without child care for a parent to lose a job, and only a few weeks without funding for a child care provider to shut its doors for good.  According to a recent survey  by the Mississippi Low-Income Child Care Initiative, 170 licensed child care centers in the state closed in 2025. That’s the highest number in nearly a decade. But Mississippi officials have the power and the money to act.  It just so happens that the Mississippi Department of Human Services has $156 million in stockpiled federal TANF funds that can be used to address the child care voucher wait list and ensure thousands of families get the child care they need, allowing providers to keep doing their invaluable work. Using part of the $156 million can provide immediate relief. I was encouraged to see Mississippi Human Services Director  Bob Anderson commit  to pursuing a solution to address this crisis at a state Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee meeting on Jan. 21. He was also open to receiving $60 million in state appropriations to address this crisis. With the cost of care for one child  averaging $5,000-$7,000  a year and  not enough child care  for families who need it, working families are finding it harder and harder to access care they can afford. Mississippi should learn from other states like New Mexico, which  recently made child care free for everyone. In this crisis, it is essential the state acts swiftly. Families and day care providers alike are counting on us. And in the future, we need a new approach to avoid a crisis like this from happening again. This is possible, if we work together and prioritize the prosperity of working families in our great state.  Democratic Sen. Hillman Frazier has represented state Senate District 27 in Hinds County since 1993. Frazier, a consultant, previously served in the Mississippi House. This editorial was first published in Mississippi Today.

By Rep. Fabian Nelson Mississippi’s educators — from classroom teachers to assistant teachers and support staff — do some of the most important work in our state. Yet year after year, we ask them to do it for far less than almost anywhere else in the nation. Mississippi consistently ranks near the bottom nationally in average teacher pay, often 49th or 50th. While the national average teacher salary is around $67,000, Mississippi teachers earn tens of thousands less. That gap makes it harder to recruit new educators, retain experienced ones, and provide stability for our students. The problem does not stop with teachers. Assistant teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, cafeteria workers, instructional aides, secretaries, and bus drivers — the backbone of our schools — are also paid far below national averages. Nationally, teacher assistants earn roughly $29,000 to $32,000 a year. In Mississippi, many earn $22,000 or less, with some starting near minimum wage despite the critical role they play in classrooms every day. When educators and school staff are underpaid, turnover increases and students suffer. Schools lose experience, continuity, and trusted adults who help create safe, supportive learning environments. That is why House Bill 1126 is so important. The bill is currently awaiting action in the Senate — including committee consideration, full Senate approval, and ultimately the governor’s signature. If enacted, HB 1126 would take a meaningful step toward improving teacher compensation by raising minimum salaries, providing state-funded pay increases for experienced educators, and helping districts compete for talent in high-need areas. This is not about extravagance. It is about respect. Teachers and school professionals are trained, dedicated professionals who shape the future of Mississippi. Yet too many are forced to take second jobs or consider leaving the profession simply to make ends meet. Some argue Mississippi’s lower cost of living justifies lower pay. But housing, healthcare, childcare, and groceries have all risen sharply. A low ranking is still a low ranking — and our educators feel it every month. HB 1126 will not solve every challenge facing public education, but it sends a clear message that Mississippi is ready to value the people who make our schools work. We will continue to push for this legislation to move through the Senate, and we will continue working to increase the pay of our assistant teachers and support staff in the near future. Our commitment must extend to every professional who supports our students each day. Mississippi has an opportunity to move forward. Let’s not miss it. Fabian Nelson is State Representative for House District 66. This editorial was published in the www.thepeoplespaperms.com .

By: Chairman Kabir Karriem, Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus In a loud, fast, and often unforgiving world, history can feel distant, but forgetting our history is not neutral. Memory is power and celebration is resistance. Our story in America did not begin in chains. It passed through them. The past holds the scars of enslavement, lynching, Jim Crow, voter suppression, redlining, mass incarceration, and stolen opportunity. Yet even in that pain, there is brilliance. There is excellence. We survived what was designed to break us, and we built what others said we could not. From fields where our ancestors whispered prayers into the soil, to classrooms they were told they could not enter, to ballot boxes they fought and bled to reach, Black excellence has never been accidental. It has always been intentional. Scripture reminds us in Deuteronomy 6:12: “Be careful that you do not forget.” Forgetting where you come from makes it easier to lose sight of where you are going. For Black communities, history is not just about the past—it is a blueprint for survival and a roadmap to freedom. Today, we must be honest about the present. Across this country, including here in Mississippi, there are organized efforts to roll back hard-fought gains. While proclamations honoring Black history may remain on paper, policy decisions increasingly seek to narrow how our history is taught, discussed, and understood—especially in public schools. Books are banned. Lessons are softened. The brutality of the past is reframed as “controversial,” and Black achievement is treated as optional. This is not a coincidence. When truth becomes inconvenient, it is often the first thing targeted. That is precisely why celebration matters. Celebrating Black excellence is not arrogance. It is affirmation. It tells our children and our communities that our lives are rooted in resilience, creativity, and purpose.  Hebrews 12:1 speaks of a “great cloud of witnesses.” We do not stand alone. We are surrounded by those—named and unnamed—whose sacrifices laid the foundation we now occupy. And Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that hope and a future remain part of God’s promise. Mississippi understands both the weight of history and the urgency of truth as this state has always shaped the moral direction of this nation. Magnolia soil holds unspeakable pain, but it also carries the brilliance of freedom fighters, educators, faith leaders, artists, organizers, and lawmakers who refused to surrender their dignity.  Remembering our history and celebrating Black excellence here is necessary and essential for when people know their worth, honor their ancestors, and walk boldly in excellence, they do more than change their own lives. They help redeem the promise of this state and move the nation closer to justice. The past is painful. The present is precarious. Yet, the future is still free—free because others paid a price, free because truth still matters, and free because excellence lives within us. Our story is unfinished and the next chapter is being written now. Will you help write the story? Rep. Kabir Karriem serves in the Mississippi House of Representatives representing District 41. This editorial was published in www.thepeoplespaperms.com .

By Rep. Zakiya Summers Mississippi has always been shaped by young people bold enough to challenge the status quo. From the students who organized sit-ins, to the young organizers who powered Freedom Summer, to the teenagers who sat in jail and prison cells so that democracy might one day work for all of us—progress in this state has never been handed down. It has always been demanded. Today, we are standing at another crossroads. Legislation like  House Bill 2 , the so-called “Education Freedom” bill, threatens to dismantle our public education system under the guise of opportunity and competition. In reality, it is a long-term policy decision that will deepen inequality and accelerate Mississippi’s brain drain. By diverting public dollars away from already under-resourced public schools and into a fragmented system of private options with little accountability, HB 2 weakens the institutions that educate the vast majority of Mississippi’s children. Rural districts, working-class communities, and Black communities will bear the greatest harm. Students who remain in public schools will face fewer resources, fewer educators, and fewer opportunities—while families with means will reap the benefit of governmental subsidies to pay for private schools. Mississippi cannot recruit teachers, retain college graduates, or build a competitive workforce while actively disinvesting in the very schools that anchor community stability and economic mobility. If we are serious about stopping the brain drain—about keeping our best and brightest rooted here—then we must strengthen public education, not hollow it out. This is why young people are needed now more than ever. The same forces that once sought to suppress Black votes, segregate classrooms, and silence dissent are resurfacing in new forms through voter suppression, gerrymandering, attacks on factual history, and policies that prioritize privatization over the public good. Across the country, we are witnessing coordinated attempts to roll back hard-won civil rights gains. Court cases that threaten fair representation remind us that political power, especially Black political power, remains vulnerable. We need an educated electorate, voters who can connect history to policy and understand the importance of taking action. That is why I introduced the  Robert G. Clark, Jr. Mississippi Voting Rights Act  to modernize and strengthen voting protections at the state level and ensure that every Mississippian has a fair and equal opportunity to participate in our democracy. Backed by the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus, the Act prohibits voter suppression and vote dilution, restores safeguards to prevent discriminatory election changes before harm occurs, and establishes clear protections for voters with disabilities, limited English proficiency, and communities historically excluded from the political process. This legislation is not symbolic. It is structural.  Freedom Summer teaches us that young people have always understood this truth. As Freedom Summer leader Bob Moses once said,  “ You don’t have to be a giant to do giant things. You just have to care enough to act.” Those young organizers did not wait for permission. They knocked on doors, built freedom schools, registered voters, and reimagined what Mississippi could be—often at great personal risk. That philosophy defines this moment. Today’s young Mississippians are navigating rising tuition, underfunded schools, limited job pipelines, environmental threats, maternal health crises, and an economy that too often shuts them out. They know that policy is personal, that democracy is not abstract, and that the decisions being made right now will determine whether they build their lives here or are forced to leave to thrive elsewhere. This is another civil rights moment, and young people are central to the outcome. A Call to Action for Students and Young Voters If you are a student, a first-time voter, or a young Mississippian wondering whether your voice matters, know this: it does. Get informed. Get registered. Show up to hearings. Ask hard questions. Organize on your campuses and in your communities. Vote in every election—not just presidential ones. Demand policies that invest in public education, protect voting rights, and make Mississippi a place where talent is nurtured, not exported. Democracy does not sustain itself. It requires participation, pressure, and people – especially young people – willing to stand up for justice even when it is uncomfortable.  Rep. Zakiya Summers serves Mississippi House District 68. This editorial was published by www.thepeoplespaperms.com .

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.

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.

Gulfport, MS -  The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus invites you to Community Conversations with the Caucus  — a special town hall meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 , at the Good Deeds Community Center , located at 15101 Madison Street in Gulfport, Mississippi . Doors open at 5:30 p.m. , and dinner will be provided . This event is free and open to the public . Join members of the Caucus for a meaningful discussion on the issues impacting your community — from healthcare and education to economic opportunity and voting rights. Come share your voice and hear from your state leaders. For more information, visit www.msblackcaucus.com  and follow the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus on all social media platforms @MLBCofficial.