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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.

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.

Mayor John Horhn City of Jackson The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus is proud to congratulate our esteemed members Representative Orlando Paden and Senator John Horhn who both recently stepped into their new roles as Mayor of Clarksdale and Jackson, respectively. "Mayors Paden and Horhn served in their respective chambers with fierce strength, vision, a spirit of collaboration, and a focus on helping their districts. I am confident they will bring those same qualities and even more vigor in local office," said Rep. Kabir Karriem, MLBC Chairman. Mayor Orlando Paden City of Clarksdale "The Caucus stands in solidarity with Mayors Paden and Horhn and we look forward to working alongside them as well as their successors who will have big shoes to fill when they are elected," added Karriem. The work of the MLBC is predicated upon cooperation from local elected officials. Together, we can ensure that our collective efforts help to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for all.

In a March 31 internal memo , the Mississippi Library Commission ordered the deletion of two databases on race relations and gender studies because of a false claim that they may violate state law. The Mississippi Legislation Black Caucus disagrees, and sent a letter to Executive Director Hulen Bivins in response to demand a full explanation and a reversal of the order. Read our letter below. .

The Mississippi Department of Education will hold a public hearing on the proposed policy, Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 100.1, State Board Policy, Chapter 100, Rule 100.1,  “ Compliance with State Law Regarding Diversity Equity and Inclusion Prohibitions, Complaint Process, and Investigations.” When: Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 9:30 am Where: Mississippi Department of Education, Central High School, 4th Floor Board Room, 359 N. West Street, Jackson, MS 39205 If you wish to speak at the hearing, you are required to  register  a minimum of three days before the hearing. Registration will close on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 9:30 am. You can also submit written comments by  5:00 PM on June 10, 2025 to   Erin Meyer , Chief of Advocacy and Counsel, via email at  EMeyer@mdek12.org . About House Bill 1193 Read the bill here Rep. Jeffery Harness' editorial: DEI is about preserving soul of America

By Rep. Zakiya Summers Published by Essence on March 2, 2025 Every year, we mark Equal Pay Day as a reminder of the staggering wage gap that Black women continue to face. Yet, every year, we are forced to fight the same battle for something that should already be a given: equal pay for equal work. In Mississippi and across the South, Black women—who have historically been the backbone of our families, our communities, and our economy—earn around 66 cents for every dollar a white man makes. That’s not just a statistic; it’s a financial stranglehold that limits our ability to build generational wealth, own homes, invest in our children’s futures, and retire with dignity. And despite what the Trump administration and its allies would prefer be our fate—despite their deliberate efforts to erase conversations about racial equity and economic justice—we are not backing down. I know firsthand what pay inequity looks like. In 2005, I had just graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia—one of the top journalism schools in the country. I had already been working in a newsroom for two years when I landed my first full-time job as a news producer at a Fox affiliate in Elkhart, Indiana. Around the same time, a young white woman, also fresh out of college, was hired for the same position. The difference? Her show was just one hour long while mine was a full two hours—twice the responsibility, the same title, and, I later discovered, half the pay. When I questioned my employer, I was met with silence. There was no justification. Instead of righting the wrong, they moved her to a primetime show—a move meant to cover up the blatant discrimination I had just uncovered. At the time, I didn’t have the words to describe what was happening. But now, after years of advocating for pay equity alongside leaders like Cassandra Welchlin of the Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable , I know exactly what it was: systemic pay discrimination. And I am far from the only one. There are millions of Black women across the South who are overworked and underpaid—whose skills, labor, and leadership are undervalued simply because of who they are. Some, like Cassandra’s mother and aunt, were paid so little they had to hide Cassandra in the utility closet and maid cart just to make ends meet . We cannot allow this to continue. That’s why I introduced House Bill 716—the Mississippi Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. This bill would ensure that employers cannot use a person’s past salary history to justify paying them less than they deserve. Why? Because allowing wage history to determine new salaries perpetuates discrimination. If a Black woman has been underpaid in one job, that same discrimination follows her to every job after that. But let’s be clear—this fight isn’t just about one bill. It’s about holding lawmakers, employers, and business leaders accountable. Mississippi claims to be focused on economic growth. But what good is attracting new businesses if they refuse to pay Black women fairly? If our state is serious about workforce development, we must demand a real equal pay law—not just a watered-down version that looks good on paper but does nothing to close the gap. We need public pressure on the Mississippi Legislature, the governor and corporate leaders. We need to push back against policies that favor profits over people, especially at the expense of Black women who have done more than their fair share of carrying this country on their backs. And let’s not forget—despite being the most educated demographic in this country, Black women still earn the least. The math isn’t mathing. So, what can you do? Make noise. Demand action. Support Black women in leadership. Hold employers accountable. And when Election Day comes, vote for leaders who will fight for pay equity—not just with words, but with policy. The fight for equal pay isn’t just about fairness. It’s about economic justice, dignity and the    right to thrive—not just survive. And we’re not stopping until the work is done. Rep. Zakiya Summers represents House District 68 in the Mississippi Legislature and is a leading advocate for pay equity, racial justice, and women’s economic empowerment.

By Senator Derrick Simmons, Minority Leader Published by Mississippi Today Each year, in a handful of states, public offices close, flags are lowered and official ceremonies commemorate “Confederate Memorial Day.” Mississippi is among those handful of states that on Monday will celebrate the holiday intended to honor the soldiers who fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War. But let me be clear: celebrating Confederate Memorial Day is not only racist but is bad policy, bad governance and a deep stain on the values we claim to uphold today. First, there is no separating the Confederacy from the defense of slavery and white supremacy. The Confederacy was not about “states’ rights” in the abstract; it was about the right to own human beings. Confederate leaders themselves made that clear. Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens declared in his infamous “Cornerstone Speech” that the Confederacy was founded upon “the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man.” No amount of revisionist history can erase the fact that the Confederacy’s cause was fundamentally rooted in preserving racial subjugation. To honor that cause with a state holiday is to glorify a rebellion against the United States fought to defend the indefensible. It is an insult to every citizen who believes in equality and freedom, and it is a cruel slap in the face to Black Americans, whose ancestors endured the horrors of slavery and generations of systemic discrimination that followed. Beyond its moral bankruptcy, Confederate Memorial Day is simply bad public policy. Holidays are public statements of our values. They are moments when a state, through official sanction, tells its citizens: “This is what we believe is worthy of honor.” Keeping Confederate Memorial Day on the calendar sends a message that a government once committed to denying basic human rights should be celebrated. That message is not just outdated — it is dangerous. It nurtures the roots of racism, fuels division and legitimizes extremist ideologies that threaten our democracy today. Moreover, there are real economic and administrative costs to shutting down government offices for this purpose. In a time when states face budget constraints, workforce shortages and urgent civic challenges, it is absurd to prioritize paid time off to commemorate a failed and racist insurrection. Our taxpayer dollars should be used to advance justice, education, infrastructure and economic development — not to prop up a lost cause of hate. If we truly believe in moving forward together as one people, we must stop clinging to symbols that represent treason, brutality and white supremacy. There is a legislative record that supports this move in a veto-proof majority changing the state Confederate flag in 2020. Taking Confederate Memorial Day off our official state holiday calendar is another necessary step toward a more inclusive and just society. Mississippi had the largest population of enslaved individuals in 1865 and today has the highest percentage of Black residents in the United States. We should not honor the Confederacy or Confederate Memorial Day. We should replace it. Replacing a racist holiday with one that celebrates emancipation underscores the state’s rich African American history and promotes a more inclusive understanding of its past. It would also align the state’s observances with national efforts to commemorate the end of slavery and the ongoing pursuit of equality. I will continue my legislative efforts to replace Confederate Memorial Day as a state holiday with Juneteenth, which commemorates the freedom for America’s enslaved people. It’s time to end Confederate Memorial Day once and for all. ### Derrick T. Simmons, D-Greensville, serves as the minority leader in the state Senate. He represents Bolivar, Coahoma and Washington counties in the Mississippi Senate.

By Vice Chairman Sen. Rod Hickman Published by Clarion Ledger on April 15, 2025 The Mississippi Legislature exists to serve the people. As the policymaking body of our state, we are tasked with enacting laws, allocating resources and ensuring that government functions effectively for all Mississippians. One of our most essential responsibilities is passing a state budget — a task not just central to governance but legally required. The budget dictates how we fund schools, hospitals, infrastructure, public safety and critical social services. It reflects our priorities and our values. Without it, our state government cannot operate properly, and the people of Mississippi bear the consequences.  Yet, as the 2025 legislative session ends, we have failed in that fundamental duty. Instead of passing a responsible budget, internal divisions and last-minute power plays within the state’s Republican supermajority derailed budget negotiations, forcing the governor to call a special session to fix what never should have been broken in the first place.  This legislative stalemate underscores a troubling pattern of misplaced priorities. While critical budgetary decisions were left unresolved, the Legislature expedited the passage of the largest tax cut in state history for the wealthy — with significant typos in the legislation. This move will cut one-third of the state’s budget, forcing working families to bear the brunt of economic uncertainty while risking funding for vital services like education and healthcare. This comes at a time when federal funding cuts are already stripping essential resources from agencies. For example, the health department just announced that federal funding cuts will cost the state nearly $238 million in public health and mental health funding in Mississippi.  On top of that, lawmakers spent the last week of the session focused on anti-Diversity, Equity and Inclusion legislation in Mississippi's public schools and universities. Instead of addressing the state's deep-rooted socio-economic challenges, the Legislature chose to focus on cultural issues, passing laws that reflect a troubling agenda of divisiveness rather than progress. This decision makes it clear where their priorities lie.  Meanwhile, Mississippi remains at the bottom of too many national rankings. We have one of the highest poverty rates, highest incarceration rates and some of the worst health outcomes in the country. Rural communities are struggling with economic development and job opportunities, leaving too many families behind.  This is not governance or leadership; it is negligence.  With a Republican supermajority controlling both the governor's office and both the House and Senate in the Legislature, the party has had nearly unchecked power. This concentration of control has allowed the GOP to shape the state’s agenda without meaningful opposition, limiting diverse perspectives and preventing the state from addressing its most pressing needs. As a result, Mississippi continues to fall behind, especially where it matters most, showing how unbalanced political control has hindered the state's progress.  The Republican supermajority has controlled our government for years, yet our quality of life has not improved. It is time to rethink not only who holds leadership positions but how we govern. We must do better.  To my fellow Mississippians, I ask: When will we recognize that this kind of leadership is failing the people we vowed to serve? When will we take responsibility for the misguided priorities that have left families struggling? Hold us accountable. Demand more from your elected officials. Show up, speak out and vote for leaders who put people over politics. The future of Mississippi depends on a government that truly works for its people. It is time we make that a reality.  — Rod Hickman is the Mississippi Senator serving District 32.