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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.

The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus expresses profound disappointment and deep concern following the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais. This ruling represents a troubling step backward in the ongoing struggle to protect the voting rights of Black Americans and to ensure fair and equitable representation in our democracy. At its core, this decision weakens critical protections that have long served as a safeguard against racial discrimination in the redistricting process. For decades, the Voting Rights Act has stood as a pillar of accountability—ensuring that communities of color, particularly Black communities across the South, are not diluted, divided, or silenced through manipulated district lines. Today’s ruling threatens that foundation. For the state of Mississippi, the implications are both immediate and profound. Mississippi has a long and painful history of voter suppression and racially discriminatory practices. While we have made progress, this decision opens the door for renewed efforts to redraw political maps in ways that could diminish the collective voice of Black voters. It creates legal uncertainty at a time when Mississippi is already under scrutiny for maps that may fail to fully comply with the Voting Rights Act. Let us be clear: representation is not a privilege—it is a right. And when the power of Black voters is weakened through redistricting decisions, it is not just lines on a map that are changed—it is access to resources, education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and justice itself that hangs in the balance. This decision could have far-reaching consequences beyond Mississippi. Across the nation, states may now feel emboldened to challenge or weaken majority-Black districts, undermining decades of progress secured through sacrifice, advocacy, and, in many cases, bloodshed. The result could be fewer Black voices in legislative bodies, fewer champions for our communities, and a democracy that does not fully reflect the people it serves. The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus will not stand idle. We are actively reviewing the full implications of this ruling and preparing to respond with strategic, legal, and legislative action. We will continue to advocate for fair maps, equitable representation, and the full enforcement of voting rights protections at every level of government. We will also intensify our engagement with communities across Mississippi to ensure that our people are informed, mobilized, and prepared for what lies ahead. As Scripture reminds us in Amos 5:24: “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” While today’s decision may attempt to slow that stream, it will not stop the movement for justice. We call on leaders, advocates, and citizens across this state and nation to remain vigilant. This moment demands unity, courage, and unwavering commitment. The fight for representation is the fight for our future—and we intend to meet it head-on.

From classrooms to courtrooms, from the ballot box to the doctor’s office, the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus (MLBC) is delivering real results for Mississippi families. The 2026 legislative cycle has been defined by one word: Action . Across the state, MLBC members have been organizing town halls, hosting legislative hearings, and advancing a bold policy agenda rooted in equity, opportunity, and justice. But beyond engagement, the Caucus has translated advocacy into measurable outcomes. Investing in Education and Protecting Public Schools MLBC members fought to strengthen public education while expanding opportunity for students. This includes: Expanding literacy interventions for grades 4–8 Establishing math coaches for grades 2–6 Increasing teacher and staff salaries Adding financial literacy, civics, and future-ready coursework Successfully stopping harmful school choice legislation Advancing Black Maternal Health and Healthcare Access The Caucus continued its leadership in maternal health by: Establishing the Fetal & Infant Mortality Review Board Introducing a comprehensive maternal health legislative package Expanding access to quality, affordable healthcare Protecting the Right to Vote At a time when voting rights are under attack nationwide, MLBC stood firm by: Introducing the Robert G. Clark Mississippi Voting Rights Act Advocating for voter restoration Successfully restoring voting rights for Mississippians Holding Systems Accountable From Parchman prison conditions to environmental protections, MLBC: Forced attention to hazardous conditions at Unit 29, leading to facility improvements Advocated for clean air protections Opposed unconstitutional bail reform Strengthening Communities The Caucus also fought for: Child care funding and family supports SNAP and social safety net protections Equitable funding for HBCUs This work reflects a simple truth: policy matters because people matter. The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus remains committed to building a state where every family can thrive. We are not slowing down. Together, with you, we are unstoppable.

By Senator Rod Hickman, MLBC Vice Chairman | Mississippi Senate District 32 I did not come to the Mississippi Legislature to be a spectator or to do harm dressed up as policy. I came to solve problems, to make our communities safer and to ensure that the laws we pass actually serve the people of this state. That is why I write today with deep disappointment following the recent passage of Senate Bill 2322 , which is now pending the governor’s signature to become law. Taken as a whole, this bill does not address a pressing public safety need. It does not fix a broken system. Provisions that invalidate certain out of state driver’s licenses may sound strong on paper, but they do little to improve safety on our roads. A person’s ability to drive responsibly is not determined by the origin of his or her license. This legislation risks creating confusion for law enforcement and the courts without producing any measurable benefit. We should be focused on policies that reduce accidents, promote accountability and make our roadways safer, not measures that complicate enforcement while offering no clear gain. But the most troubling aspect of this legislation is the “sex at birth” provision. This language now requires that Mississippi driver’s licenses reflect only a person’s sex as determined at birth, allowing for almost no exceptions. It is a rigid mandate that ignores reality, ignores evidence and ignores the human impact of what it requires the state to do. There has been no showing that allowing individuals to have identification that reflects who they are creates any safety risk. This provision does not prevent fraud. It does not assist law enforcement in any meaningful way. It does not make a single Mississippian safer. What it does instead is require the state to issue identification that may directly conflict with a person’s lived identity and, in some cases, with other legal documents someone might possess. That kind of inconsistency does not create clarity. It creates confusion and invites unnecessary conflict in everyday interactions. More than that, it is degrading. It places people in situations where simply presenting identification can expose them to scrutiny, embarrassment or worse. When a person presents as one sex and his or her identification reflects another, it immediately calls the identity into question in settings where no such question should exist whether that is at a traffic stop, at a workplace, in a place of business or in any routine encounter that requires identification. That moment of mismatch is not just inconvenient, but also can be harmful. It forces individuals to explain themselves in ways that are deeply personal and often unwelcome, and it increases the risk of confrontation in situations that should be routine. We cannot ignore the reality that this provision targets a vulnerable group of people who already face disproportionate levels of discrimination, misunderstanding and, in many cases, outright hostility. Rather than offering protection, this law adds to that burden. Rather than making their lives safer, it makes them more exposed. That is not the role of government, and it is not the purpose of good legislation. We were sent here to protect Mississippians – all Mississippians. And when we pass laws that do not protect, but instead isolate and place people in harm’s way, we have to be honest about what we are doing. This is not about safety. It is not about efficiency. It is a policy choice that carries real consequences for real people. I say plainly and without hesitation that we can do better than this. There are real challenges facing our state, such as strengthening our schools, expanding economic opportunity, improving health care access and ensuring safe and thriving communities. Those are the issues that deserve our attention and our energy. Those are the areas where legislation can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Scripture teaches us in Micah 6:8 that we are called to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly. That is not just a personal calling, but also should be a standard for how we govern. Laws rooted in justice protect rather than target. Laws grounded in mercy recognize the dignity of every person. Laws shaped by humility reflect a careful use of power, not an overreach of it. Senate Bill 2322, particularly this provision, falls short of that standard. Mississippi deserves better. And the people of this state deserve to know that their government is working to protect them instead of making their lives harder, more uncertain or more vulnerable. That is the responsibility we carry, and it is one I intend to continue taking seriously. State Sen. Rod Hickman is a Democrat from Macon. He was elected in a 2021 special election to represent Senate District 32 in east Mississippi and was reelected in 2023. He is an attorney. This editorial was published at www.mississippitoday.org .

By Rep. John Faulkner | Mississippi House District 5 In Mississippi, the balance of power inside the House of Representatives is not just tilted, it is firmly controlled by a Republican supermajority. Republicans also control the Senate, although Democrats recently broke that chamber’s supermajority, and they hold the Governor’s Mansion as well. With that level of control comes the ability to set the agenda, move legislation, and ultimately determine what policies live or die. That is the reality of our current political landscape. But alongside that reality is another truth that deserves just as much attention: the growing frustration among Democratic lawmakers and the communities they represent. At its core, this frustration is not about partisanship for the sake of politics. It is about priorities. It is about whether the policies coming out of the Legislature are truly addressing the everyday needs of Mississippi families. And too often, the answer feels like no. Democratic lawmakers have consistently raised concerns about issues that directly impact working people. Teacher pay, access to affordable healthcare, childcare support, infrastructure improvements, and economic opportunity in rural communities are not abstract talking points. These are real challenges facing real people across this state. Yet time and time again, efforts to push bold, meaningful solutions in these areas are met with resistance, delay, or outright dismissal. Instead, what many are witnessing is an agenda that appears to mirror national political narratives rather than reflect the unique needs of Mississippi. National talking points may dominate headlines, but they do not fix a struggling school district. They do not reopen a closed rural hospital. They do not help a working parent afford childcare or keep the lights on in a home facing rising utility costs. Mississippi is not a one size fits all state, and it cannot be governed by one size fits all solutions imported from national politics. Our challenges are local. Our people are local. And our solutions must be rooted in the lived experiences of Mississippians. For Democratic lawmakers, the frustration runs deeper because it often feels like the voices of their constituents are being sidelined. When motions are tabled, when bills are left to die in committee, and when opportunities for negotiation are shut down, it sends a clear message about who is being heard and who is not. But frustration alone is not enough to create change. The truth is, the current political makeup of the Legislature, along with control of the Senate and the Governor’s office, is a direct reflection of voter participation. A supermajority does not happen overnight. It is built over time through elections, turnout, and engagement. That is why this moment calls for more than commentary. It calls for action. Elections matter. Every single one of them. From local races to statewide offices, the choices made at the ballot box shape the direction of our state for years to come. If there is dissatisfaction with the current leadership, the most effective way to address it is through participation in the democratic process. But engagement does not start and end on Election Day. It begins with staying informed about what is happening in the Legislature. It continues with having conversations in our communities, in our churches, in our homes, and on our campuses. It grows when people decide to speak up, to organize, and to hold their elected officials accountable. Spreading the word is not just a slogan. It is a responsibility. When people understand how decisions are being made and how those decisions affect their daily lives, they are more empowered to take action. Mississippi has always been a state of resilience. Our history shows that progress is possible, even in the face of significant challenges. But progress requires participation. It requires people who are willing to stand up, stay engaged, and demand better for their communities. The path forward is not about division. It is about ensuring that every Mississippian has a voice and that those voices are reflected in the policies that shape our future. If we want a Legislature that fully represents the people of this state, then we must be willing to show up, speak out, and vote. This editorial was published at www.thepeoplespaperms.com .

By Rep. Kabir Karriem | MLBC Chairman “We will not forget the works of the Lord. We will tell the next generation.” — Psalm 78:4 April 4, 1968, is not just a date etched in history. It stands as a solemn reminder of a moment that shook the conscience of a nation. On that day in Memphis, Tennessee, assassins took Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from us through an act of violence rooted in hate. Yet even in that tragedy, the seed of his sacrifice bore fruit that continues to challenge, convict and call us forward. We shall never forget. We shall never forget the courage of a man who stood in the face of dogs and fire hoses. He endured jail cells and death threats yet never wavered in his commitment to nonviolence and justice. We shall never forget that Dr. King was not only a dreamer. He disrupted injustice. He confronted systems of oppression, economic inequality and voter suppression, even when it cost him everything. We shall never forget that the very issues he fought against still linger today. As chairman of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus, I understand that remembrance without action rings empty. Dr. King did not give his life for us to merely reflect once a year. He gave his life so we might carry the mantle every day. Each year as a Mississippi state legislator, I introduce legislation to honor Dr. King’s birthday as a day that stands on its own. This fully and rightfully recognizes his legacy. In Mississippi, we remain one of the last states to observe this day alongside Robert E. Lee. That contradiction does not reflect the moral clarity of Dr. King’s life or the future we claim to seek. This effort does not erase history. It aligns our values with truth. Dr. King stood for unity, justice and the beloved community. His life and sacrifice deserve honor without division, dilution or compromise. Until we realize that, the work continues. We see his unfinished work in the ongoing fight for equitable health care, quality education, fair wages and meaningful criminal justice reform. We hear his voice in the cries of communities demanding to be seen, heard and valued. We feel his presence in every effort to expand ballot access and protect the dignity of all people. Progress is not permanent. Justice is not guaranteed. History shows us that rights, once won, can roll back if we grow complacent. That is why we must hold fast to the charge before us. We shall never forget because forgetting leads to indifference. Indifference breeds injustice. We shall never forget because memory fuels movement. Movement drives change. We shall never forget because Dr. King’s dream was never meant to be admired from a distance. We must live it out in our policies, communities and daily lives. Scripture reminds us in Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Dr. King did not give up. Neither can we. The work continues in our state, in our communities and within each of us. We honor him not only with our words but with our willingness to stand, speak and serve. On this day of remembrance, let us recommit to the cause of justice. Let us walk boldly in the path he paved. Let us ensure that future generations not only remember Dr. King but benefit from the world we helped build because of him. This editorial was published at www.thepeoplespaperms.com .

Members of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus traveled to Gloster, Mississippi to meet with residents, community leaders, and local officials regarding growing concerns about environmental conditions near the Drax facility. The visit served as an opportunity for lawmakers to hear directly from citizens, observe conditions firsthand, and engage in meaningful dialogue about public health, environmental safety, and the long-term impact on the community. “We came to Gloster to listen, to learn, and to stand with the people,” said Rep. John Faulkner, who represents House District 5. “No community should have to choose between economic development and the health and safety of its residents.” During the visit, residents shared concerns about air quality, potential health effects, and the proximity of industrial operations to residential areas. Lawmakers noted that experiencing the environment firsthand provided important context beyond reports and research. Rep. Zakiya Summers (MS-68), highlighted prior legislative efforts aimed at addressing similar concerns, including House Bill 1162 , which sought to reevaluate toxic air pollutants and strengthen protections for communities across the state. “While the bill did not advance this session, the concerns raised in Gloster make it clear that this issue is far from resolved,” Summers said. “We must continue working toward policies that protect the health and well-being of Mississippi families.” Members of the caucus emphasized that they support economic development and job creation but stressed that growth must not come at the expense of public health. “This is about balance and accountability,” said Rep. Kabir Karriem (MS-41), Chairman of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus. “Communities deserve both opportunity and protection.” The visit also underscored the importance of community engagement and local collaboration. Lawmakers encouraged residents to remain active in local meetings, stay informed, and continue advocating for their needs. “This is not a one-time conversation,” Rep. Justin Crosby (MS-22) added. “We are committed to continuing this dialogue and working alongside the people of Gloster to pursue meaningful solutions.” The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for environmental justice, improving public health outcomes, and ensuring that all communities across the state are treated with fairness and dignity.

By Representative John Faulkner, Mississippi House District 5 There are moments in American history that demand more than remembrance. They demand reflection and accountability. One of those moments is the story of the Counterintelligence Program, known as COINTELPRO. Created in 1956 under the leadership of J. Edgar Hoover, COINTELPRO was a covert initiative of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Its stated purpose was to monitor and disrupt groups deemed subversive. In reality, it became a systematic effort to surveil, infiltrate, and undermine Black leaders, Black organizations, and Black student movements at a time when they were fighting for basic civil rights and human dignity. During the 1960s and 1970s, as the Civil Rights Movement gained national attention, COINTELPRO expanded its reach. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. were subjected to intense surveillance. His phones were wiretapped. His personal life was scrutinized. Attempts were made to discredit him and weaken his influence. This was not about protecting national security. It was about silencing a voice that challenged injustice. Mississippi is not a bystander in this history. It is part of it. From the surveillance of civil rights organizers during the Freedom Summer to the monitoring of student activists at Tougaloo College and Jackson State University, our state has lived through a time when Black voices calling for justice were often treated as threats rather than citizens exercising their rights. We cannot forget the Jackson State killings, where young people advocating for change became victims of state violence. Nor can we ignore the broader reality that many civil rights leaders who organized in Mississippi were surveilled, followed, and, in some cases, deliberately undermined. These were not isolated incidents. They were part of a larger pattern that mirrored the very tactics used under COINTELPRO across this country. That history should not divide us. It should guide us. Today, Mississippi operates in a political environment defined by a supermajority. Elections determine who holds power, but history teaches us how that power must be exercised. The lesson of COINTELPRO is not that government itself is the problem. The lesson is that government without oversight, without transparency, and without respect for dissent can lose its way. In a supermajority climate, the responsibility to protect minority voices becomes even more critical. When one party has the numbers to move legislation, shape narratives, and control the direction of policy, it must also carry the burden of ensuring that opposing voices are not dismissed, ignored, or silenced. True leadership is not measured by how efficiently power is used, but by how responsibly it is restrained. The question before us is not whether COINTELPRO exists today. The question is whether we have built a system strong enough to ensure that it never can. That means protecting the rights of students to organize. It means ensuring that those who speak out against injustice are heard, not targeted. It means maintaining strong oversight of our institutions, from law enforcement to corrections, so that no agency operates beyond accountability. As legislators, we are not just policymakers. We are stewards of a history that demands we do better. We must remain vigilant in protecting the freedoms that others fought to secure, especially when those freedoms are exercised by voices that challenge the status quo. In Mississippi, that means recognizing that dissent is not disloyalty. It is democracy in action. It means understanding that progress has always required uncomfortable conversations and courageous voices willing to stand in the gap. And it means committing ourselves to ensuring that every Mississippian, regardless of background or belief, can speak, organize, and advocate without fear. If we are serious about honoring the sacrifices made by those who came before us, then we must do more than remember their struggle. We must protect the space for others to continue it. No voice in this state should ever be watched, weakened, or silenced simply for demanding a better Mississippi.

By Rep. Zakiya Summers, Mississippi House District 68 Mississippians know something about resilience. We have lived through systems designed to silence us, policies built to exclude us, and power structures that too often ignored us. Yet—through organizing, education, and sheer determination—we have continued to move this state, and this country, forward. Today, our democracy is under pressure again. Recent efforts to rely on third-party data—like Experian—to maintain voter rolls raise serious questions about accuracy, transparency, and fairness. When private data is used to determine who stays on the voter rolls, we risk sweeping eligible voters into bureaucratic error. History tells us exactly who is most likely to be caught in that net: Black voters, low-income voters, young voters, and people who already face barriers to full participation in our democracy. Layer on top of that legislative proposals like the so-called “SHIELD Act,” and the concern deepens. While framed as election security, these measures can have the real-world effect of making it harder for eligible people to register, stay registered, and cast their ballots without unnecessary hurdles. That’s not strengthening democracy—that’s straining it. Let’s be clear: these efforts disrupt our democracy. They create confusion. They chip away at trust. They introduce new barriers where none are needed, but they will not dismantle it. Democracy does not live in databases or legislation alone. It lives in people. It lives in the grandmother who double-checks her registration before Election Day. It lives in the young voter casting their ballot for the first time. It lives in the community organizer knocking on doors, making sure neighbors know their rights. It lives in all of us when we refuse to be disengaged. The response to this moment cannot be apathy. It must be action. We fight back by staying informed. That means understanding how voter roll maintenance works, knowing your registration status, and helping others do the same. It means asking hard questions of those in power: How is this data being used? What safeguards are in place? Who is being removed—and why? We fight back by staying engaged. Federal and local elections matter. Legislative elections matter. The decisions made in statehouses and county offices shape the rules of the game—rules that determine access, representation, and ultimately, power. Most importantly, we fight back by voting like our lives depend on it—because in many ways, they do. Our access to healthcare, the strength of our public schools, economic opportunity in our communities, and even the fairness of the maps that determine our representation—all of it is on the ballot, directly or indirectly. Mississippi’s history teaches us that progress is never permanent. Every generation must protect it, expand it, and sometimes reclaim it. This is one of those moments. So no, our democracy is not falling apart. But it is being tested. The answer to that test is not fear. It is participation. Stay engaged. Stay educated. Show up every time, in every election, as if the future depends on it—because it does.

By Representative John Faulkner | Mississippi House District 5 In today’s interconnected world, events happening thousands of miles away can quickly affect families right here in Mississippi. Two narrow waterways in the Middle East, the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al Mandab, may seem far removed from our daily lives, but their stability plays a major role in the global economy and in the price Americans pay for energy. The Strait of Hormuz sits between Iran and Oman and serves as the gateway between the Persian Gulf and the rest of the world’s oceans. It is one of the most important shipping corridors on the planet. Roughly one fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through this narrow passage every single day. Oil from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates must travel through this strait before it can reach global markets. Farther south sits another strategic chokepoint, the Bab al Mandab strait. This narrow waterway connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and ultimately to the Indian Ocean. It also serves as the southern entrance to the Suez Canal shipping route, which links the Middle East and Asia to Europe and the Western Hemisphere. Millions of barrels of oil and petroleum products move through this passage daily. Together, these two waterways function as vital arteries in the global energy system. When they operate normally, oil flows freely and global markets remain relatively stable. But when they are threatened by military conflict, political tension, or attacks on shipping vessels, the consequences can be felt across the entire world. Recent tensions involving Iran have once again drawn attention to the vulnerability of these routes. Even the possibility that shipping could be disrupted in the Strait of Hormuz or the Bab al Mandab sends shockwaves through global energy markets. When traders and markets fear that oil shipments may slow down or stop entirely, prices begin to climb almost immediately. Oil is a global commodity. Even though the United States produces a significant amount of its own oil, the price Americans pay at the pump is still heavily influenced by global supply and demand. When supply tightens anywhere in the world, especially in a region responsible for such a large portion of global oil exports, the price of energy rises everywhere. For people in Mississippi, that reality has very real consequences. Our state is largely rural. Many of our residents travel long distances to work, school, church, and everyday activities. When oil prices rise, gasoline prices rise along with them. That means higher transportation costs for families who are already working hard to balance their household budgets. Higher energy prices also ripple through other parts of our economy. Mississippi farmers rely heavily on diesel fuel to power tractors, irrigation systems, and harvest equipment. Trucking companies depend on fuel to move goods across the country. When fuel costs increase, the price of food and everyday goods often increases as well. In other words, instability in a narrow waterway halfway around the world can eventually affect the cost of groceries in a Mississippi kitchen. This is a reminder that the global economy is deeply interconnected. Geography still matters, and certain places on the map carry enormous importance. The Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al Mandab may appear small on a globe, but they are among the most strategically significant waterways in the world. As policymakers, we must always keep in mind how international events can shape economic realities here at home. While Mississippi cannot control conflicts in distant regions, we can remain aware of how those events affect our citizens and continue working to strengthen economic stability for families across our state. Sometimes the path between global politics and everyday life is shorter than we think. In this case, it runs straight through two narrow waterways on the other side of the world.

This statement may be attributed to Chairman Rep. Kabir Karriem, MS House District 41 The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus  conducted a fact-finding visit on February 23, 2026 to the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman . What we witnessed inside Unit 29 was deeply troubling. The conditions were deplorable and, frankly, inhumane. No human being—regardless of their circumstances—should be forced to live in the type of environment we observed. As lawmakers and public servants, we have a responsibility to ensure that our correctional institutions uphold standards of safety, dignity, and basic humanity. The findings from our visit made it abundantly clear that immediate action was necessary. Shortly after our visit, actions were taken to condemn Building L in Unit 29. This commendable decision is a critical first step toward addressing longstanding issues within Mississippi’s corrections system. As Chairman of the caucus, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Chairwoman of the House Corrections Committee Rep. Becky Currie for her leadership and willingness to confront these challenges head-on. Her collaboration and responsiveness demonstrate that meaningful reform is possible when leaders work together in good faith. The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus looks forward to continuing to work with Chairwoman Currie, our legislative colleagues, and stakeholders across the state to pursue comprehensive reforms that will improve conditions, strengthen oversight, and ensure that Mississippi’s corrections system reflects both accountability and humanity. This moment must serve as a turning point. Mississippi can and must do better.

By Representative John Faulkner/Mississippi House District 5 For years now, national headlines have used a phrase that once seemed unlikely: the Mississippi Miracle. That phrase reflects the remarkable gains our state made in early grade reading after the passage of the 2013 Literacy-Based Promotion Act. At a time when Mississippi ranked near the bottom nationally in reading performance, we chose to focus on fundamentals. We invested in reading coaches, teacher training, evidence-based instruction, and accountability measures to ensure that students mastered reading before moving forward. The results were undeniable. Mississippi students rose in national rankings, and our fourth graders led the nation in reading gains. Educators did the work. Parents supported their children. Policymakers stayed committed. It proved that when Mississippi aligns policy with proven practice, extraordinary outcomes are possible. But I have always said this was never really a miracle. It is a marathon. While we celebrate early literacy gains, we must also acknowledge a challenge that begins after third grade. Students transition from learning to read to reading to learn. Text becomes more complex. Vocabulary expands. Comprehension demands increase. Without continued support, some students who were once proficient can begin to struggle as academic expectations grow. That reality is why, during the 2025 legislative session, I introduced House Bill 857. The purpose of HB 857 was to build upon the foundation created by the Literacy-Based Promotion Act and extend structured literacy support into grades four through eight. The goal was straightforward: protect the progress Mississippi had made and ensure it continued through the middle grades. Although HB 857 did not pass that year, the conversation did not end. The data remained clear, and the need remained urgent. Literacy support cannot stop at third grade if we expect students to succeed in the years that follow. During the 2026 legislative session, I was able to successfully amend legislation to include language expanding literacy support and promotion standards into grades four through eight. This step represents an important continuation of the work Mississippi began more than a decade ago. This expansion matters for several reasons. First, it protects our investment. Mississippi has devoted significant resources to early literacy. Extending structured support ensures that those gains are reinforced rather than lost as students advance through school. Second, literacy is directly connected to workforce and economic development. Students who read proficiently are more likely to graduate, pursue higher education or career training, and enter the workforce prepared to compete. If Mississippi intends to grow economically, strong literacy must remain the foundation. Third, expanding literacy support promotes educational equity. As academic demands increase in middle school, students from underserved communities are often the most vulnerable to falling behind. Strengthening intervention and accountability beyond third grade helps ensure that every child has a fair opportunity to succeed. One of the most encouraging aspects of Mississippi’s literacy journey is that it has been bipartisan. Improving reading outcomes is not a Republican issue or a Democratic issue. It is a Mississippi issue. When we focus on results instead of rhetoric, our children benefit. The Mississippi Miracle has become a national model. States across the country are now studying Mississippi to understand how sustained commitment to evidence-based literacy policy can transform outcomes. Two years ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to meet with members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. During that visit, I shared the story of Mississippi’s literacy reforms and discussed the strategies that helped drive our reading gains. The goal was to help inform their efforts as they explored implementing a similar approach in their state. I am proud to say that earlier this year I was informed by my colleagues in Pennsylvania that their legislature approved approximately $10 million in their state budget to begin implementing a similar literacy model. It is encouraging to see other states learning from Mississippi’s experience and investing in strategies that put students on a stronger path to reading success. Education reform is never a one-time victory. It is steady, disciplined progress over time. Mississippi’s literacy gains did not happen overnight, and they did not happen by accident. They happened because educators, parents, and policymakers committed themselves to doing the hard work year after year. That is why I say this was never a miracle. Miracles happen instantly. What Mississippi has built is something different. It is the result of discipline, persistence, and belief in our students. And like any marathon, the key is not just how fast you start, but how strong you finish. This editorial was published in www.thepeoplespaperms.com .