Dear Friends, Thank you to everyone who joined us, supported us, and stood with us as we prepare for the 2026 Mississippi legislative session. Your encouragement and engagement mean more than I can adequately express. “The work doesn’t stop when the event ends. Your continued support helps ensure we are prepared to fight and lead for you.” As we move into this session, we anticipate difficult but necessary policy fights — protecting public education, strengthening and equitab

The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais is not just a legal decision—it is already reshaping what happens next in Mississippi. Governor Tate Reeves has already announced that lawmakers will return to Jackson for a special session to redraw judicial district lines in response to both this decision and prior federal court findings. What the Decision Means At its core, the Callais decision significantly weakens how Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act is applied. F

In my work as a legislator, I often say that policy is only as strong as the people it serves. Laws are written in the Capitol—but real impact is lived out in our neighborhoods, in our homes, and in the everyday acts of service that too often go unrecognized. That is why the 7th Annual Mother’s Day Brunch is so important. On Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., we will gather at the Mississippi State Capitol—not just for a meal, but for a moment of reflection, recognition, an

Mississippi is at a turning point. As we implement the Rural Health Transformation Program through the Governor's office, we have an opportunity not just to stabilize healthcare but to rethink how care is delivered across our state. That work must begin with maternal health. That's why I sent Governor Reeves with a list of recommendations to strengthen maternal and infant health outcomes through the Rural Health Transformation Program. When mothers cannot access safe, timely

I am incredibly excited to work alongside Dr. Denise Jones Gregory as she steps into her role as President of Jackson State University. Dr. Gregory is the embodiment of strong, effective leadership—she is personable, intelligent, team-oriented, and brings a steady, solutions-driven approach to every space she enters. Having had the opportunity to work with her, I can speak firsthand to her commitment to collaboration and her deep understanding of what it takes to move institu

Several years ago, a local salon owner reached out to me with a problem that, on its face, seemed small—but in reality spoke to a much larger issue about access, dignity, and opportunity. He shared that several hairstylists in his salon—experienced professionals, many over the age of 65—had allowed their licenses to lapse. These were individuals who had spent decades serving their communities, building businesses, and mentoring the next generation. They were willing to do the

As the 2026 legislative session comes to a close, Mississippi lawmakers have sent a teacher pay raise bill to the governor’s desk. While this legislation represents movement, we must be honest about what it is and what it is not. The final agreement provides a $2,000 pay raise for teachers , with additional increases for some educators and school personnel. Any raise is something, but this is more symbolic than it is meaningful. At a time when Mississippi continues to rank la

All session long, House and Senate Democrats have been fighting for one of the most basic building blocks of a functioning economy: child care. Despite the urgency, despite the data, and despite the real-life consequences playing out across our state, child care has not been prioritized. We have now seen firsthand the devastating impact of the Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) pause by the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS): Providers have laid off staff Classroo

I proudly co-sponsored House Bill 1637 because I believe Mississippi must take intentional, data-driven steps to reduce infant mortality. The creation of a Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Panel is an important and necessary step toward understanding why too many of our babies are dying too soon. But understanding the problem is only the beginning. My position remains clear: if we are serious about healthy babies, we must be equally serious about healthy mothers. While HB 1

Mississippi is at a critical juncture in determining the future of Jackson’s water system—one of the most essential public infrastructure systems in our state. While I agree that a long-term governance structure must be in place following the completion of the third-party manager’s work, I have grave concerns about the bill sent to the Governor. As currently structured, the legislation grants the State majority control over the City of Jackson Water Authority Board. That deci

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, transpare

Mississippi continues to face one of the most severe maternal health crises in the nation, with Black women disproportionately impacted by preventable complications and deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth. Addressing this crisis requires more than isolated reforms—it demands a comprehensive, coordinated policy response. The Mississippi Maternal Health Legislative Package that I've introduced is a holistic framework designed to strengthen maternal health outcomes acros

“Mississippi’s maternal health crisis did not happen overnight, and it will not be solved by symbolism alone. This initiative represents what real leadership looks like—showing up in the communities most impacted, centering Black women and families, and pairing advocacy with concrete action. When we invest in maternal health, we invest in the future of our state.” JACKSON, Miss., Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. will commemorate its 106th Founders' D

I am deeply honored to be named a recipient of the 31st Annual For My People Awards , presented by the Margaret Walker Center at Jackson State University. The awards luncheon will take place on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. in the JSU Student Center Ballroom. Since 1996, the For My People Awards have recognized individuals and institutions whose work has made an indelible contribution to African American history and culture. Rooted in the legacy of poet and scholar

Photo Curtesy of Jay Johnson From the Jackson Advocate: The Crescent Foundation and the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. – Mu Sigma Chapter held its 18th Annual Image Awards & Scholarship Gala November 29, 2025, at the Westin in downtown Jackson, MS. The night was filled with celebration and gratitude. This year’s distinguished honorees were: Coach T.C. Taylor – Education, Chief Joseph Daughtry Sr. – Law, Debra McGee – Business, Sheletta Buckley – Humanitarian, Rep

Photo by Imani Khayyam https://m.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2016/mar/25/capitol-street-coalition-police-pursuits-endangeri/

Photographer: Sophia Knight

The Mississippi Department of Health’s declaration of a public health emergency due to Mississippi’s rising infant mortality rate is both...

This article was written for and published by Milbank Memorial Fund. As a Black woman, a state legislator, and a mother raising three...

Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today