By Edelia J. Carthan, Ed.D.,
Contributing Writer,
PHOTO BY THOMAS JOHNSON
This past weekend, the Mississippi State Conference NAACP celebrated a milestone of eight decades of leadership and service with its 80th Annual State Convention and Policy Institute, held November 6–8 at the Jackson Convention Center. With the theme “The Fierce Urgency of Now,” the event honored the organization’s enduring commitment to civil rights while calling a new generation to action.
Hundreds of delegates, youth leaders, and community advocates from across the state gathered for three days of panels, luncheons, and strategy sessions focused on justice, equity, and progress.
“Eighty years of advocacy is not just a celebration of the past—it’s a call to action for the future,” said Charles V. Taylor Jr., executive director of the Mississippi NAACP. “We’re honoring the legacy of those who built this movement while empowering the next generation to carry it forward.”
The convention featured a full agenda of signature events, including the Words from the Wise Luncheon, the State of the State Conference Address, and the Catfish & Blues Dinner featuring legendary musician Bobby Rush. The weekend culminated with the Freedom Fund Banquet, recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations whose work continues to shape Mississippi’s path toward equality.
This year’s honorees included:
Derrick Johnson Legacy Award – Cheryl Turner, International President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
Jerry Mauldin Award – Corey Horton, Vice President of Federal Regulatory & External Affairs, Entergy Services, Inc.
Sam Bailey Award – Rev. Reginald Buckley, President, General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi, and Senior Pastor, Cade Chapel
Dr. Aaron Henry Award – Dr. Sandra Melvin Carr, CEO, Institute for Advancing Minority Health
Fannie Lou Hamer Award – Clinton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta
Vernon Dahmer Award – Dr. Erica Thompson, Founder and Executive Director, Magnolia Medical Foundation
Volunteer of the Year – Evelyn Baugh, Vice President, Clinton Branch
Medgar Evers Award – Kimberly Merchant, President and CEO, Mississippi Center for Justice
Goodman-Cheney-Schwerner Award – MS Engaged
NAACP Legal Award – Jennifer Nwachukwu, Senior Counsel, Voting Rights Program
A highlight of the week was the Community Mass Meeting at the historic Mt. Helm Baptist Church, where Rev. C.J. Rhodes, pastor of the church, delivered a stirring message that echoed throughout the sanctuary.
“You had to be there,” Rhodes said. “The Community Mass Meeting of the Mississippi NAACP hosted at The Helm was amazing. Our choir sang heaven down. I was honored to sound the alarm so we can wake up and stay woke during a great revolution. As Teddy P. said, ‘Wake up, everybody!’”
The Mississippi NAACP’s officers, led by Rev. Robert James, president, continue to guide the organization through a season of renewed purpose and action. As the convention closed, attendees reflected on the movement’s proud legacy and recommitted themselves to ensuring the next 80 years are just as transformative as the first.
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