Mission Mississippi is an organization whose purpose is to bring people together to build relationships across racial lines so they can work together to better their communities. On Tuesday, they held a ceremony to commemorate their 25th year.
Governor Phil Bryant reflected on situations he has witnessed that would not have been possible without Mission Mississippi, such as President Donald Trump talking about how wonderful the Civil Rights Museum is, as he was sitting next to George Flaggs, Jr., the African American Mayor of Vicksburg.
“These images are reflections that would not have happened 20 years ago, that are happening now. I think in large part because of the work of Mission Mississippi that has literally opened the eyes and the hearts of so many across this state and the fact that racial reconciliation is the reason that Mississippi will be successful,” Bryant said.
Bryant also stated that he is fortunate to have been a part of this movement for many years, and that he will always be there when this organization asks for his help.
Speaker of the House Philip Gunn has been involved with Mission Mississippi and was there to support them and congratulate them on 25 years of ministry.
“I think we’ve come a long way, and it’s because of people like Mission Mississippi that have allowed us and given us the opportunity to come together and discuss those things that sometimes seem to drive us apart,” Gunn said. “They have cast a vision for this state and their efforts have resulted in a tremendous breakthrough in bringing Mississippians of all races together.”
Neddie Winters with Mission Mississippi is excited to celebrate 25 years of change in Mississippi one relationship at a time.
“Back then, you would not talk about multi-racial, multi-cultural churches. Spiritually, this state is affected by what Mission Mississippi has done. Today, it’s fashionable to be talking about multi-cultural, multi-racial churches. In fact, people are coming together with the intention of building churches,” Winters said. “I remember when Mission Mississippi got started there was one multi-racial, multi-cultural church that was working in Jackson. Since that time, we have churches all over this city that are led by females and males, black and white, Hispanic, and all that are leading multi-cultural groups, and we believe Mission Mississippi has affected that in so many ways.”
The kick-off event for the celebration of 25 years will be on March 1 at the Jackson Convention Complex. It will be a leadership prayer luncheon and summit. The summit will begin at 9 a.m. and the lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m.
Story by Brittany Land.
