Mississippi State of the State
Mississippi has consistently been at the forefront of radical shifts, serving as ground zero in the struggle for democracy and freedom from its start. The Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi has played a vital role in securing voting rights and political representation for marginalized people, especially those who had been systematically disenfranchised and denied a voice in the democratic process. The struggle in Mississippi provided a model for ordinary citizens who sought to courageously build a movement to claim their rights and disrupt an undemocratic status quo. By continuing to address the unfinished business of political, economic and social injustice in Mississippi, we honor the civil rights legacies of our heroes and possess the resources needed to truly strengthen and redefine democracy as we see it.
What is “The State of the State?”
The State of the State report is the inaugural publication by the Southern Poverty Law Center Mississippi state office that comprehensively analyzes Mississippi's current social, political and economic landscape. Released in 2024, it coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Freedom Summer—a reminder of how far we have come and a mile-marker of how much further we have left to go.
The State of the State brings together insights from subject matter experts, researchers and community members to assess the persistent racial and socioeconomic injustices harming vulnerable communities throughout Mississippi. It highlights the effect of these issues on democracy and civic participation while also proposing actionable strategies to tackle long-standing inequities and empower minority communities.
Download Community Guide & Toolkit
