Two Mississippi Museums Making A Difference
Black History Month kicks off with the Mid South Foundation
May 23, 2024
Many Mississippians express a desire to take action to improve race relations
The Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) initiative in Mississippi, supported by the Foundation for the Mid-South, works tomission to dismantle systemic racism and promote economic equity through a focus on narrative change, racial healing, and economic transformation
At the heart of the lies a commitment to building a state where everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity, have access to opportunities and are treated with dignity and respect.
Led by the Foundation for the Mid South, Mississippi’s TRHT alliance works to bring people together, to bridge cultural divides, and work toward racial healing across the state. At the heart of the Mississippi Truth Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) Alliance is a commitment to building a state where everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity, has access to opportunities and are treated with dignity and respect.
In January of 2024, six institutional partners were selected to lead the Mississippi’s TRHT initiative because of their deep community ties, along with their capacity and commitment to racial healing. They focus on storytelling and community conversations that are key to shifting dominant narratives that shape our collective understanding of the world, race, opportunities and privilege.
Founded in 1877, Jackson State University is a public historically black research university in Jackson, Mississippi. It is one of the largest HBCUs in the United States and the fourth largest university in Mississippi. The Institute for Social Justice and Race Relations (ISJRR) at Jackson State University (JSU) is dedicated to addressing issues of social justice, racial equity, and community engagement. Through research, public forums, and educational initiatives, the ISJRR works to foster dialogue about race and promote understanding across diverse communities
Millsaps College, located in Jackson, Mississippi, is a private liberal arts institution known for its commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and the fostering of social justice and equity. Established in 1890, Milsaps has a long history of leadership in higher education within the state and region. The college’s emphasis on developing well-rounded citizens who are prepared to engage in complex societal issues makes it an ideal partner in the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) initiative.
Mission Mississippi is a faith-based organization that has been at the forefront of fostering racial reconciliation and healing across Mississippi for over 31 years. Rooted in the Gospel message, their mission is to encourage grace and unity across racial lines by promoting honest dialogue, building relationships, and addressing systemic racial and economic disparities. Mission Mississippi creates safe spaces for meaningful conversations on race, truth, and reconciliation.
Played a critical role in organizing the 60th Anniversary Freedom Summer events, drawing in 564 participants from across the state. The events commemorated the civil rights movement while engaging youth and adults in conversations about racial healing, community building, and the ongoing fight for racial justice. The broad reach of these events demonstrated the power of history in mobilizing new generations to continue the work of social justice advocacy.
Emphasized economic empowerment in the agricultural sector by hosting panel discussions and fireside chats involving over 50 participants. These events aimed to address the historical and systemic barriers faced by Black farmers and agricultural stakeholders, reframing agriculture as a pathway to economic equity for BIPOC communities.
Focused on Jackson’s water crisis, facilitating symposia and webinars attended by over 100 individuals. These efforts highlighted the intersection of environmental racism and systemic neglect in Mississippi’s capital city. By addressing the water infrastructure crisis through a racial equity lens, the Alluvial Collective brought together key stakeholders to develop long-term solutions that prioritize racial justice and resilience.
Download the Truth Racial Healing and Transformation 2023-2024 Evaluation Report
The Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) framework is at the core of our mission to address systemic racial disparities across Mississippi. This comprehensive approach focuses on narrative change, building racial understanding, and fostering strong community relationships. Through partnerships and community engagement, we work to break down barriers in areas like economic opportunity, law, and education, ensuring that every individual has a fair chance to thrive. Learn more about our impact and our commitment to a more inclusive and just Mississippi.
Download Evaluation Reports:
Led by the Foundation for the Mid South, Mississippi’s TRHT alliance works to bring people together, to bridge cultural divides, and work toward racial healing across the state. At the heart of the Mississippi Truth Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) Alliance is a commitment to building a state where everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity, has access to opportunities and are treated with dignity and respect.
Black History Month kicks off with the Mid South Foundation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 16, 2023 Grant Partners Jackson State
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The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) originated with our founder’s vision to provide for the health, happiness and wellbeing of children. In 2007, the foundation determined that racism intensified conditions that block the pursuit of health, happiness and wellbeing of all children. At that time, the board of trustees committed WKKF to becoming an effective anti-racist organization. In 2015, the WKKF Board of Trustees decided it was time to launch a new process to address the ongoing and seemingly intractable reach and impacts of racism in America and Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation was initiated. Dr. Gail Christopher, senior advisor and vice president for TRHT during that era, led the work to engage over 144 national partners and, with them, develop and pilot the framework and process.
We are in the business of improving lives in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.