6 Changemaker Organizations Selected to Spearhead Mississippi Truth Racial Healing & Transformation Initiative
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2023
Grant Partners Jackson State University, Millsaps College, Mission Mississippi, the Neshoba Youth Coalition, Tougaloo College, and The Alluvial Collective to Spearhead Mississippi’s Truth Racial Healing and Transformation Initiative Where Speaking Openly about the Roots of Racial Inequality and Racial Healing Can Build Powerful Coalitions for Change.
Launch of the State-Wide Initiative Coincides with the ‘2024 National Day of Racial Healing,’ on Jan. 16 and will be Commemorated with a virtual talk Featuring Prominent Voices From the Field with a Focus on Millennials, Gen Z and the Economic and Racial Justice Implications of Racial Healing.
Jackson, MS – The Foundation for the Mid South, a philanthropic leader dedicated to delivering stronger education, health, and wealth-building solutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi – states making up 30 percent of the nation’s poverty – proudly announces a cohort of changemakers spearheading the Mississippi Truth and Racial Healing Transformation (TRHT) initiative.
Drawing on the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s pioneering model convening communities across America for healing, trust, and relationship building, particularly on the National Day of Racial Healing, Mississippi’s cohort will work to unite communities through dialogue and trust-building. Greek letter organizations, churches, and nonprofits working towards the common goal of racial healing will also be awarded mini-grants to facilitate the grassroots effort, centering practices, tools, and collaborations for dismantling persistent poverty, deeply rooted inequities, and racism.
Foundation for the Mid South CEO Greg Johnson said, “The world’s most diverse nation is witnessing a notable shift against diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. However, the loudest voices don’t always represent the real community change driven by candid conversations and community trust-building with racial healing at the center. Our initiative is about growing this crucial work.”
“As we embark on this journey of racial healing and transformation, it’s essential to recognize the power of open dialogue and understanding,” said Dr. Rodney Washington, Owner and Lead Evaluator, Consulting Plus, LLC. “Our goal is to create spaces where every voice is heard and every story is valued, laying the groundwork for lasting change.”
Meshelle Rawls, Principal Investigator at the Foundation for the Mid South said, “The new Mississippi cohort of Truth and Racial Healing Transformation is essential to the movement towards a more inclusive and equitable society. By empowering our communities to lead these conversations, we’re doubling down on healing and unity at a crucial point in time.”
Virtual Panel on National Day of Racial Healing
For the ‘2024 National Day of Racial Healing,’ the Foundation for Mid South convened Mississippi changemakers for a virtual talk on racial healing. Featuring prominent voices from the field, the virtual talk titled “A Virtual Talk on Mississippi’s Elevation through Racial Healing” will explore opportunities for Millennials and Gen Z Mississippians.
About the Foundation for the Mid-South
Established to unite public and private entities in efforts to increase social and economic opportunity, the Foundation for the Mid South is dedicated to enabling communities to develop solutions that improve conditions and improve lives. With a focus on education, health and wellness, wealth building, and community development, the Foundation is a beacon of hope.
###
Media Contact
Pencil PR
Jeremy House
601-342-1478