By K. Monroe Carter
Residents from across Simpson County gathered in Mendenhall on May 29 for a day centered on community connections, civic engagement and conversations about issues shaping the future of their communities.
Hosted by Simpson County Bridge Builders at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, the event featured a morning resource fair followed by an afternoon legislative and candidate forum that brought residents face-to-face with elected officials and community organizations.
Throughout the morning, local and regional agencies shared information on services ranging from legal assistance and workforce training to small business development, child care and health resources.
Organizers said the goal was simple: help residents learn about programs available to them while strengthening connections across the community.
Karriem and Chiaradio
The conversation shifted in the afternoon as candidates and lawmakers discussed key issues facing Mississippi, including voting rights, redistricting, health care, education and the upcoming November election.
District 1 Supervisor Mitchell Chatman encouraged residents to stay engaged and make their voices heard at the ballot box.
“Change begins when people believe they matter. Your voice, your vote and your commitment help shape the future of our community,” Chatman said. “Every vote is a voice, a voice has value, and every citizen has the power to make a difference.”
Rep. Zakiya Summers said she made a point to attend because representation requires more than casting votes at the Capitol.
“I wanted to be in Mendenhall because representation means showing up,” Summers said. “What happens at the State Capitol impacts everyday life. Rural communities, often the last to know, deserve information, access, and the opportunity to ask questions about decisions that affect their future.”
Summers said residents should stay informed about issues such as health care, child care, infrastructure, education and voting rights, especially as redistricting efforts continue and election season approaches.
Rep. Kabir Karriem, chairman of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus, said community events like this help bridge the gap between elected officials and the people they serve.
“As chairman of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus, it is important for me to travel into every hamlet, village, town and city across Mississippi because the people deserve to know that their voices matter and that someone is listening,” Karriem said. “We are living in critical times, and our responsibility is not only to inform our communities but also to hear their concerns firsthand.”
Karriem encouraged residents to remain involved in the civic process, calling community engagement one of the strongest tools available for creating change.
and Karriem
Organizers said the event reflected the mission of Simpson County Bridge Builders: bringing people together, sharing resources and ensuring residents have a seat at the table when decisions affecting their communities are made.
