A Delta State University delegation recently took part in Mission Mississippi\u2019s annual Racial Reconciliation Celebration at the Jackson Convention Complex.<\/p>\n
The full day of events focused on racial reconciliation, education and methods for Mississippians, from all walks of life, to work together to create a more unified Mississippi.<\/p>\n
Mission Mississippi has been leading the way in racial reconciliation in the state for the past 23 years. Its model is to bring people together to build relationships across racial lines so they can work together to better their communities.<\/p>\n
Delta State University faculty, staff and students attended the reconciliation event and participated in a small group session, panel discussion and luncheon.<\/p>\n
Student delegates included: Stedmond Ware (graduate student and Delta State staff member), Amber Jordan, Kiara Bryant, Jarrica Carey, Kaviar Lewis, Hampton Strickland and Felicity Strotter. Dr. Temika Simmons represented the university\u2019s faculty.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe conference raised participant awareness of the significant role that churches and religious organizations can take in bridging racial divides,\u201d said Simmons. \u201cParticipants were encouraged to take Mission Mississippi\u2019s 30-day challenge to spend time with a person of another race, sharing, praying and encouraging one another and to share that journey with others via photos on social media. Participants were also encouraged to think of themselves as leaders in the communities for bridging racial gaps.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe event is significant in that it raises community awareness of persistent and systemic issues rooted in racial tensions \u2014 and empowers participants with ways to get involved to help heal and reunite communities and people,\u201d added Simmons.<\/p>\n
Neddie Winters, president of Mission Mississippi, and First Lady of Mississippi, Deborah Bryant, were two featured speakers at the affair.<\/p>\n
Delta State\u2019s annual Winning the Race Conference on race relations works in partnership with Mission Mississippi in support of initiatives and efforts to unite and heal groups traditionally separated by race-related divides. Attendance at the reconciliation event is among many sustained campus and community activities supported through the university\u2019s Winning the Race initiative.<\/p>\n
The vision of Mission Mississippi is to engage, equip and empower the next generation to build relationships across racial lines, to work together with better understanding, to build greater respect for one another, and to trust each other while making a better Mississippi together.<\/p>\n