Mississippi Center for Justice

09/04/2026

Housing is more than a roof over your head—it’s stability, security, and a foundation for your future.

Tune in to Where Justice Meets Action on Tuesday, September 8, for a conversation with Ashley Richardson, Director of Housing Law at the Mississippi Center for Justice.

We’ll discuss eviction defense, tenant rights, housing stability, fair housing, and the resources available to help Mississippians understand and protect their housing rights.

Tuesday, September 8, 2026
8:00–9:00 a.m.
WMPR 90.1 FM

Watch live on the Mississippi Center for Justice page or YouTube.

Know your rights. Protect your home. Take a stand.

09/04/2026

Earlier this week MCJ, alongside the ACLU of Mississippi, appeared before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans to defend the injunction protecting free speech in Mississippi public schools.

MCJ’s attorney, Rob McDuff, argued on behalf of students, parents, and teachers challenging Mississippi’s 2025 anti-DEI law.

No decision was issued. The fight to protect the freedom to teach and learn continues.

09/03/2026

Mississippi’s legislative maps are once again at the center of an important conversation about representation and voting rights. But nothing in the Callais ruling creates mandatory redistricting in Mississippi.

As public hearings continue across the state, Mississippians deserve clear information about what is happening, what is at stake, and how they can make their voices heard.

Visit the Mississippi Redistricting Resource Hub for need-to-know information, hearing schedules, talking points, testimony preparation and more.

Stay informed. Make your voice heard. Take a stand.

https://mscenterforjustice.org/our-work/redistricting-hub/

09/01/2026

Congratulations to our 1st Entrepreneur Cohort graduates!

From Aug. 3–31, this group of local small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs showed up ready to grow, putting in the work on business planning, financial literacy, marketing strategies, and networking, all in partnership with Planters Bank and Trust Company

Meet our graduates and their businesses:

• AlBreshia Robinson — Beyond Bacon
• Ambershun Hodo — Beverly & Nechia Creations
• Angelisa Butcher — The Vault
• Clarence Williams — DaTruth with The Drinks LLC
• Iris Saffold — Saffold & Hinton
• Kameron Haymon — Haymon Designs, LLC
• Kim Hodges — Hodge's Educational & Psychometric Counseling Services
• Marilyn James — J5 Services
• Marion Minton — Marion Blessing & Hope Family Home Childcare
• Maritha Turner-Freeman — Hope & Growth Adolescent Mental Health Services
• Natasha Dozier — Sweet Sensations by Tasha LLC ()
• Roy Nolden — Funday City Adventure Center
• Sakita Jones — The MakeUp Vanity
• Virginia Butler — B & C Group, LLC
• Ryvell Fitzpatrick — Ryvell D. Fitzpatrick, Attorney at Law


Building stronger businesses means building stronger communities, and this cohort is proof of what's possible when the right tools, knowledge, and connections come together.

We're proud of every graduate who invested time in their business's future — and we're just getting started. Stay tuned as we continue growing our Small Business Development Resource Program with new partnerships and resources on the way.

Congratulations again, Cohort 1. Grow What Matters.

09/01/2026

Where Justice Meets Action: Impact Litigation

08/30/2026

MONDAY, AUGUST 31: MCJ GOES TO COURT TO DEFEND FREE SPEECH IN MISSISSIPPI CLASSROOMS

This is a critical moment.

On Monday, the Mississippi Center for Justice will appear before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans to defend the federal court injunction we won last year, which has prevented Mississippi from enforcing unconstitutional restrictions on what teachers and students can discuss in public schools.

The law, passed by the Mississippi Legislature in 2025 as part of its anti-DEI legislation, includes restrictions on teaching about the history and present-day reality of issues related to race, s*x, color, gender identity, s*xual orientation, and national origin.

At stake is the freedom to teach and the freedom to learn Mississippi’s history.

MCJ’s Director of Impact Litigation, Rob McDuff, will argue before a three-judge panel on behalf of the students, parents, and teachers challenging the law.

Monday, August 31
9:00 a.m.
New Orleans | U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit

The oral argument will be livestreamed by the Fifth Circuit. Listen live here:

We need our supporters, partners, educators, parents, and all those who believe in the freedom to learn to pay attention.

This fight is not over. And what happens next matters.

Learn more

The Mississippi Center for Justice is a nonprofit, public interest law firm committed to advancing racial and economic justice. Supported and staffed by attorneys and other professionals, the Center develops and pursues strategies to combat discrimination and poverty statewide.

08/30/2026

This week on Where Justice Meets Action, MCJ welcomes Rob McDuff, Director of Impact Litigation, for a conversation on civil rights, constitutional protections, free speech, voting rights, and the role of impact litigation in advancing justice for Mississippians.

Tune in Tuesday, September 1, from 8:00–9:00 a.m. on WMPR 90.1 FM, or watch live on the Mississippi Center for Justice page.

Stay informed. Stay engaged. Take a stand for justice.

Where Justice Meets Action (WJMA) Disclaimer: The information shared on Where Justice Meets Action is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. If you need legal advice about your specific situation, please consult a licensed attorney.

08/27/2026

🏠 Facing eviction? Know your rights.

Understanding the eviction process can help you know what to expect and what steps you can take to protect yourself.

Watch this Evictions Crash Course to learn more about the process and why knowing your rights matters.

▶️ Watch: https://youtu.be/JdXo3_lxccA

Knowledge is power. Know your rights. Take A Stand.

08/27/2026

On August 25, 2026, Erinn Funches, Program Manager of Health Justice, presented “Breaking Barriers Through Advocacy: Using Your Voice to Eliminate HIV Stigma” to The Center for HIV/AIDS Research, Education and Policy (C-HAREP).

The education session explored how individuals can use their voices and positions within their communities to break down barriers and help eliminate HIV-related stigma. The presentation also provided an overview of Mississippi’s current HIV criminalization law and discussed how the statute can contribute to harmful stigma and discrimination within our communities.

We would like to thank The Center for HIV/AIDS Research, Education and Policy (C-HAREP) for welcoming us and providing the opportunity to facilitate this important conversation. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to continuing to work together to promote education, advocacy, and efforts to eliminate HIV stigma.

08/25/2026

Don’t lose your home over unpaid property taxes.

The August 31 property tax deadline is approaching. If your county holds tax sales on the last Monday in August, now is the time to act.

📞 Contact your local Tax Collector/Tax Assessor’s Office immediately to confirm your deadline and learn what you need to do to protect your property.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. **Take action today.

Visit mscenterforjustice.org/heirs for more information.