Built By Us: Black Women, Power & The Next 250

BUILT BY US: BLACK WOMEN, POWER & THE NEXT 250

For generations, Black women have been the architects of change—building families, strengthening communities, leading movements, and shaping Mississippi and our nation. Today, we gather to celebrate that legacy, examine the challenges before us, and boldly imagine what the next 250 years can look like. Through research, conversation, culture, and collective visioning, we honor the generations who built the foundation, celebrate the women building today, and inspire those who will build what comes next.

Event Program

Welcome and Introduction of Mistress of Ceremony

Karla Edwards

Deputy Director of Programs and Strategy

Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable

Katina Pace

Deputy Director

One Voice

Mistress of Ceremony Opening Remarks

Pamela D.C. Junior

Director Emerita

Two Mississippi Museums, Historian, and Motivational Speaker

Hosts Greetings and Opening RemarksHosts Greetings and Opening Remarks

Cassandra Welchlin

Executive Director and Co-Convener

Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable

Nsombi Lambright-Haynes

Executive Director
One Voice

Inspiration

Melanie L. Campbell

President & CEO
National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, National Convener, Black Women’s Roundtable

Partner Greetings

Joi Owens Norwood, Esq.

Program Officer
W. K. Kellogg Foundation

Angie Castera

Executive Vice President
Oxfam

Research Presentation

Topic: “Black Action Agenda” Survey Overview

Presenter: Berneece S. Herbert, PhD., Associate Professor & Chair, Department of Urban & Regional Planning, Jackson State University

The Next 250 Conversations

Featured Conversation
Architects of the Future: Black Women, Power, and the Next250

Moderator:

Pamela D.C. Junior, Director Emeritus

Two Mississippi Museums, Historian, and Motivational Speaker

Panelists:

Berneece S. Herbert, PhD

Associate Professor & Chair, Department of Urban & Regional Planning

Jackson State University

Dr. Marie Abston

President

HamiltonDavis Mental Health, Inc.

KIRBY
Singer, Songwriter, Recording Artist

Aznii Kyita Welchlin
94th SGA President-elect at Tougaloo College.

Krystal Nicole Martin, PhD
CEO & Co-Founder

Greater Greener Gloster Project

Theracia Clark
Veteran, Mother, Community Advocate

Special Musical Performance

KIRBY
Singer, Songwriter, Recording Artist

Research Presentation

Topic: “The State of Black Women & Girls in Mississippi: Data, Democracy, and the Decisions That Shape Our Lives”
Presenter: Kelcy Higgins, Executive Director, Magnolia Project

Group Facilitation: Reimagining The Next 250 for Black Women

Group Report Outs

Call to Action & Closing Remarks

Nsombi Lambright-Haynes

Executive Director
One Voice

Cassandra Welchlin

Executive Director & Co-Convener
Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable

DJ Postlude

 

Networking

JOIN US at the Mississippi Capitol!

February 13, 2025

You are invited to our Advocacy Day at the Capitol. Your voice makes a difference!