Foundation for the Mid South

01/17/2026

Rim and Judy Barber are lifelong civil rights leaders whose work has advanced justice, equity, and community empowerment across Mississippi and beyond. Rim Barber, a Freedom Summer volunteer and former member of the Children’s Defense Fund, continues to be deeply engaged in community organizing, while Judy Barber has been a steadfast advocate for racial justice and community transformation.

Join us next week as we honor Rim and Judy Barber for their enduring legacy and commitment to racial healing, including a panel and luncheon only at The Two Mississippi Museums.

Join us at the Two Mississippi Museums on Tuesday, January 20, to celebrate the National Day of Racial Healing, established by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation as part of the MLK Free Weekend sponsored by FedEx. The Two Mississippi Museums will partner with the Foundation for the Mid South for a panel discussion on faith and philanthropy, honoring activists Rims and Judy Barber, at 11 a.m. Free lunch will be provided.

01/16/2026

When asked what racial healing looks like, Mission Mississippi President Brian Crawford shared, “Racial healing ultimately looks like communities coming together—not only to share space, which is important, but also to share stories in the most authentic and vulnerable way.”

When communities across the Mid-South come together across race and difference to engage in these meaningful conversations, real and lasting change can begin.

This National Day of Racial Healing, Tuesday, January 20, at the Two Mississippi Museums, join us for a statewide convening grounded in truth, belonging, and transformation. Participants will engage in facilitated dialogue, storytelling, and action rooted in the Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) framework. The observance will also feature a special luncheon honoring civil rights leaders Rim Barber and Judy Barber.

More from Brian Crawford here: https://fndmidsouth.org/building-bridges-how-the-mississippi-trht-alliance-is-advancing-racial-healing-and-equity/

01/15/2026

NATIONAL DAY OF RACIAL HEALING
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | Jackson, MS
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Two Mississippi Museums
Lunch will be provided.

Join us for the National Day of Racial Healing, a statewide convening grounded in truth, belonging, and transformation. Community leaders, educators, students, and faith partners will gather for facilitated dialogue, storytelling, and action rooted in the Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) framework.

This year’s observance will also:
- Introduce a new Mississippi-based TRHT cohort, where participants can learn more about how to engage in sustained racial healing work beyond a single day.
- Feature a special luncheon honoring civil rights leaders Rim Barber and Judy Barber, recognizing their enduring legacy and commitment to justice and community transformation.

Hosted & Supported By:
Mississippi TRHT Alliance
In partnership with Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
Supported by W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Alliance partners include:
Jackson State University
Millsaps College
Mission Mississippi
Mississippi Humanities Council
Neshoba Youth Coalition

01/13/2026

One week from today, join us for the 2026 National Day of Racial Healing, an action-focused summit rooted in truth, belonging, and transformation. Community leaders, educators, students, and faith partners will come together for meaningful conversations, reflection, and collective action as we work toward a more just and equitable future.

On Tuesday, January 20, Mississippi Civil Rights Museum will mark the National Day of Racial Healing with a powerful panel discussion on faith and philanthropy, honoring activists Rims and Judy Barber. Presented in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the program will be followed by a reception at 4 p.m. where attendees can gather to share stories and reflect on the Barbers’ lasting legacy. Admission is free and lunch will be provided.

Take a look back at the 2025 National Day of Racial Healing, when the Jackson, MS community gathered at the Two Mississippi Museums to participate in powerful racial healing initiatives and build momentum for an even bigger and bolder 2026.

01/10/2026

Deadline TOMORROW!

College students across Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina, this is a meaningful opportunity to make your voice heard and shape real change.

Urban Institute and are seeking student representatives to attend a 2-day convening in Jackson, MS (February 3–4, 2026) focused on strengthening education and workforce supports across the region.

- Travel, lodging, and meals covered
- $800 stipend
- Opportunity to speak directly with state leaders and policymakers

If you have lived experience navigating challenges like food insecurity, housing, childcare, or transportation, and want to help shape solutions, apply today.

Applications close January 11 (tomorrow).
QR code / Link:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefglspy7_tLRm0hf7QBXj3Kr_F42KSR92aeNdNV53T4DUCZA/viewform

Please share with students in your networks.

01/09/2026

Racial healing in Mississippi is essential because of the state’s deep-rooted history of racial injustice and systemic inequality.

To change this legacy, the work must begin with our youth. As Leroy Clemons reminds us, “It’s important for students to know their history and feel confident in who they are.” Read the full article here: https://fndmidsouth.org/q-and-a-with-leroy-clemons/

Join us January 19–20 at the Two Mississippi Museums for MLK Day of Service and the National Day of Racial Healing.

- MLK Day of Service, participants will engage in hands-on service and youth leadership activities honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Sign up here: https://form.jotform.com/CassioB79/racial-healing-youth

-The National Day of Racial Healing, take part in an action-focused summit grounded in truth, belonging, and transformation, featuring dialogue, reflection, and collective action toward a more just future.

01/08/2026

Healing begins when we come together.

Join us for the National Day of Racial Healing, an action-focused summit grounded in truth, belonging, and transformation. Community leaders, educators, students, and faith partners will gather for dialogue, reflection, and collective action toward a more just future.

Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Two Mississippi Museums | Jackson, MS

In partnership with The Two Mississippi Museums
Supported by W.K. Kellogg Foundation & Mississippi TRHT Alliance

01/07/2026

This MLK Day, we honor Dr. King’s legacy through service and youth leadership.

The Mississippi TRHT Alliance invites youth-serving organizations, schools, and faith groups to partner with us for a Day of Service focused on community care and racial healing. Youth participants will engage in:
• Community beautification
• Hunger & homelessness relief efforts
• Health & wellness activities
• Facilitated racial healing conversations

Monday, January 19, 2026
Jackson, MS

Interested in signing up your students to participate in the MLK Day of Service? Sign up here: https://form.jotform.com/CassioB79/racial-healing-youth

Supported by W.K. Kellogg Foundation & Mississippi TRHT Alliance

12/30/2025

Farewell 2025. Let’s get to work in 2026.

We are closing out the year looking ahead with purpose--guided by our new five-year strategic plan shaped by the voices and needs of the Mid South.

Over the next five years, our focus will center on college readiness, healthcare, affordable housing, and financial security as we continue building pathways to opportunity and impact.

Read more about our strategic path for 2026 and beyond:

https://fndmidsouth.org/35-years-of-impact/

#2026

12/23/2025

Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season and all the best for the New Year!

12/22/2025

For nonprofit leaders, the holidays are a great moment to show appreciation for the teams who make the mission possible.

In a recent Forbes Nonprofit Council article, Gregory Johnson, President and CEO of the Foundation for the Mid South, highlights the importance of getting personal during the holidays, noting that taking time to genuinely thank your team helps people feel seen and valued beyond the season

Read the full article here:

https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesnonprofitcouncil/2025/10/29/nonprofit-leaders-how-to-show-the-whole-team-theyre-appreciated/

12/19/2025

The Foundation for the Mid South’s work is about connecting people to opportunities and ensuring communities have access to the resources they need to move forward.

FMS Education Program Officer George Stewart shared:

“It means making an impact. It means connecting people to opportunities and resources they may not otherwise have. We help fill gaps and provide opportunities where none may exist.”

This perspective reflects how our work shows up across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi every day.