Crime is down in Mississippi. But that’s not the whole story. Our new report, "When Crime Goes Unsolved," takes a closer look at what the data reveal about public safety across the state. Reported violent and property crime have declined, but Mississippi continues to face serious challenges with homicide, unsolved crimes, forensic capacity, recidivism, and gaps in public-safety data. The report establishes a baseline for understanding where Mississippi is making progress, where challenges remain, and what it will take to build safer communities. Read the full report: empowerms.org/when-crime-goe…

Jackson’s challenges get plenty of attention. But what about its potential? After coming to Mississippi for a two-year teaching assignment, Kevin Parkinson chose to stay, build a life here, and eventually serve on the Jackson City Council. On The Empower Podcast, he shares why he remains optimistic about the capital city and believes Jackson is worth investing in. Watch the full episode: empowerms.org/kevin-parkinso…

What does Jackson need to get right to move forward? Ward 7 City Councilman Kevin Parkinson believes it starts with the basics, but building a stronger city also means thinking about all of Jackson and the people who call it home. On The Empower Podcast, Kevin joins Grant Callen to discuss the challenges facing Mississippi’s capital city, the progress being made, and what it will take to move Jackson forward. Watch the full episode: empowerms.org/kevin-parkinso…

Why are so many Mississippians still disconnected from the workforce? Rebekah Staples, our Fellow on Work, joined Mornings with Richard Cross to discuss findings from our latest report, The Tape Measure Problem, including workforce participation, skills gaps, and the barriers keeping many Mississippians from finding and keeping meaningful work. Watch the conversation to hear what Mississippians told us and what it could mean for the future of work and opportunity in our state piped.video/57XM4Q6hgcA?si=cyDA…

We’re looking for a strategic thinker, strong relationship builder, and policy mind who knows how to turn good ideas into real solutions. Empower Mississippi is hiring a Vice President for Public Policy to lead our policy development, government affairs, and coalition-building efforts. This role is based in Ridgeland, Mississippi, and is an opportunity to help shape solutions that expand opportunity for Mississippians. Could this be you? Or does someone in your network come to mind? 👉 Learn more and apply: empowerms.org/were-hiring-vi…

Choice is something we value in nearly every part of life. Why should education be any different? The Colemans make the case that families should have that same freedom when it comes to something as important as their children’s education. 👉 Watch the full episode: empowerms.org/jack-elizabeth…

Mississippi has momentum. Now we need leaders ready to build on it. As the race for governor takes shape, Empower Mississippi Founder & CEO Grant Callen shares what he’s looking for in our state’s next leader: a bold vision, a clear-eyed view of our challenges, and the courage to lead. What can Mississippi become, and what will it take to get there? Read the full column: empowerms.org/what-im-lookin…

For some families, taking a better-paying job can mean losing childcare or other assistance before their new income is enough to cover the difference. For others, simply getting to work or finding reliable childcare can be the hurdle. These are practical problems, and they deserve practical solutions. 👉 Learn more in The Tape Measure Problem: empowerms.org/new-empower-mi…

Work is more than a paycheck. It’s independence, purpose, and the opportunity to build a better life. This Labor Day, we celebrate the hardworking Mississippians building stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger Mississippi. Happy Labor Day from Empower Mississippi!

A recurring theme in our conversations with employers was the gap between the classroom and the workplace. That means looking beyond graduation itself and asking whether young people leave school with practical skills, career exposure, and an understanding of what employers expect. 👉 Read our findings and recommendations: empowerms.org/new-empower-mi…

Hope can change the direction of a community. The Colemans believe rebuilding the Delta starts with restoring hope, but it also takes entrepreneurship, hard work, and people willing to invest in their communities. On this episode of The Empower Podcast, Jack and Elizabeth Coleman share why they’re betting on Rosedale and what it takes to create opportunity from the ground up. 👉 Watch the full episode: empowerms.org/jack-elizabeth…

Mississippians want to work. So what’s standing in the way? Our latest research has answers 👉 empowerms.org/new-empower-mi…

You can’t pursue a career path you don’t know exists. In our conversations, many people had limited awareness of local careers, apprenticeships, training programs, and other ways to get ahead. Better outreach and stronger career connections can help change that. 👉 See what we learned:empowerms.org/wp-content/upl…

Across seven focus groups and conversations around the state, we heard people talk about what work means to them: providing for their families, becoming financially independent, building a career, and creating something of their own. Those conversations helped shape our latest report on work and opportunity in Mississippi. 👉 Read The Tape Measure Problem: empowerms.org/wp-content/upl…

Can helping someone actually make things worse? Rep. @CelesteHurst_75 has spent years serving people through inner-city ministry and now in the Mississippi Legislature. Along the way, she’s learned that good intentions alone aren’t always enough. On this episode of The Empower Podcast, Celeste joins Grant to talk about poverty, compassion, and why real help requires relationships, dignity, and accountability. 👉 Watch the full episode: empowerms.org/rep-celeste-hu…

What does a tape measure have to do with Mississippi’s workforce? More than you might think. Over the past year, we listened to Mississippians across the state about work and opportunity. What we heard was clear: Mississippians want to work. But too often, barriers and gaps in preparation keep opportunity out of reach. Our new report, The Tape Measure Problem, shares five lessons about connecting more Mississippians to meaningful work. 👉 Read the full report: empowerms.org/new-empower-mi…

History has a lot to teach us about the ideas that shape America. In the latest episode of The Empower Podcast, Grant sits down with award-winning writer and filmmaker Dayton Duncan to explore the story behind America's national parks and why preserving them for everyone became one of our nation's most enduring ideas. 🎧 Listen and watch the full episode now: empowerms.org/dayton-duncan-…

Back-to-school season is about more than backpacks and school supplies. For many Mississippi families, it also brings one important question: Where will my child thrive? The answer looks different for every family. Read the stories of Mississippians who are navigating that journey and discover the shared hope that unites them all: every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and become who they were created to be. 📖 Read the full story: empowerms.org/more-than-a-ba… As a new school year begins, we're grateful for everyone investing in Mississippi's next generation. We wish you all the best in the year ahead.

America's national parks are more than beautiful places to visit; they are one of America's greatest ideas. In this episode of The Empower Podcast, Grant sits down with award-winning writer and filmmaker Dayton Duncan to explore the remarkable story behind the National Park System, the people who made it possible, and what it reveals about the principles of the American experiment. Catch the full conversation: empowerms.org/dayton-duncan-…

What does faithful public service look like in a time when politics can feel more divided than ever? For @JeremyEnglandMS, it starts with remembering that the people we disagree with are still our neighbors. On the latest episode of The Empower Podcast, Sen. England joins Grant Callen to talk about the values that shape his approach to leadership, why relationships and trust still matter in politics, and what it means to serve Mississippi with humility and conviction. Watch & listen now! empowerms.org/sen-jeremy-eng…