JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
An organization leading the Magnolia State through racial reconciliation is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Mission Mississippi turns 20 and officials announced big plans for 2013 at a press conference at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson Friday morning.
Their efforts to bridge the racial divide in Mississippi continues this year with the Governor's Prayer Luncheon followed by several events.
The backdrop of the press conference is significant, because Veterans Stadium is where Mission Mississippi started in 1993. For Mission Mississippi's president Neddie Winters it's a place that brings back powerful memories.
"Just imagine with me for a moment 20 years ago this stadium being packed with black and white people, old and young, from all across this state and celebrating oneness in the body of Christ," Winters said.
Winters also detailed how much the movement has grown in two decades.
"We are now operating and running activities in 21 cities in the state of Mississippi, so we're excited about the year 2013, because it does celebrate 20 years of changing Mississippi one relationship at a time," Winters said.
The 13th annual Governor's Prayer Luncheon is scheduled for Jan. 31, at the Jackson Convention Complex. It starts at 11:30 a.m. and the keynote speaker will be noted civil rights activist, author and the first layperson to ever give the invocation at a presidential inauguration Myrlie Evers-Williams.
Other events:
- The 20th of each month, Two & Two restaurant days
- May 9: The Mayor's Prayer Luncheon
- October is Racial Reconciliation Month
- August through October: "Carrying a Lighted Cross Walk" Through Mississippi
- Oct. 27: Rally at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium
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