Statement of Belief and Intention

Dear friends,

In 1968, a group of white, prominent civic leaders in Jackson, Mississippi, felt it was important to take a stand against the rabid tide of discrimination in their city (my father, John Hampton Stennis, was among them). They took out a full-page ad in the Jackson Daily News to publish a "Statement of Belief and Intention," which centered around the basic tenet: "We believe in the essential worth and dignity of every human being." They spoke out in spite of anticipated personal and professional risk against discrimination and in favor of equal access to employment, facilities, and opportunity.

Here  we are, over 40 years later, and our state has just legalized discrimination with the passage of HB1523. Once again, a group of prominent citizens is called to take a formal stand on record against sanctioned, discriminatory hate.

On May 1, 2016 - the anniversary of the original - Mississippians from across the state - including many who signed the original 1968 version - will publish the revised 2016 "Statement of Belief and Intention." Standing together and on  the record, we say together that legalized discrimination of any kind was wrong then, and is wrong now.

Your help in funding this effort is much appreciated. Please give what you can toward the actual cost (to the penny, as shown). 

Warmly and with great admiration, respect, and gratitude,

Laurin Stennis