The Democracy In Action Convening
Get ready for the inaugural Democracy In Action (DIA) Convening, from September 4-7, 2024, at the Jackson Convention Center in Mississippi. This historic event will bring together activists, veterans, thought leaders, and experts in civic engagement for powerful discussions, insightful panels, and strategic planning to shape the future of our democracy.
The inaugural Democracy in Action Convening kicks off Wednesday, Sept. 4, with a VIP Reception featuring an intergenerational conversation among influential women in Mississippi who have led and continue to lead efforts to run for office and organize communities around social change. This opening plenary, moderated by Pamela Junior, sets the tone for the convening with insights from Rep. Alyce Clarke, Dr. Flonzie Brown Wright, and Carol Blackmon.
Day One begins Thursday, Sept. 5, with a thought-provoking plenary titled “The Kids Are Alright,” which explores the legacy of the Freedom Struggle of the 1960s and its influence on emerging movements. The conversation features civil rights veterans David Dennis, Sr., and David Dennis, Jr., highlighting the enduring impact of past struggles on today’s activism. The day continues with breakout sessions, a keynote lunch by Rukia Lumumba, and concludes with a dinner keynote from Former Congressman Joe Kennedy, III, founder of the Groundwork Project.
Day Two opens Friday, Sept. 6, with a plenary focused on “Lessons from Freedom Summer 1964,” featuring Veterans of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement and volunteers from the Mississippi Freedom Project. The day is filled with engaging breakout sessions and a midday conversation on “Living Legacies,” led by Arekia Bennett-Scott and featuring Reena Evers-Everette and Dennis K. Dahmer, Sr. The day wraps up with the Freedom and Justice Mixer, providing an informal space for networking and reflection.
Day Three opens Saturday, Sept. 7, with a plenary session “What’s Next?” which addresses the future of the movement. This discussion, moderated by Waikinya Clanton, includes panelists Sen. Rod Hickman, Robin Jackson, DeKeither Stamps, and Bobby Hudson, who will explore the next steps for continuing the momentum of the movement. The convening will close with regional caucus breakout sessions, providing an opportunity for participants to strategize on a more localized level.
Throughout the convening, participants will have numerous opportunities to connect, learn, and collaborate in the shared pursuit of a more just and equitable future. Whether through panel discussions, keynote speeches, or informal mixers, the DIA Convening is a unique opportunity to be part of a collective effort to shape the future of democracy in Mississippi and beyond.