Champions of Justice Tickets - Justice Brunch Tickets

Join us as we celebrate yesterday's heroes, amplify today's voices, and empower tomorrow's changemakers.

The Social Justice Empowerment Experience is a transformative gathering in Jackson that explores Mississippi's profound legacy of courage, resistance, and hope. This year, we are honored to celebrate Angie Thomas, an award-winning author and cultural voice for equity, as our keynote speaker and Champions of Justice honoree, alongside Jim Barksdale, founder, and Kelly Butler, former CEO of the Barksdale Reading Institute, whose transformative approach to literacy advanced educational equity statewide. Additionally, we honor William J. (Bill) Bynum, founding Chief Executive Officer of HOPE; Cassandra Williams, President of Hope Credit Union; and Ed Sivak, President of Hope Enterprise Corporation, for their leadership in creating financial inclusion in underserved communities in the Deep South.

Over two extraordinary days, the Experience begins with the Champions of Justice Dinner at The Westin Jackson on Thursday, October 23, at 6:00 p.m. and continues with the Justice Brunch at the Mississippi Museum of Art on Friday, October 24, at 10:00 a.m.

The Justice Brunch features an extraordinary panel discussion, moderated by MCJ’s President and CEO, Kimberly Jones Merchant, alongside two bestselling authors, Angie Thomas and Margaret McMullan, and renowned civil rights attorney Amir Badat. Following the panel, Jeffersonian-style table conversations led by MCJ and community luminaries provide an opportunity to delve deeper into critical topics alongside fellow advocates, movement leaders, and community members.

Your ticket purchase directly supports the Mississippi Center for Justice’s frontline work, encompassing legal representation, impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community education in areas such as housing, health, economic justice, civic engagement, education equity, and heirs’ property. Together, we protect families from unlawful evictions, expand access to health care, preserve intergenerational land ownership, and ensure every child has an equal chance to learn and thrive.