by Jacob Jean, Future Coastal Leaders Fellow
The Steps Coalition recently had the opportunity to co-host the Groundwork Project team in collaboration with the Mississippi State Conference of the NAACP! It was a pleasure spending the day with Joe Kennedy and his team from Groundwork Project as we toured of East Biloxi’s historic landmarks and key developing areas.
From left to right, Gordon Jackson (Steps), Jonathan Green (Steps), David Perkes (GCCDS) with Joe Kennedy, Groundwork Project Executive Director (farthest right)
As a team dedicated to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Steps loves getting the opportunity to appreciate and preserve the rich civil rights legacy of the area. We also highly appreciated getting to share some of our ideas and plans for East Biloxi development projects with our funding allies.
From left to right, Gordon Jackson (Steps), Patrick Kearney (MA State Rep.), Joe Kennedy (GWP), Jonathan Green (Steps), Anthony Davis (GWP), David Perkes (GCCDS), and Allytra Perryman (EBCC) at Inez Cafe Wade-In Mural in east Biloxi that was commissioned by Steps Coalition and the NAACP Biloxi Branch and created by muralist, Demetrius Gayden
The first major landmark we visited during the tour was the Wade-In Commemorative Mural at Inez Cafe as seen in the photo above. It depicts the wade-ins that took place in the 1950's and 1960's that eventually led to the desegregation of Biloxi's Public Beach. We then visited Tyrone’s Barber and Beauty Salon, which has been a staple of the community for over 61 years. We even got a chance to speak with the owners and some of the civil rights heroes who participated in the wade-ins.
Joe Kennedy and his delegation at Tyrone's Barber Shop & Salon
The Groundwork Project delegation also visited Ms. Audrey's Southern Kitchen and Catering in Gulfport where they were joined by National NAACP President Derrick Johnson, civic leader Corey Wiggins, and several community members as you can see in the photo below.
NAACP delegation including President Derrick Johnson (5th from right) and civic leader Corey Wiggins (5th from left)
Finally, Joe Kennedy met with State Representative, Jeremey Anderson, who represents District 110 in the Mississippi State House and is the youngest Black representative to be elected anywhere in the country.
Joe Kennedy and Anthony Davis with Jeremy Anderson (right)
As you can see, grassroots organizations like ours always do our best work when we collaborate. We plan on continuing to rebuild and reinvigorate the coast with the help of our great friends at Groundwork Project, the NAACP Mississippi State Conference, and the Mississippi community for years to come.
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