GREENVILLE, Miss. — The City of Greenville will host members of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus during Blues Week, Sept. 14-19, as lawmakers gather for their 2026 annual retreat and participate in events surrounding the Mississippi Delta Blues & Heritage Festival.
The week will include legislative planning, a public town hall and community discussions focused on voting, education, civic engagement, voter identification requirements, redistricting and issues affecting Black Mississippians.
The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus, which consists of 58 Black legislators in the Mississippi House and Senate, is chaired by Rep. Kabir Karriem, D-Lowndes.
“Blues Week reflects the history, creativity and enduring spirit of Greenville and the Mississippi Delta,” Greenville Mayor Errick D. Simmons said. “We are pleased to welcome the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus and create opportunities for residents, elected leaders and community partners to celebrate our culture while engaging in meaningful conversations about the issues shaping our future.”
The public portion of the retreat begins Wednesday with the MLBC Greenville Town Hall at the Elks Lodge, 1818 E. Alexander St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the program scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. District Attorney Scott Colom, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, is scheduled to participate in the discussion.
On Friday, the caucus will join Simmons and city officials for a 9 a.m. news conference at Greenville City Hall, 340 Main St.
A Delta Dialogue hosted by Mississippi Action for Community Education, or MACE, will follow from 10 a.m. to noon. Simmons, members of the MLBC and Central District Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons are scheduled to participate.
The discussion will address voter registration, education, civic engagement, voter identification requirements, redistricting and the state of Black Mississippi.
“Our retreat creates space to prepare for the legislative work ahead and remain accountable to the people we serve,” Karriem said. “Bringing that work to Greenville allows us to listen, exchange ideas and engage residents directly.”
The caucus has identified voting rights, education, health care, workforce development, economic opportunity and redistricting among its areas of legislative focus in its 2026 policy agenda.
Blues Week events will continue throughout the week, including music education, community gatherings and activities leading up to the 49th Mississippi Delta Blues & Heritage Festival.
The schedule includes:
Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 14-15: “Blues in the Schools” community outreach and music education activities.
Wednesday, Sept. 16: Blues Family Day at 5 p.m. at Shelben Park, followed by the MLBC town hall at the Elks Lodge.
Thursday, Sept. 17: Mayor’s Blues Reception from 6 to 10 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 18: MLBC and city news conference at 9 a.m.; Delta Dialogue from 10 a.m. to noon; Little Winn Nelson Street Festival at 4 p.m.; Walnut Street Blues Party at 7 p.m.; and Blues & RVs at 10 p.m. at the Washington County Convention Center.
Saturday,Sept. 19: Breakfast on the River at 9 a.m. at Hotel 27, followed by the 49th Mississippi Delta Blues & Heritage Festival. Festival gates open at 10 a.m. at the Washington County Convention Center and Fairgrounds.
“The Delta has shaped music, culture and history around the world, and its voice remains essential to Mississippi’s future,” Karriem said. “We encourage residents to join us, ask questions, share their concerns and help shape the conversations that lawmakers carry back to Jackson.”
Event details are subject to final review by the City of Greenville and festival organizers. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
