Empower Commentary - Empower Mississippi

Empower Mississippi Commentary

Welcome to Empower Mississippi's Commentary page, where we provide in-depth analysis and thought-provoking perspectives on the key issues impacting our state. Stay informed with expert opinions, policy breakdowns, and the latest updates to understand the driving forces behind Mississippi's growth and challenges. Please note that the views expressed in guest columns are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Empower Mississippi.

Charter Schools Outperform Districts on 3rd Grade Reading Test Initial Results

By Forest Thigpen | June 24, 2026

Written by Forest Thigpen The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) has released results of the initial administration of the 2026 third-grade reading assessment, and five of the six Mississippi charter schools with third-grade students outperformed their local school district. This assessment process is often referred to as the “Third Grade Gate” and is required under the…

2026 Legislative Session Wrap Up: Progress, Setbacks, and What’s Next

By Empower Mississippi | April 10, 2026

Written by Empower Mississippi The 2026 legislative session has concluded. Lawmakers could return to address final items, such as veto overrides, but the session is effectively over. As we reflect on the last few months, one word comes to mind to describe this legislative session: disappointing. We will likely remember this session more for what didn’t…

From Incarceration to Impact: How Karl Hampton Found Freedom Through Opportunity

By Ashley Green | March 27, 2026

Written by Ashley Green For Karl Hampton, incarceration was not the beginning of his story. It was the moment his story began to change. Before prison, Karl’s life was shaped by a constant search for affirmation. Growing up without a father figure, he—like many young men—looked to his community to define what manhood meant. Street culture…