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.

Stewarding the American Dream

By Grant Callen | July 3, 2026

Written by Grant Callen As America approaches its 250th anniversary, I have found myself thinking less about politics and more about stewardship. Recently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio described America as “a story of perpetual improvement,” a nation where each generation leaves the next freer, safer, and more prosperous than the one before. That’s the essence…

Amanda Delverdank is building something special in the Mississippi Delta

By Ashley Green | June 26, 2026

Written by Ashley Green Originally from Utah, Amanda came to Mississippi through Teach for America and began her journey in education as an art teacher in Greenville. Over time, her passion for children, community, and meaningful learning experiences continued to grow. While working in schools, she began noticing something powerful: children often learned best when they…

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…

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