Editor’s Note: During the summer of 2022, Mississippi First hosted two communications interns. Each intern wrote a reflection about their experience. ***

By Mari Lampkin I Mississippi First Summer Intern 2022


The summer I turned twelve, I went on a field trip with the Sunflower County Freedom Project. We were at a civil rights museum somewhere in Alabama or maybe Memphis. At the time, I was a big collector of button pins and was looking in the gift shop to add some pins to my collection. I remember seeing one with a quote from Gandhi that said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Twelve-year-old Mari thought that it was really deep, so I bought it. To this day, the quote still resonates with me. 

Growing up in the Mississippi Delta, there wasn’t much to do, and I’m pretty sure that hasn’t changed much in the last few years. However, with the help of my mother, El-Gurean Lampkin, I continued my education outside of school in the form of summer enrichment programs and socially engaging after-school programs like the Sunflower County Freedom Project. These programs allowed me the opportunity to learn how I can be the change I wish to see in Mississippi and my community.

This path led me to Mississippi First. Through one of my mentors (and current Mississippi First board chair), LeKesha Perry, I found an opportunity to apply my marketing background and love for bettering Mississippi at a nonprofit that has been the leading voice in primary education in Mississippi. The Mississippi First staff works tirelessly to help advocate for funding and write accountability policies to ensure a high-quality curriculum for Mississippi’s youth. Being in this environment taught me a lot about the hoops and hurdles that one must endure to make a state-level change. However, it has also taught me the importance of passion and dedication to achieving your goals. The staff here has truly inspired me not to be deterred if I do not see immediate progress. It is discipline and consistency that results in change. Therefore, I plan to apply the knowledge I’ve gained through my internship to work toward starting my own nonprofit organization. 

I would want my nonprofit organization to inspire others and help shape our community into a safer and more prosperous place. Through educational seminars, fundraising events, and mentorship programs, I want to give others the tools they might need to indulge in their passions and follow their dreams. I don’t want our youth discouraged by a lack of wealth, resources, or opportunities. I definitely believe we can break generational curses and create the opportunity our families were denied or not given a chance to obtain due to poverty, racism, and systemic oppression. 

I was truly blessed to be able to lead the life I live, but I know others are not as fortunate. Individual agency is irrelevant when you are born with a disadvantage in a society that discriminates against you. Whether it be the color that covers your body, your gender, what you decide to do with your Sundays, or what side of the tracks you grew up on, you can still be inspired to better yourself and in return better your community. In the end, we must all be the change we wish to see in Mississippi.

Comments

  1. 1
    Maritha Freeman on August 27, 2022

    This is wonderful, I love every word of it. Congratulations, beautiful

  2. 2
    Barbara Steele on August 27, 2022

    Excellent insight. I love the article and all that it entailed. You are a beacon for Mississippi. I hope your next venture leads you to all your heart can handle.

  3. 3
    Mary Davis-Knighten on August 27, 2022

    I absolutely love this article. It gives definite description to our present day Mississippi. I’m in complete agreement with you: we must be the change we want to see in Mississippi.

  4. 4
    Deloris Clay-Williams on August 28, 2022

    So many times people get educated and leave Mississippi. I am so proud that you know that in order for things to get better sacrifices have to be made. Sacrifices in the form of income specifically. I too decided to make that sacrifice and offer my talent and love for those growing up in my community. I am so proud of the young woman you have become Mari. Continue to be the change you wish to see and make your mother and all Mississippians proud.

  5. 5
    teresa on August 28, 2022

    Omg…Mari I am soooooo proud of you😍. This is a great read and it’s very inspiring. You have grown to be a beautiful young lady whom I have the honored of calling my Niece. Keep pushing and watch God take you places you never thought were possible. You’re the GREATEST!!
    #1DeltaFinest

  6. 6
    Alberta on August 31, 2022

    Mari, this was a very profound article . I liked how you plan to make the change in the community. Remember, If you make one step God will help you make the rest. Keep making your mom proud!!!

  7. 7
    Barnett Sample -Elder on September 4, 2022

    Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful!! What an awesome insight. So proud of you and your accomplishments. Wishing you much success in your future endeavors. Remember: BE YOU.
    Much love to you and your mom🌹

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