When Mississippi lawmakers gathered in 1861 to secede from the union, they did so at the Old Capitol Museum. This building has seen some of the darkest chapters in the state’s history, particularly around racism and enslavement.
On May 20, 2023, lawmakers will meet again in the Old Capitol for a special session to redraw the state supreme court districts. This decision is made because renovations are underway elsewhere. Speaker Jason White announced that any special sessions before January 2027 will take place in this historic but controversial location. Meanwhile, the state Senate continues to meet in the new capitol building.
The last time the Old Capitol was used for legislative sessions was in 2009. That meeting was a ceremonial nod to the building’s restoration after Hurricane Katrina damage. At times, during previous renovations in the 1980s, lawmakers convened at Central High School instead.
For many, meeting in the Old Capitol now raises alarm. Democratic state representative Kabir Karriem voiced his concerns, highlighting that the optics of this decision are troubling for Mississippi’s Black community. “It feels like a reminder of our past as we strive for full citizenship,” he said.
Recent decisions, such as the Supreme Court case Louisiana v. Callais, have further complicated voting rights in the region. This case significantly weakened protections under the Voting Rights Act, allowing for redistricting efforts that may dilute Black voter strength in Mississippi. Governor Tate Reeves has called lawmakers back to address this, and many fear the redraw could specifically target opponents, like Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson.
Experts also weigh in on this situation. Cheikh Taylor, chair of the Mississippi Democratic Party, described the session’s intent as an effort to maintain power dynamics unfavorable to Black Mississippians. Historically, the Old Capitol is where white supremacists established discriminatory laws, creating barriers to voting for generations. Today, estimates suggest that over 40,000 Black residents remain disenfranchised due to laws rooted in that very history.
Some community leaders view this decision as a deliberate act. Safia Malin from One Voice Mississippi remarked that it feels like returning to a “scene of the crime.” This is more than just a meeting location; it’s a symbol of ongoing struggles for equality and representation.
In short, while the Old Capitol provides a historic backdrop for current events, it also serves as a bitter reminder of the work that still lies ahead for racial equality and justice in Mississippi.
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