As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the many inspiring individuals who are making a positive impact across Mississippi. From entrepreneurs and artists to community leaders and volunteers, these remarkable people are leaving their mark on the Magnolia State.
Nancy Gaynor of Jackson founded Grandparents Really Do Matter, a non-profit organization that supports fellow grandparents who care for their grandchildren as primary caregivers. She also hosts an annual banquet where elected officials and law enforcement officers act as celebrity servers.
Misty Logan, owner of The Ville in Coffeeville, runs a successful business despite having one of the few major businesses in her town without basic services like banks or grocery stores. Logan is also a member of the Coffeeville Volunteer Fire Department and dedicates herself to supporting her community.
Simpson County graduate Renjah Wilson won two gold medals in 2024, first in Texas and then in Mississippi, earning her the title of Princess during the American Indian Day Princess and Brave Pageant.
Michael Bishop took over as operations manager for Choctaw County Food Ministry after former manager Roger Griffith retired. The ministry now receives 56,000 pounds of food per year from retailers, donors, and individuals, serving approximately 400 people in Choctaw County every month.
Other notable Mississippians making a difference include Jordyn Sledge, a middle-school student who placed second in an international competition with her artwork honoring unsung Black hero Dr. Vivien Thomas; Destiny Redd, who remodeled a historic farmhouse into her ideal hobby farm alongside her husband and their children; and Caleb Crabtree, human-resources coordinator for Harrah’s Gulf Coast Hotel & Casino.
These individuals are just a few examples of the many unsung heroes in Mississippi. As we head into 2025, it’s essential to recognize the positive impact they’re having on our communities and to support them in any way possible.
Source: https://www.mississippifreepress.org/editors-note-people-of-the-year-everyday-mississippians-achieve-ambitions-serve-their-communities