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NATCHEZ — Approximately 150 members of the Mississippi NAACP are in Natchez for its 79th Annual State Convention and Policy Institute.

The convention kicked off on Thursday with a President’s Brunch and the Religious Affairs Luncheon. The afternoon featured a political action workshop, which centered around conversation on the Mississippi State Conference NAACP versus the State Board of Election Commissioners case victories, the 2024 Presidential Election results and on ways to mobilize communities for “impactful political change.”

The day ended with a Community Mass Meeting at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in Natchez, which was led by the church’s pastor, the Rev. Melvin White, who urged members to “carry forward the legacy of those who paved the way for progress.”

Friday’s events include health and labor workshops and a Women in NAACP luncheon at the Convention Center. Friday also includes a Criminal Justice and Youth and College Joint Luncheon, also at the Convention Center.

Friday’s highlight is the screening of “The Evers” documentary film, which is open to the public, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Convention Center.

On Saturday, the NAACP convention includes attending the unveiling of Natchez’s second Mississippi Freedom Trail marker dedicated to the Deacons for Defense and Justice. That is open to the public and begins at 2:30 p.m. at Zion Chapel Church.

The convention concludes on Saturday with the state’s 79th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet, which features Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, renowned actress and activist, as keynote speaker.