Voting rights rally to be held at state capitol in honor of MLK and Robert G. Clark Jr.
The Mississippi Center for Justice will host an MLK Day rally and news conference on the south steps of the state capitol at 3pm on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in support of voting rights that are currently at risk.
The event highlights a case before the U.S. Supreme Court that could severely weaken Section 2 of the federal Voting Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in voting practices or procedures. Organizers will also announce the planned introduction of “an affirmative State Voting Rights Act” to protect democracy in Mississippi.
Participating in the event alongside MCJ are the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus, the state NAACP, the Southern Poverty Law Center and numerous other organizations.
According to MCJ, the Mississippi State Voting Rights Act will be named in honor of Robert G. Clark Jr., the first Black person elected to the Mississippi Legislature since Reconstruction. The legislation would:
Prohibit voter suppression and vote dilution
Establish a pre-clearance system through a new, independent Mississippi Voting Rights Commission
Strengthen protections for voters with disabilities and limited English proficiency
Create a statewide voting and elections database and institute
Increase protections against voter intimidation, deception and obstruction
Following the rally, participants will walk to the Two Mississippi Museums for a presentation honoring Clark. Free museum tours will be offered as the museums host their annual MLK Celebration.