# Event Details

- **Event Name**: State of the Community 2026
- **Event Start and End Date**: Thu, 18 Jun, 2026 at 11:00 pm – Fri, 19 Jun, 2026 at 01:00 am
- **Event Description**: State of the Community: Leadership in Conversation

? Thursday, June 18, 2026
? 6:00 PM
? Handsboro Community Center

Hosted by The Griots Society of the Gulf Coast

⸻

✊? The Urgency for Collective Action

As we celebrate Juneteenth and honor the ongoing pursuit of freedom, justice, and opportunity, join us for one of Freedom Week’s most impactful and thought-provoking events.

This year’s State of the Community: Leadership in Conversation will bring together elected officials, policy experts, advocates, and community leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing minority communities today—and how we move forward together.

? Featured Panelists

Rep. Jeffrey Hulum III
Mississippi House of Representatives

Dr. Crystal Wingo
Founder, The Diversity Center

Alicia Netterville, MPPA, Esq.
Principal, Acclivity Strategies

Moderator

Brandy McGill
WLOX News

⸻

? 2026 Juneteenth Community Awards

We will also recognize outstanding leaders and organizations whose service and impact continue to strengthen communities throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Honorees:

Carissa Corbett
Christene Brice Leader in Action Award

Legacy Business League
Harry C. Tartt Trailblazer Award

Corey Watts
Lloyd Croutch Service Award

Alyssa Gates
Bobby Hudson III Trailblazer Award

Rutha H. Evans Medal for Cultural Education & Awareness

? Sammie Wiseman
? Nick Eden
? Taja Cunningham
? Connie Obillo

⸻

? Inspiration Through Art

Experience a special artistic presentation celebrating resilience, culture, freedom, and the enduring power of community.

⸻

Why Attend?

✔ Learn about issues impacting our communities

✔ Hear directly from leaders and changemakers

✔ Connect with residents, advocates, and organizations

✔ Celebrate local excellence

✔ Be part of shaping the future of the Mississippi Gulf Coast

⸻

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Bring your family, friends, colleagues, church members, and neighbors.

Together, we remember our history, honor our leaders, and advance our future.

? www.griotsgpt.org
? griotsmsgc@gmail.com
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/gulfport/state-of-the-community-2026/200030199391413
- **Event Categories**: art, juneteenth
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 15

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Gulfport
- **state**: MS
- **country**: United States
- **location**: Handsboro Community Center
- **lat**: 30.406640268576
- **long**: -89.016914734285
- **full address**: Handsboro Community Center, 1890 Switzer Rd,Gulfport,MS,United States

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: State of the Community 2026
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events2/banners/3ca8f207b85a9ca059c83bbe15f2dc612992b2b7a69aeacec71f4530a58e1289-rimg-w1200-h1552-dc010101-gmir?v=1781530382

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is State of the Community 2026 being held?
  - **A:** State of the Community 2026 takes place on Thu, 18 Jun, 2026 at 11:00 pm to Fri, 19 Jun, 2026 at 01:00 am at Handsboro Community Center, 1890 Switzer Rd,Gulfport,MS,United States.
- **Q**: Who is organizing State of the Community 2026?
  - **A:** State of the Community 2026 is organized by Griots Society of the Gulf Coast.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** State of the Community 2026 is ideal for art lovers, collectors, creatives, and anyone inspired by visual arts, installations, and exhibitions. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Gulfport, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If State of the Community 2026 sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast.

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