The Ghosts of Mississippi’s Past: A Symbolic Return to the Old Capitol
There’s something eerily symbolic about Mississippi’s decision to hold a redistricting session at the Old Capitol, the very building where lawmakers once voted to secede from the Union to preserve slavery. Personally, I think this choice is more than just a logistical necessity due to renovations. It’s a statement—one that carries the weight of history and the shadows of a deeply troubled past. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the location itself becomes a character in the story, a silent witness to centuries of racial injustice and political maneuvering.
A Building Burdened by History
The Old Capitol isn’t just any old structure. From 1839 to 1903, it was the stage for some of Mississippi’s most racist policies, including the 1890 Constitution that disenfranchised Black citizens and cemented Jim Crow laws. When lawmakers gather there on May 20 to redraw state supreme court districts, they’re not just stepping into a historic site—they’re stepping into a time capsule of oppression. In my opinion, this choice feels deliberate, almost provocative. It’s as if the state is saying, ‘We’re rewriting the rules, and we’re doing it where it all began.’
The Optics of Power
What many people don’t realize is that the optics of this decision are impossible to ignore. For Black Mississippians, the Old Capitol isn’t just a building; it’s a symbol of systemic exclusion. Kabir Karriem, the Democratic state representative leading the legislative Black caucus, called the choice ‘horrific.’ And he’s right. If you take a step back and think about it, holding a session to redraw districts—which many predict will dilute Black voting power—in a place synonymous with racial disenfranchisement feels like a slap in the face. It’s not just about the physical space; it’s about the message being sent.
A Deeper Question of Intent
This raises a deeper question: Is this a coincidence, or a calculated move? Jason White, the Republican house speaker, claims it’s due to renovations. But as Safia Malin of One Voice Mississippi pointed out, it feels ‘intentionally cruel.’ Personally, I think there’s truth in that. The timing is too convenient, coming on the heels of the Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais, which weakened the Voting Rights Act. It’s as if Mississippi is seizing the moment to further marginalize Black voters, all while standing on the very ground where their ancestors were denied citizenship.
The Long Shadow of History
What this really suggests is that Mississippi’s past isn’t just history—it’s alive and well. The 1890 Constitution may be over a century old, but its legacy persists. Over 40,000 Black Mississippians are still disenfranchised today, a stark reminder of how deeply those laws are embedded in the state’s DNA. Cheikh Taylor, chair of the Mississippi Democratic Party, called the session a ‘confession,’ and I couldn’t agree more. By returning to the Old Capitol, lawmakers are not just revisiting history—they’re reenacting it.
A Provocative Takeaway
If there’s one thing that immediately stands out, it’s how this decision forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth: progress is often met with resistance, and power is rarely ceded willingly. Mississippi’s choice to hold this session at the Old Capitol isn’t just about redistricting—it’s about reclaiming a narrative, one that says, ‘We’re still in control.’ But here’s the thing: symbols matter. And by choosing this location, Mississippi’s lawmakers have inadvertently highlighted the very fight they’re trying to suppress.
From my perspective, this isn’t just a political maneuver—it’s a cultural and psychological one. It’s a reminder that the battle for equality is far from over, and that the ghosts of the past still haunt us. What makes this moment so compelling is its duality: it’s both a step backward and a call to action. For 1.2 million Black Mississippians, it’s a painful reminder of how far we still have to go. But it’s also a rallying cry, a chance to say, ‘We won’t be silenced.’
In the end, the Old Capitol isn’t just a building—it’s a battleground. And the fight for justice, it seems, is far from over.
