Biloxi, Mississippi

Biloxi NAACP

The Biloxi NAACP fights to protect, uplift, and honor East Biloxi, a predominantly Black community devastated by Hurricane Katrina, which destroyed 80% of its housing and historic cultural sites. In an area struggling with disinvestment and increasingly volatile weather, residents in East Biloxi face high insurance costs and floodplain building rules that make recovery challenging. Undaunted, Biloxi NAACP works to transform vacant lots and buildings into public spaces that bring people together and mitigate the impact of rising seas.Their vision is the creation of an eco-district through the East Biloxi Neighborhood Improvement Strategy, which combines preservation of the area’s honored historical landmarks with green infrastructure aimed at flood resiliency. Strengthening community connections and engagement, they host events such as voter registration drives, candidate forums, college fairs, and cultural ceremonies – striving to ensure that the people of East Biloxi have the resources they need to not just survive, but thrive.

One of over 2,000 NAACP chapters nationwide, Biloxi NAACP has played a key role in shaping the city’s Biloxi Revitalization Plan, helping to secure East Biloxi’s designation as an eco-district. They have collaborated with local groups on a Community Needs Assessment that used mapping, surveys, and photovoice to capture residents’ priorities. Their Environmental Climate and Justice Committee, led by Gordon Jackson, partners with organizations such as the American Planning Association, Mississippi State University, and the Steps Coalition to design and implement green infrastructure projects and plan a community solar farm aimed at expanding affordable clean energy access.They recently joined Mississippi’s first State Organizing Committee – 28 frontline groups tackling issues from water infrastructure crises to coastal flooding vulnerability – mobilizing residents through focused, grassroots action and statewide advocacy.