Bill Text: MS HC45 | 2026 | Regular Session | Engrossed

Mississippi House Concurrent Resolution 45

Bill Title: Pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant; commend faith leadership, civic engagement and social justice organizing to uplift communities upon the occasion of the 2026 Legacy and Leadership Gala.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)

Status: (Failed) 2026-04-15 - Died In Committee [HC45 Detail]

Download: Mississippi-2026-HC45-Engrossed.html

MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2026 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Karriem

House Concurrent Resolution 45

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION HONORING PASTOR JAMAL HARRISON BRYANT, SENIOR PASTOR OF NEW BIRTH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, FOR HIS FAITH LEADERSHIP, CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND GRASSROOTS ORGANIZING UPON THE OCCASION OF THE 2026 LEGACY AND LEADERSHIP GALA.

WHEREAS, Pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant has distinguished himself as one of the nation's most influential faith leaders, combining spiritual leadership with civic responsibility, economic advocacy and grassroots organizing to uplift communities and advance justice; and

WHEREAS, born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1971 and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Pastor Bryant's personal journey � from early educational challenges to becoming the first individual admitted to Morehouse College with a GED, and later earning academic credentials from Duke University and Oxford University � stands as a testament to perseverance, discipline and transformative leadership; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Bryant's academic grounding in political science and theology has uniquely positioned him to bridge faith and public life, equipping him to address social inequities while empowering congregations to engage meaningfully in civic discourse and community development; and

WHEREAS, in 2000, Pastor Bryant founded Empowerment Temple AME Church in Baltimore, Maryland, which under his leadership grew into a nationally recognized ministry known for dynamic worship and robust community outreach programs focused on job training, financial literacy, youth mentorship and social empowerment; and

WHEREAS, in 2018, Pastor Bryant accepted the call to serve as Senior Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia, where his leadership marked a renewed chapter of revitalization, innovation and expanded community engagement for one of the nation's most prominent congregations; and

WHEREAS, under his stewardship, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church has broadened its impact through initiatives addressing homelessness, educational access, workforce development and economic empowerment, while embracing digital ministry platforms to reach millions beyond the church's physical walls; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Bryant has emerged as a national voice for economic justice, championing entrepreneurship, financial literacy, wealth-building strategies and the support of Black-owned businesses, consistently urging communities to pursue generational stability and ownership; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Bryant's leadership extends powerfully into civic engagement, where he has organized voter registration efforts, advocated for informed and policy-driven participation, and mobilized faith-based and grassroots coalitions to strengthen democratic engagement within historically marginalized communities; and

WHEREAS, through initiatives such as Project 5-5-5, launched in partnership with civic leaders, national organizations and faith-based institutions, Pastor Bryant has worked to educate, register and mobilize voters, emphasizing collective action, accountability and the enduring role of the Black church in shaping public life; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Bryant has demonstrated an unyielding commitment to corporate accountability and economic equity, leading strategic consumer advocacy efforts that call upon major corporations to honor commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion and to responsibly serve the communities that sustain them; and

WHEREAS, recognizing the importance of communication in the modern era, Pastor Bryant has leveraged digital platforms, podcasts and social media to disseminate sermons, teachings and calls to action, expanding the reach of faith-based advocacy and engaging younger generations in dialogue on justice, purpose and leadership; and

WHEREAS, despite challenges and public scrutiny inherent to visible leadership, Pastor Bryant has continued to serve with transparency, resilience and conviction, reaffirming the principles of redemption, growth and accountability central to both faith and public service; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to honor the distinguished members of the national clergy of Pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant's character and brilliance, upon being honored at the 2026 Legacy and Leadership Gala for his enduring contributions to faith leadership, political engagement and grassroots organizing, and for his role in shaping a vision of justice, equity and empowerment for future generations:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby honor Pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant for his exemplary faith leadership, civic engagement and grassroots advocacy, and commend him for his unwavering commitment to uplifting communities, strengthening democratic participation and advancing economic and social justice.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.