Friday, August 7th
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Coahoma County Higher Education Center
109 Clark Street • Clarksdale, MS
D. Dewayne Hopson Jr. is a prominent attorney, entrepreneur, and former collegiate athlete from Clarksdale, Mississippi. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi after completing both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration degrees in Computer Information Systems at Delta State University.
For nearly a decade, Mr. Hopson has served the citizens of Mississippi through his legal practice at Hopson Law Group in Clarksdale. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Mississippi and is admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
His areas of practice include personal injury law, automobile accident litigation, bankruptcy, and estate administration.In addition to his legal career, Mr. Hopson is an entrepreneur and dedicated educator who uses digital media to increase public understanding of the law.
Through his YouTube platform, he provides accessible legal education, helping individuals better understand their rights and navigate legal matters with confidence.A passionate advocate for justice and public service, Mr. Hopson is currently a candidate for the Mississippi Court of Appeals, District 1, Place 1. His professional accomplishments, commitment to community service, and dedication to legal education continue to make a meaningful impact throughout Mississippi and beyond.
Jerry Lee Evans is a proud native of the Dry Bayou community and the eighth of nine children born to Ralph and Ida Lee Evans. A 1981 graduate of Rosedale High School, Jerry’s story is one of hard work, perseverance, and faith. Raised with humble beginnings, he learned the value of determination through farming, gardening, and hunting to help provide for his family.
His farming journey began by renting six acres from his sister and grew into Evans Farm, LLC. Jerry married his middle school sweetheart, Deloris, on August 18, 1985, and remained a devoted husband until her passing in 2023. Together they raised two children, Jerry and Jerreka. He is also the proud grandfather of Jordan, Nelson, Akyra, Mustafa, and Malachi, who are the pride and joy of his life. In his spare time, Jerry enjoys driving a semi-truck and fishing, especially when the fish are biting.
While Jerry is honored for his accomplishments, he is quick to share the credit with his brother, Larry Evans, whose dedication, hard work, and commitment have been instrumental to the success of Evans Farm, LLC. Jerry often says the farm would not be what it is today without Larry, who helps keep everything flowing smoothly and running efficiently.
Together, they have built a farming operation that proudly averages more than 65 bushels of soybeans per acre and more than 205 bushels of rice per acre. Beyond farming, the Evans brothers believe in giving back to their community. Occasionally, Evans Farm sets aside one or two acres to grow sweet corn that is given away free of charge. For the past 25 years, they have also planted a 2- to 8-acre greens patch, where anyone is welcome to pick as many turnip greens, mustard greens, and collard greens as they would like at no cost. This tradition reflects their commitment to serving others and being a blessing to their community.
Andranita Williams is a journalist, multimedia storyteller, and communications professional with deep roots in Coahoma and Bolivar counties in Mississippi. Grounded in her faith and committed to service, she believes in using storytelling as a tool to inform, inspire, and strengthen communities. Williams currently serves as a Multimedia Specialist for Coahoma Community College, where she supports the institution’s marketing and communications efforts through photography, videography, graphic design, branding, and digital storytelling.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Mississippi School of Journalism and New Media, with minors in African American Studies and Public Relations. During her undergraduate years, she served as a reporter for Rebel Radio and a correspondent for NewsWatch Ole Miss, gaining valuable experience covering stories, interviewing sources, and producing multimedia content. She also holds a Master of Public Administration from Belhaven University.
Williams began her professional career in television news at Delta News in Greenville, Mississippi, where she worked as a reporter, anchor, and producer. She later joined Delta Radio and remains connected to the station.
As a journalist and content creator, Williams has spent her career amplifying voices, preserving stories, and creating meaningful conversations. Her work behind the camera and in front of the microphone has given her a unique perspective on the creative process and the power of media to influence culture and connect communities.
In addition to her professional work, Williams is a photographer, videographer, mentor, and advocate for preserving local history through storytelling. She serves as a mentor with Queen Status, helping young girls build confidence, self-esteem, and leadership skills. She credits her faith and life experiences with shaping her purpose and guiding her approach to leadership, service, and community engagement.
Keith is an accomplished guitarist, vocalist, harmonica player, and songwriter. He has amassed a songwriting catalog, with multiple songs released on his debut album, “Come to Mississippi.” Keith is in the process of carrying on and upholding a family legacy in the entertainment industry as he is the great-nephew of blues icon Muddy Waters.
He is also the grandson of the late Texcellar Fields, a gospel singer and radio host. He was born in Glen Allen, Mississippi, a small town in the heartland of the Mississippi Delta. Keith graduated from Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Audio Engineering and a Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management.
Quanisha Ford, known as “The Hollywood Teacher,” is a 3rd grade teacher at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Huntsville, Alabama and the founder and Executive Director of FORDward Foundation, Inc.. She is recognized for bringing creativity, engagement, and a “Hollywood” experience into the classroom while inspiring students to dream big and believe in themselves. Ms. Ford also serves as a presenter at the school, district, and state levels, sharing innovative strategies and best practices to help educators increase student engagement and achievement. Through her nonprofit organization, FORDward Foundation, Ms. Ford has helped bless more than 30 students with scholarships and continues to provide mentorship, scholarship workshops, educational resources, and community outreach opportunities for students and families.
Originally from Greenville, Mississippi. Ms. Ford graduated as an honor graduate from Greenville High School in 2012. She obtained two degrees from Tougaloo College in 2016, an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development, graduating Summa Cum Laude. While attending Tougaloo College, Ms. Ford was a member of the Student Government Association, Kappa Delta Pi National Honor Society, President of Active Minds organization, member of the Gamma Omicron Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and more. Additionally, Ms. Ford was awarded Most Outstanding Student Honoree for the Education Department in Mississippi. She later moved to Huntsville to further her education at Alabama A&M University where she obtained her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. Ms. Ford further her education by obtaining her Specialist Degree in Education Leadership from Lipscomb University. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree.
Ms. Ford has received numerous honors throughout her educational career, including Valley’s Top Teacher, Classroom Hero, Huntsville City Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Teacher of the Year at her school. She graduated from the Huntsville City Schools Instructional Leadership Academy Cohort, and Ms. Ford recently achieved her National Board Certification, the highest certification in education, which recognizes accomplished educators who demonstrate high standards of teaching excellence, student learning, and professional practice. Ms. Ford serves as the new Social Media Director for the Alabama NBCT Network, where she supports and highlights the work of National Board Certified Teachers across the state.She has also been featured in newspapers, magazines, and television segments for her impact in education and community service. Through her passion for education, leadership, and service, Ms. Ford continues to inspire students, empower families, and make a lasting impact in her school and community.
Dr. Christine Campbell is the visionary founder and owner of Drop Fitness, a growing wellness brand committed to transforming lives through movement, motivation, and community. She has built Drop Fitness into a dynamic, community-driven business offering high-energy group training, youth fitness programs, wellness services, and health-focused products, including freshly pressed juices.
Known for her creativity and consistency, Dr. Campbell has created an environment where individuals feel empowered, supported, and inspired to live healthier lifestyles. Through innovative programming, strong community engagement, and a passion for service, she continues to expand the reach and impact of Drop Fitness—proving that it is more than a gym, but a movement dedicated to building stronger, healthier communities.
Cassandra Wilson is a proud native of Clarksdale and the owner of CDRY Touring and Cab Services. Cassandra has built more than a transportation business — she has created a service people in the community can trust and depend on. Cassandra enjoys connecting with others and making sure every customer feels welcomed like family.
Beyond her business, Cassandra serves as Director for Operation J.O.S.H.U.A. Cares, where she works tirelessly to support community outreach efforts, youth engagement while helping improve the lives of those around her. Her dedication to giving back, youth development, uplifting others, and leading with kindness has made a long lasting impact throughout the community.
Angela Williams has been a dedicated member of Higher Purpose Hub since 2019, bringing passion and commitment to every aspect of her work. Over the years, she has embraced numerous professional development opportunities that have shaped her into the dynamic and resourceful leader she is today. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to personal growth and organizational excellence, making her an invaluable asset to the Higher Purpose Hub team.
Angela’s role at Higher Purpose Hub is multifaceted and impactful. She oversees community service projects that deliver a wide range of services designed to uplift and empower communities across the Mississippi Delta. From organizing giveaways to planning events that foster engagement and connection, Angela ensures that every initiative aligns with the organization’s mission of creating meaningful change. Angela oversees the Higher Purpose Network, a collaborative platform that has connected over 20 organizations.
Through this network, she fosters partnerships that amplify impact and create opportunities for shared learning and resource exchange. Angela facilitates seamless communication and coordination, ensuring that stakeholders, partners, and team members remain connected and informed. Her ability to build and maintain strong relationships is a testament to her leadership and vision for collective progress. Angela’s dedication to service, collaboration, and continuous improvement reflects the core values of Higher Purpose Hub. Her work not only strengthens the organization’s internal operations but also extends its reach and impact across communities. Through her leadership, Angela exemplifies serving with purpose and passion, making her an integral part of the Higher Purpose Hub mission.
Aallyah Wright is an award-winning journalist, playwright, and philanthropist. As the inaugural rural issues reporter for Capital B, she covers the Black South, covering farmers and land disputes to celebrating culture and joy. Her impactful reporting helped bring the Hollywood production of Ryan Coogler’s Sinners to Mississippi in 2025. . Aallyah’s reporting on the digital divide was recognized as a finalist for the 2024 INN Breaking Barriers Award, and her story about a Black mayor who was blocked from office in Alabama won the 2024 Community Voice and Anthem Award.
Additionally, she serves as the editorial director of StoryWorks and co-wrote the play “Wade Through the Waters” which received a Mississippi Humanities Council award in 2020. Aallyah is also a 2025 Obama Foundation USA Leader and the IRE Chauncey Bailey Investigative Reporting Fellowship. A graduate of Delta State University, she was named a 2025 40 Under 40 honoree and received the 2025 Award in Journalism from Women for Progress of Mississippi, Inc. Inspired by her Southern roots, Aallyah is committed to giving back by mentoring aspiring and young journalists. In 2026, she and her high school classmates launched the Malcolm T. Carr Memorial Fund and Scholarship to help graduating seniors finance their college education.
