25 Mississippians You Should Know in 2026

 

In 2026, Mississippians from across the state have been making their presence known, showcasing their skills and abilities within the state lines and beyond. Mississippi Success Magazine has compiled a list of notable Mississippians who should be on your radar. 

25 Mississippians You Should Know (listed in no particular order)

1. Schelle Purcell, Actress/Producer/Entrepreneur
2. Derek Blanks, Photographer/Entrepreneur 
3. Janet Taylor-Perry, Author
4. Jamal Roberts, Recording Artist
5. Pauline Rogers, Activist/Author
6. Melissa Banks, Event Planner/Author/Media Personality
7. J. Bolin, Stylist/Entrepreneur
8. Gloria Owens, Community Activist 
9. Charles Walter Jett, Artist
10. Melissa Summer Jacobsen, Educator
11. Dr. Victor D. White, Educator/Author
12. Dr. Anissa Short, Media Host/Author
13. Carlista Moorehead, Entrepreneur 
14. Stanley Trotter, Chef/Entrepreneur 
15. Coach Alphonso Short, Author/Media Host
16. Chad Engelke, Entrepreneur 
17. Janne Swearengen, Author
18. Mitch C. Davis, Photographer/Brand Strategist 
19. Jeromie T. Jones, Chef/Author/Entrepreneur
20. Chandra Wise, Media Host/Musician/Recording Artist
21. Shay Hodge, Coach
22. Will Sterling, Photographer/Entrepreneur 
23. Eddie Wright, Pit Master/Entrepreneur
24. Darden North, Author
25. Ina Pearl, Author

15 Books by Mississippians You Should Read in 2026

by Cyrus Webb

Mississippi has given the world some amazing authors---and we are excited to share 15 books that you should read this year. 

15 Books by Mississippians You Should Read in 2026

(Listed in no particular order*)

1. Brighter By the Day by Robin Roberts (Grand Central Publishing)
2. Master of the Pivot by Kayla Corine Thompson (Kayla Corine Thompson)
3. Surrounded by Sin, Grounded by Love by Tambra Cherie (Tambra Cherie)
4. Rooftop by Darden North (WordCrafts Press)
5. You Can't Keep a Good Elf Down by Janne Swerengen (Dragon Breath Press)
6. 100 Things to Do in Mississippi Before You Die by Dori Lowe and Brandi Perry (Reedy Press)
7. Sister Nadeen's Ways by Felicia Brookins (Tandem Light Press)
8. A Brain in Third Person by A. Shane Etter (ThomasMax)
9. Phases by Brandy (Hanover Square Press)
10. Table for Two by Eliot Parker (Colorful Crow Publishing)
11. Renaissance of a Boss by Rick Ross (Hanover Square Press)
12. You Don't Have to Be Strong Today by Kenya Parks (Kenya Parks)
13. Plan It Like a Pro by Melissa Banks (Conversations Media Group)
14. Bone Dry by Janet Taylor-Perry (Dragon Breath Press)
15. An Unspeakable Secret by Glenda L. Hunter (Glenda L. Hunter)

*    Cyrus Webb is an Amazon Affiliate and receives commissions from purchases on Amazon

Introducing Our Mississippi Success Honorees, 2026

 Cyrus Webb and Conversations Media Group are excited to announce our 2026 Mississippi Success Honorees. These individuals have shown through their amazing work and contributions what it means to be the best of Mississippi. 

This year's Honorees are...

1) Gloria Elayne Owens, Community Activist

2) Dr. Victor White, Educator

3) Dr. Anissa Short, Author/Speaker/Media Host

4) Charles "Chuck" Jett, Artist

5) Carlista Moorehead, Entrepreneur 

This year's Honorees will be recognized by Cyrus Webb during MAX WYAD 94.1 FM's 12th Anniversary Event on Sat. September 12, 2026 in Yazoo City, MS.