TUPELO, Mississippi  – “Our Mississippi” magazine publisher Wesley Wells has announced that 19 individuals have been selected as Mississippi’s Most Influential African Americans for 2024-25.

Wells said the individuals were selected for the prestigious honor by an independent panel of business and community leaders from nominations received from the public.

“Mississippi has long been a state enriched with cultural heritage and historical significance, much of which has been profoundly shaped by its African American community,” Wells said. “The selection of the Most Influential African Americans for 2024-25 is a testament to the dynamic leadership, creativity, and perseverance that continue to redefine the sociopolitical and economic landscape of the state. These individuals, through their diverse roles in various sectors, wield an impressive ability to inspire change and drive progress within Mississippi.”

Individuals were selected in the categories of either: Business, Education, Health, Servant Leadership, Entrepreneurs, or Religious professions.

“The committee did a great job in selecting this year’s honorees,” Wells added. “They are all worthy of this prestigious honor, and we are grateful for the work they do for our great state.”

The group will be honored at the 11th annual Our Mississippi Honors Gala. The event will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Hilton on County Line Road in Jackson, Mississippi.

Tables and tickets can be reserved online at www.ourmissmag.com or by calling (662) 871-8244.

The individuals selected are:

Dr. Marcus Thompson – President, Jackson State University

Dr. Tracy Cook – President, Alcorn State University

Dr. Donzell Lee – President, Tougaloo College

LaVerne Edney – Butler Snow, Chair, Diversity & Inclusivity Committee

Fatina Brave – Director of Talent Acquisition, Ingalls Shipbuilding

Scott Colom – District Attorney, 16th Circuit Court of Mississippi

Corey Wiggins – Federal Co Chair, Delta Regional Authority

Angela Juzang – Vice President, Memorial Health Systems

Melvin Roland – Vice President, Power Delivery and Division Operations, Mississippi Power

Conrad Bell – Sr. Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer, C Spire

Debra McGee – Sr. Vice President and Director of Minority Business Development, Bankplus

Brandi Hough – Director of Business Development, Miss Economic Development Council

Stephen Tyrone Cook – Head Pastor, Anderson United Methodist Church, Jackson

Nikki McCelleis – President and CEO, United Way of the Capital Area, Inc.

Robbie Kemp – Vice President, Customer Service, Entergy MS

Orlando Valree – Director Vehicle Quality Assurance, Nissan North America Inc.

Eric Lewis – Orthopaedic Surgeon, Orthopaedic Institute of North Mississippi

Tonya Ware – State Director, ReadyNation Mississippi

Vickie Powell – Senior Vice President, Mississippi Economic Council