In a compelling and wide-ranging discussion on my Those Who Give a Damn podcast, Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., addressed critical issues affecting Mississippians and the broader American public. As the host, I had the privilege of engaging with him on pressing matters including budget cuts, voting rights and the importance of civic engagement—especially among young people.
Education and the Threat to Pell Grants
One of the most pressing topics we discussed was the 1890 National Scholars Program, a crucial initiative supporting historically Black colleges and universities. Thompson underscored how Pell Grants and federal assistance have enabled many students, including myself, to attend college. I would not have been able to attend Alcorn State University without a Pell Grant. The abrupt attempt to terminate the program sent shockwaves through HBCUs, particularly in Mississippi, where institutions like Alcorn rely heavily on such funding. Though the program was reinstated after backlash from the Congressional Black Caucus and other stakeholders, Thompson criticized the reckless governance that led to its temporary elimination.
Frankly, I find it appalling that such essential programs can be carelessly placed on the chopping block. The elimination of Pell Grants, even temporarily, would have devastated thousands of students, including myself. I still remember the moment I received my Pell Grant award letter—it was the difference between attending college or abandoning my educational aspirations. Without that assistance, I would not be where I am today. If we allow such reckless policy decisions to continue unchecked, we risk robbing future generations of the opportunities that so many of us have benefited from. Education is the foundation of opportunity, particularly for marginalized communities. Without these grants, countless students like myself would not have had a chance to pursue higher education. We cannot afford to be complacent when policies threaten to pull the ladder of opportunity out from under us. This fight isn’t just about students in Mississippi—it’s about the future of Black education across America.
The Importance of Voting Rights and Youth Engagement
A recurring theme throughout our discussion was the need for young people to engage in the political process. Rep. Thompson, who once campaigned for civil-rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer, shared his perspective on the historical struggles for Black voting rights. He emphasized that disengagement from politics allows harmful policies to persist and that young voters have a responsibility to shape their futures.
“Find an organization that aligns with your values and get involved. Whether it’s a fraternity, a civic group, or a community initiative, make sure your presence contributes to change,” Thompson urged.
As someone who regularly speaks with young people across the country, I know that political disillusionment is real. I recall a conversation with a young activist in Jackson who told me, “I feel like my vote doesn’t matter because nothing ever changes.” Many echo that sentiment is echoed, but the truth is that change is often slow and incremental. Every major shift in our society—from desegregation to marriage equality—was the result of persistent civic engagement.
If we give in to disillusionment, we surrender our power to those who wish to maintain the status quo. But here’s the hard truth: opting out of the system only empowers those who wish to suppress our voices. Every major civil-rights victory in American history has come from sustained advocacy and collective action. Our ancestors bled and died for the right to vote; we dishonor their sacrifices when we fail to exercise it.
Budget Cuts and the Effects on Mississippians
Rep. Thompson issued a stark warning about the potential consequences of the current administration’s proposed budget cuts. Programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid—lifelines for many Mississippians—are under threat.
“The federal budget provides a baseline of support for every person in this country,” he explained. “If you are sick, there’s a program to get you well. If you are hungry, there’s a program to feed you. If you need housing, there’s a program for that too.”
Mississippi’s Second Congressional District, which Thompson represents, has nearly 200,000 Medicaid recipients. If funding is cut, hospitals, doctors and low-income families will bear the brunt of the impact. The congressman warned of the devastating effect these cuts would have on rural communities, emphasizing that many of the very people who support right-wing policies are the ones who stand to lose the most.
This is a cycle we have seen time and time again. We witnessed it during the Great Recession, when working-class Americans bore the brunt of economic collapse while politicians continued to push policies that prioritized corporations over people. More recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the same individuals who opposed government assistance found themselves relying on stimulus checks and expanded unemployment benefits. Yet, once the crisis passed, support for these programs dwindled and history repeated itself.
How long can this cognitive dissonance persist? The very individuals who stand to lose the most from budget cuts are often the ones tricked into supporting the politicians responsible for them. It is time for people to wake up and realize that the attacks on these programs are attacks on their own well-being.
Defending Democracy Against Authoritarianism
A significant portion of our discussion was dedicated to the current political climate and the rise of authoritarian tendencies in the U.S. Thompson, who chaired the January 6th Committee investigating the Capitol riot, did not mince words about the dangers President Donald Trump and his supporters pose.
“Trump said he wanted to be a dictator for a day. Why would you vote for someone who openly says they want to dismantle democracy?” Thompson asked.
He criticized the administration’s treatment of government workers and lamented the erosion of America’s global standing. “Our allies are looking at us like we’ve lost our minds,” he said, referring to Trump’s praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin while undermining democratic leaders like Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
This is a question every American must ask themselves: Are we truly prepared to surrender our democracy to the whims of a man who openly disrespects its institutions? To resist authoritarianism, we must take concrete action: educate ourselves and others on the dangers of autocratic rule, support and amplify the voices of pro-democracy candidates, engage in grassroots organizing and most importantly, vote in every election, from local to federal.
History has shown us that democracy is not self-sustaining—it requires vigilant and active participation from all of us. The normalization of authoritarian rhetoric is one of the greatest threats facing this country. If we do not act decisively to counter it, history has shown us what happens next.
Moving Forward: Mobilization and Accountability
Despite the challenges ahead, Congressman Thompson remains hopeful that democracy can be protected through mobilization and education. He urged his fellow Democrats to focus on effective messaging and voter outreach to counter disinformation campaigns.
“We have to put a face on the hardship that the Trump-Musk administration is inflicting on America,” he stated. “We need to educate, mobilize and organize.”
He also defended House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, pushing back against criticisms from within the Democratic Party. “Hakeem is one man. We need to follow his leadership and hold all leaders accountable—not just the Black ones.”
I echo this sentiment wholeheartedly. Holding leaders accountable is essential, but we must also recognize when they are doing the work necessary to protect our communities. Infighting and division within progressive movements only weaken our collective power. History has shown us that unity leads to progress.
The Civil Rights Movement, despite internal differences, succeeded because activists focused on their shared goals rather than their disagreements. Similarly, the fight for marriage equality gained traction when advocacy groups coordinated their efforts and rallied behind a common strategy. We must take lessons from these movements and remember that collective action, not division, is what drives meaningful change. We must stay focused on the bigger picture: ensuring that democracy prevails.
‘Turn to Each Other’
As Mississippi and the nation navigate an increasingly uncertain political and economic landscape, Thompson’s message was clear: the fight for democracy is ongoing, and every citizen has a role to play. From protecting education funding to resisting authoritarianism, his words serve as a rallying cry for action.
“We must turn to each other, not on each other,” he concluded on my podcast.
As a son of Mississippi’s Second Congressional District and a direct beneficiary of the programs that Thompson has fought to preserve, I understand firsthand the stakes of this moment. We must heed his call, stay engaged and fight for a future that is equitable for all.
For the full interview, listen to the podcast episode.
This MFP Voices opinion essay does not necessarily represent the views of the Mississippi Free Press, its staff or board members. To submit an opinion for the MFP Voices section, send up to 1,200 words and sources fact-checking the included information to voices@mississippifreepress.org. We welcome a wide variety of viewpoints.
