Elizabeth “Pann” Powers has been asked to serve again on a committee that functions as a sounding board on civil rights in Mississippi.
“This is about my third time around,” said the 84-year-old Greenwood civic leader regarding the five-year appointment to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights’ Mississippi State Advisory Committee.
Powers is one of 15 members of the committee, chaired by Susan Glisson, the executive director of the William Winter Institute on Racial Reconciliation at the University of Mississippi.
The committee will hold its first meeting at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Jackson.
Powers has been an active volunteer for many years locally and at the state level. She was a member of the state Ethics Commission for 20 years. She has also served on the Judicial Performance Commission, the Mississippi Judicial Council and the state Library Commission, among other state organizations. She is the immediate past president of the Foundation for Public Broadcasting.
“I’ve had about as many jobs in Jackson as I’ve had in Greenwood,” Powers said jokingly.
Powers said each member of the advisory committee has been asked to bring three issues of concern to Wednesday’s meeting.
From that listing, priorities will be drawn up.
“We will address those that need immediate attention,” Powers said.
The committee also plans to continue its study of immigrant rights, access to education, health-care costs and opportunities for government oversight, according to a press release announcing the committee appointments.
“Given Mississippi’s turbulent racial history, this committee serves as a careful listening ear. We advocate for all who suffer from discrimination,” Glisson said in prepared remarks.
• Contact Bob Darden at 581-7239 or bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
