"100 Days of Peace" Initiative Launched as Mississippi Ranks 49th in Gun Law Strength

Mississippi’s capital city has launched a “100 Days of Peace” initiative to make it safer. 

In the launch, the mayor presented a large ceremonial check to local credible messengers – formerly incarcerated people who work with youth in the juvenile system to interrupt violence, and kin to gun violence victims from across the state traveled to the capital city to mourn their loved ones outside the state Capitol building and call for gun control policies.  The initiative will include community listening sessions and town halls, as well as trainings leading up to a Sneaker Ball – a formal gala with informal footwear – to celebrate the work in June. 

Funding for implementing crime-intervention private sector partners comes from the city’s Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery established in 2022 with a $700,000 grant from the National League of Cities and Wells Fargo Bank.  

Mississippi ranks 49th in the country for gun law strength, with no foundational laws in place such as one requiring a concealed carry permit or no carry laws after a violent offense.