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State Rep. Sonya Williams-Barnes...

State Rep. Sonya Williams-Barnes resigns from Mississippi Legislature

By: Sarah Ulmer - May 6, 2022

The Coast Democrat will take a new position with the Southern Poverty Law Center beginning on Monday. 

State Representative Sonya Williams-Barnes (D) has announced her resignation from the Mississippi Legislature effective Sunday, May 8.

Williams-Barnes will then begin working for the Southern Poverty Law Center as the new Policy Director on May 9. SPLC is an Alabama based non-profit that focuses on racial and social injustices primarily in the South.

“There’s no break,” she told the Sun Herald. “The need is there, and my service continues.”

She was originally elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 representing District 119 in Harrison County. She sat on the House Banking and Financial Services, Gaming, Judiciary B, Judiciary En Banc, Marine Resources, Ports, Harbors and Airports, and Tourism Committees. 

She also chaired the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus during several social reform efforts including the changing of the state’s flag.

 

About the Author(s)
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Sarah Ulmer

Sarah is a Mississippi native, born and raised in Madison. She is a graduate of Mississippi State University, where she studied Communications, with an emphasis in Broadcasting and Journalism. Sarah’s experience spans multiple mediums, including extensive videography with both at home and overseas, broadcasting daily news, and hosting a live radio show. In 2017, Sarah became a member of the Capitol Press Corp in Mississippi and has faithfully covered the decisions being made by leaders on some of the most important issues facing our state. Email Sarah: sarah@magnoliatribune.com