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Native Girl Becomes Mayor

A once a prosperous industrial town, Moss Point, Mississippi, is typical of many others in the south. Along with the decline of its industry, it bears the scars of a history of racial division. When Hurricane Katrina unleashed its destructive wrath, it not only affected New Orleans but also communities throughout the Gulf Coast. In Moss Point, the aftermath presented an opportunity for its citizens to rebuild and renew.

The town received Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) for downtown restoration, for City Hall, the fire and police departments, and a portion of the Escatapa Riverfront. The Institute for Sustainable Communities served as a facilitator, helping to engage citizens in a community renewal process. Out of the catastrophe, the Moss Point Open House Coalition was borne to promote leadership development in the town. Its goal has been to empower and engage all citizens of Moss Point to fully participate and lead the rebuilding of their community. The coalition brought together the technical knowledge of other organizations, the drive of local nonprofits and faith based organizations, and the know-how of the local leadership. Through the award of a New Voices Fellowship, a local woman, Aneice Liddell, was tasked with leading this coalition.

One of nine siblings, Aneice is a native to her town. She lived in Moss Point of all her life except for the years she spent pursuing her degree at Mississippi State University. She and her siblings all have a long history of community involvement and commitment to improving the lives of all citizens of the town. Aneice is strongly guided by the teaching of her father who instilled in her a passion for excellence and hard work. Her father wanted his children to surpass his accomplishments and both encouraged and demanded their pursuit of an education. It is such lessons that Aneice shares with the youth of Moss Point.

“I truly believe it is my destiny to be an advocate for the people.” Aneice writes.

Aneice embraced her civic duties wholly, voluntarily guiding citizens through confusing webs of city and state regulations. She patiently answered questions and found that many people did not fully grasp the processes or their rights. Though her unwavering involvement and dedication, Aneice earned the trust of her community, whose members view her as a fair minded advocate who works in the best interest of the town and its citizens.

Having done these things, Aneice was still compelled by her father’s teachings to serve in a formal leadership capacity. Her opportunity came in the form of her New Voices Fellowship.

As the Empowerment Officer, Aneice led the shape of the Moss Point Open House Coalition, newly established in June 2008. Within the first six months of her Fellowship, Aneice organized and developed a mission statement along with goals and objective for the organization. Assuming her role as a liaison for the Coalition, she formed partnerships with local businesses, schools, churches and nonprofit organizations. Recognizing her own need for leadership development, Aneice sought ways of gaining new skills. While she was working tirelessly to get the new organization off the ground and improving her own abilities to carry out her functions, she also educated the community about the Coalition and its mission.

“The tasks are daunting and things move more slowly than I would like. We must take baby steps, or pace ourselves to build a solid foundation if we are to be victorious.” Aneice writes.

Aneice had a great mentor in Diann Payne who she says had been with her every step of the way. Diann worked closely with Aneice in developing the Coalition and in finding the best leadership training opportunities. Diann was also effective in promoting Aneice into leadership roles such as the Community Enhancement Chairperson for the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.

For the work that Aneice has done, she has several times captured the media’s interest. A local newspaper, the Mississippi Press Register, featured a story on her work with the Coalition. Shortly after, she appeared on the local radio show, WPMP, to discuss the work of the Coalition.

Aneice soon realized her father’s dream of serving the community in public office. In May 2009, to the delight of her community of the New Voices family, she was elected as mayor of Moss Point – by a landslide. “This will actually give me more opportunity to empower others to become advocates for changes”.

Having gotten this far, Aneice continues to work on becoming the best leader she can be and strives to serve her beloved community.