Mississippi Native: Ty Pinkins
"'Home' means a place where you feel a deep connection, where your roots run strong, and where the community feels like family. My story is a Mississippi story."
What does it mean to call Mississippi home? Why do people choose to leave or live in this wonderful and sometimes infuriating place? The son of a tractor driver, Ty Pinkins grew up in Rolling Fork, in the Mississippi Delta. After serving on active duty in the U.S. Army for twenty-one years, he earned his JD and LLM degrees from Georgetown University Law Center. He then returned to Mississippi as a community organizer and a lawyer who advocates on behalf of individuals in some of Mississippi’s most underserved communities. Frustrated by the lack of action from lawmakers on the issues facing Mississippians—and believing that the hard-working voters of Mississippi deserve much better—Ty Pinkins decided to run for office: the United States Senate in 2024. Learn more about Ty’s campaign and his commitment to his home state in today’s interview.
Where are you from?
I am from Rolling Fork, Mississippi, a small town in the Mississippi Delta. This is where I was born and raised, and it has shaped much of who I am today.
How long have you lived in Mississippi?
Mississippi has been my home since birth. I am a lifelong resident of Mississippi, having lived here all my life, except for the time I spent serving on active duty in our military. Even when I was away, I always carried the spirit of Mississippi with me. The Magnolia State isn't merely my home; it's the valiant ground that shaped my values, the firm foundation of my principles, and the invincible inspiration for my service.
What does “home” mean to you? How does Mississippi fit into that definition?
"Home" means a place where you feel a deep connection, where your roots run strong, and where the community feels like family. My story is a Mississippi story. For me, Mississippi is home because it’s where my family is, where my values were shaped, and where my heart always returns. Growing up, my parents were my role models for many reasons. They taught me the importance of selfless service, honesty, and duty. Neither of them received a formal education. My biological father left before I was born, and my mother quit school at the age of fifteen to give birth to me—she never went back. My stepfather, who helped raise me, quit school in the sixth grade and started working on a farm, driving tractors.
Each summer for the rest of my teenage years, I chopped that cotton from sunup to sundown to help my parents pay the bills. There were times when those fields nearly broke me down. However, over time, I realized how that experience actually built me up. It taught me the value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
When I was thirteen years old, my dad woke me early one morning before the sun rose. He told me to go outside and climb on the back of his old pickup truck with men twice and three times my age. The truck took off and drove several miles. When we stopped, I stood on a narrow dirt road—under the morning sun—in the middle of a cotton field. I followed those men into that cotton field. Each summer for the rest of my teenage years, I chopped that cotton from sunup to sundown to help my parents pay the bills. There were times when those fields nearly broke me down. However, over time, I realized how that experience actually built me up. It taught me the value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
How have you cultivated a community in Mississippi? Who are the people who have made you feel rooted here?
I've cultivated a community in Mississippi through my active involvement in local organizations such as the Vicksburg Chapter of the NAACP, the Warren County Democratic Party, the Mississippi Federation of Democratic Women, my fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha, and by engaging with people from all walks of life across the state. Even though my parents never received a formal education, they taught me the importance of quality education. I am a proud product of Mississippi public schools and became the first in my family to graduate high school. I attended Tougaloo College before joining the Army, where I served on active duty for twenty-one years, including three combat tours. I was awarded the Bronze Star for my actions and never forgot what my parents taught me about the importance of a good education. While on active duty, I finished my degree in political science. As an Army Officer, I served in the White House under both Republican and Democratic Presidents. After that, I went to law school and earned my JD and LLM in National Security Law from Georgetown University Law Center.
The people who have made me feel rooted here are those who tirelessly work for positive change, like community leaders, church members, local activists, and fellow veterans. They are the backbone of Mississippi and inspire me every day.
After finishing law school, I came right back home to Mississippi, where I have worked for several years as a lawyer and community organizer in some of the state’s most underserved areas—communities just like the one I was raised in. I've helped single mothers facing eviction in the middle of a pandemic during winter and represented low-income workers who were cheated out of their pay by big businesses. Serving in communities like the one I grew up in, which gave me so much when it had so little to give, has reinforced my connection to Mississippi.
The people who have made me feel rooted here are those who tirelessly work for positive change, like community leaders, church members, local activists, and fellow veterans. They are the backbone of Mississippi and inspire me every day. Mississippi is a place with a rich cultural heritage and a community that supports and uplifts one another.
What’s the weirdest question or assumption you’ve encountered about Mississippi (or about you as a Mississippian) by someone who’s never been here?
One of the weirdest assumptions I've encountered is that Mississippi is stuck in the past, with no innovation or progress. People who haven’t been here often overlook the vibrant communities, the resilience, and the forward-thinking individuals making impactful changes daily. In our state, which has produced some of our country's most prolific writers, we have the power to pen a new chapter for Mississippi, a story of unity over division, of compassion over indifference, and of progress over stagnation. Because in our state, which is literally known as the birthplace of American Music, it’s about nurturing a democracy that is reflective of the vibrant tapestry of voices singing out all across Mississippi. From the school teacher to the cafeteria cook to the concerned parent singing out for well-funded schools and better pay for our teachers; from the nurse to the neurosurgeon to the elderly community member singing out for quality affordable healthcare and higher pay for nurses; from the postman to the police officer singing out to make communities safer for all our families; and from the factory worker up north, out east, and down south, to the farm worker in my beloved Mississippi Delta, singing out for better pay and a stronger economy for all Mississippians. Mississippi is a place of innovation, creativity, and unwavering hope.
One of the weirdest assumptions I've encountered is that Mississippi is stuck in the past, with no innovation or progress. People who haven’t been here often overlook the vibrant communities, the resilience, and the forward-thinking individuals making impactful changes daily.
How has living in Mississippi affected your identity and your life’s path?
Living in Mississippi has taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of community. It has shaped my identity by instilling in me a sense of duty to advocate for those who may not have a voice and to fight for equity and justice. My life’s path has been deeply influenced by the lessons I’ve learned from the challenges and triumphs of the people in this state.
What inspired you to run for the United States Senate? What do you hope to accomplish?
I was inspired to run for the U.S. Senate because of my passion for public service and my desire to be a voice for Mississippians who often feel unheard. I hope to address issues like healthcare, education, veterans’ rights, and economic development. My goal is to bring positive change to Mississippi by fighting for policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of its people.
What is something that you’ve learned about Mississippi only by living here? In what ways has Mississippi lived up to your expectations?
Living here, I've learned about the incredible strength and resilience of Mississippians. Despite the challenges we face, there’s a strong sense of community and determination to improve our state. Mississippi has exceeded my expectations in the warmth of its people and their unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Do you ever consider moving away someday? Does a sense of duty keep you rooted here? Do you have a “tipping point”?
While the idea of exploring new places can be appealing, my sense of duty to Mississippi keeps me grounded here. This is where my family and community are, and there’s so much work to be done. I don't foresee a "tipping point" that would make me leave; instead, I’m focused on contributing to a brighter future for Mississippi.
Mississippi is a place of innovation, creativity, and unwavering hope.
What do you wish the rest of the country understood about Mississippi?
I wish the rest of the country understood the richness of Mississippi’s culture and the resilience of its people. We are often misrepresented by outdated stereotypes, but there's a vibrant and diverse community here working hard to create a better future. Mississippi is a place of innovation, creativity, and unwavering hope.
Is there a Mississippi change-maker who you think everyone needs to know about?
Yes, there are many incredible change-makers in Mississippi. Incredible young elected officials like Representative Zakiya Summers, Representative Fabian Nelson, Representative Temaka James-Jones, and Senator Gary Brumfield, just to name a few, are making significant strides in advocating for progressive policies and serving as voices for change in their communities. These leaders embody the spirit of progress and determination that Mississippi needs.
If you had one billion dollars to invest in Mississippi, how would you spend your money?
I would absolutely invest it into some of Mississippi's most underserved communities— particularly those in the Mississippi Delta, which have historically been underinvested in. I would focus on improving the healthcare system in communities that lack access to basic healthcare services, strengthening education systems in low-income areas so our children can compete in the global economy, and building quality affordable housing in neglected neighborhoods. Investing in these areas is crucial for fostering long-term economic growth and ensuring that every Mississippian has the opportunity to thrive. Additionally, I would fund initiatives to support small businesses and entrepreneurs, which would help create jobs and boost the local economy.
What or who do you want to shamelessly promote?
I want to promote my unwavering commitment to women's reproductive health and the right of women to make their own healthcare decisions. Ensuring access to comprehensive healthcare for women and protecting reproductive rights is a cornerstone of my campaign for the U.S. Senate. Women’s reproductive healthcare is about more than Roe v. Wade; it’s about ensuring that women feel respected and heard when they go to the doctor and that they have access to critical healthcare services, such as IVF treatments and contraception care. I believe in the importance of codifying Roe v. Wade to safeguard these rights at the federal level, ensuring that every woman has the autonomy to make personal health decisions without government interference. This advocacy is part of a broader effort to bring positive change to Mississippi by fighting for policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of our people. Every vote and every voice matters in this journey to create a brighter and more equitable future for our state.
Impressive! I hope he is successful in his bid for the Senate.