Mississippi Native: Cameron T. Mayers
"Living here has taught me that even though we may face obstacles, there’s always room for growth, change, and progress..."
What does it mean to call Mississippi home? Why do people choose to leave or live in this weird, wonderful, and sometimes infuriating place? Cameron Mayers is a recent graduate from Mississippi State University, with bachelor’s degrees in both political science and communications. Cameron is deeply aware of the challenges to being a young, ambitious person in Mississippi: “the opportunities for career growth, social mobility, and even staying connected to the world often feel limited in some parts of the state.” But though he once considered leaving his home state, since graduating from MSU Cameron has doubled down on his commitment to engaging Mississippi youth in public service and advocacy. Today Cameron shares what keeps him rooted in Mississippi.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Pearl, Mississippi, right in the heart of Rankin County.
How long have you lived in Mississippi?
Since a young lad!
What does “home” mean to you? How does Mississippi fit into that definition?
"Home" to me is more than just a place—it’s a feeling of belonging, comfort, and connection. It’s where you can be yourself, surrounded by people who know you and care for you. It’s a sense of peace, where the familiarity of sights, sounds, and traditions bring you back to who you are.
Mississippi fits into that definition because it’s where my roots are. It’s where the community feels like family, and the slower pace lets you truly appreciate the small things—like sitting on a porch and catching up with friends, or walking through fields that have been part of your life for as long as you can remember. Mississippi, with all its complexity, is where I’ve grown, learned, and found my place. It’s home because it’s shaped who I am and always welcomes me back with open arms.
Mississippi’s sense of community and resilience has given me a deep appreciation for the power of people coming together to support one another. It’s also instilled in me a strong work ethic and a sense of pride in overcoming challenges…
How have you cultivated community in Mississippi? Who are the people who have made you feel rooted here?
Mississippi State University, the City of Pearl, Mississippi Hugh O’ Brian Youth Foundation, the Mississippi State University Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, TheatreMSU, the Mississippi State University Alumni Association Black Alumni Advisory Council. In terms of specific people that have served as mentors throughout my journey: Ryan Upshaw, Jess Waltman, Justice James Kitchens, Heather Westerfield, Erick Weeks, Erica Frazier, Timothy Hopkins, Jackie Mullen, Regina Hyatt, Ashley Swift, Jon Holden, Santee Ezell, and Rasheda Forbes.
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 strangest questions I’ve heard is, “Do you guys still not have shoes down there?” It took me a second to realize they were serious, and it’s funny because it plays into those old Southern stereotypes of rural living. I’ve also had people ask if there’s any internet or paved roads, as if we’re all living in some forgotten corner of the world, which always makes me laugh.
The way I look at politics, art, music, religion, culture and nature all stem from my experiences here.
How has living in Mississippi affected your identity and your life’s path?
It’s shaped the way I view the world on a grander scale. The way I look at politics, art, music, religion, culture and nature all stem from my experiences here. Growing up here has made me keenly aware of the complexities of race, social justice, and inequality, which has influenced my worldview and pushed me toward wanting to make a difference, particularly through law and advocacy.
At the same time, Mississippi’s sense of community and resilience has given me a deep appreciation for the power of people coming together to support one another. It’s also instilled in me a strong work ethic and a sense of pride in overcoming challenges, which has been crucial in shaping my ambitions. Living here has taught me that even though we may face obstacles, there’s always room for growth, change, and progress, and that has guided me to pursue leadership roles and contribute to the community in meaningful ways.
What do you wish older Mississippians understood about what it’s like to be a young person living in this state?
I wish older Mississippians understood how different the landscape is for young people growing up here today. While there’s a lot to appreciate about the values and traditions that have been passed down, the world we’re navigating is much more connected and fast-paced. The opportunities for career growth, social mobility, and even staying connected to the world often feel limited in some parts of the state, and that can be frustrating for younger generations trying to build their future.
I think many of us want to stay and make Mississippi better, but sometimes it feels like we’re at odds with the way things have always been done, which can make change seem slow or even impossible. At the same time, I think we share the same love for the state, its people, and its potential—we just see the future a bit differently. I wish there was more understanding and dialogue between generations about the challenges we face and the vision we have for what Mississippi can become.
I think many of us want to stay and make Mississippi better, but sometimes it feels like we’re at odds with the way things have always been done, which can make change seem slow or even impossible.
Do you ever consider moving away someday? Does a sense of duty keep you rooted here? Do you have a “tipping point”?
I definitely did when I was younger due to the concept of the Mississippi “brain drain.” One of the life paths I considered was leaving the state after I graduated high school. While doing undergrad at Mississippi State, I quickly saw the sense of duty in staying in order to help the state grow, even if it meant to leave and bring those experiences back with you.
What do you wish the rest of the country understood about Mississippi?
I wish the rest of the country understood that Mississippi is so much more than the stereotypes and headlines it’s often associated with. Yes, we have a complex history, and some of the challenges are real, but there’s also so much beauty, resilience, and culture here that often gets overlooked. Mississippi is home to some of the most welcoming, hardworking, and creative people you’ll ever meet. We’re working to bridge gaps in education, push for social justice, and create more opportunities for everyone who calls this state home. We may not always be in the spotlight, but there’s real energy here for making Mississippi a place that honors its past while moving forward.
Do you a favorite Mississippi writer, artist, or musician who you think everyone needs to know about? Or is there a Mississippi change-maker who you think everyone needs to know about?
Going with the change-maker route, there are so many names that come to mind. Representative Justis Gibbs and Representative Rodney Hall are definitely an inspiration for youth in Mississippi wanting to enter public service.
I consider photographers artists as well and love their work. Here’s a few of them: Jarrius Carter, Dell Ivy, Jordan Ables, Jeremy Hinds, Grace Cockrell, Larry Reed Jr., Daylen Glover, JoVon Sanon and Jahari Bell.
I wish there was more understanding and dialogue between generations about the challenges we face and the vision we have for what Mississippi can become.
If you had one billion dollars to invest in Mississippi, how would you spend your money?
Education. I can attribute most of my success in life to being taught by truly amazing teachers growing up. Most of them were young Mississippians like me who wanted to give back and help guide future generations. Not only that, we should continue to pour into educators to stay in state to continue to better it.
What or who do you want to shamelessly promote? (It can absolutely be a project you’re working on, or something you are involved in.)
The Mississippi State University Black Alumni Advisory Council has an annual scholarship fund. You can find where to donate here: scroll down and select “Campus Life”, under the Area dropdown menu select “Other” and under the Fund dropdown menu select “Black Alumni Advisory Council Annual Scholarship.”
Cameron T. Mayers grew up in Pearl, Mississippi and is a proud graduate of Mississippi State University. He is an avid sneaker collector, reader and music listener. Cameron’s current goal is to encourage more of Mississippi’s youth to be engaged in public service and advocacy to help better the state we all call home.
One year ago:
Mississippi Transplant: Caitlin Brooking
Two years ago:
