Mississippi Transplant: Pam McKelvy Hamner
"I’m invested in the future of Mississippi. I believe the state’s future is great, and that potential is ours for the making."
As we approach Election Day on November 7, Rooted is bringing you into the minds of candidates and young voters across the state. What does “home” mean to Mississippians who are working to affect political change this election season? This week we hear from Pam McKelvy Hamner, Democratic candidate for Mississippi Senate District 2.
Where are you from?
I was born in Wayne County, Michigan in Detroit. I graduated high school in Kansas City, Kansas and from Grambling State University in Louisiana.
When did you move to Mississippi and why did you move here?
I moved to DeSoto County in 1998 when I became engaged to my husband, Dabney Hamner, MD. He wooed me with fishing the Oxbow Lakes along Old Hwy 61 and I-55 South.
What does “home” mean to you? How does Mississippi fit into that definition?
Home is my center where I’m connected to my family. It expands the space where I physically reside. I’ve lived here half my adult life, where I have established personal and professional relationships with many in the community. This is home.
What do you miss most about the place where you’re from?
My family and friends and Kansas City BBQ! I worked for Gates & Sons BBQ when I was a teenager in high school.
Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., my sorority, is the foundation of sisterhood wherever I am. I’m able to be myself and walk in my purpose.
How have you cultivated community in Mississippi? Who are the people who have made you feel rooted here?
My church and my sorority. Brown Baptist has people who are my church family and support system. Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., my sorority, is the foundation of sisterhood wherever I am. I’m able to be myself and walk in my purpose.
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?
Former co-workers believed all Mississippians were like the movie depictions of racists. I was advised to be aware of the Klan. It was a misrepresentation of Mississippi.
What inspired you to run for Mississippi Senate District 2? What do you hope to accomplish?
The dereliction of duty by four of our congressional leaders who didn’t defend the Constitution in 2020 was my confirmation to run for Senate 2. I hope to inspire passion, compassion, and unity. I want to educate voters on the policies that affect their lives and empower them to let their voices be heard. The government doesn’t belong to politicians, it belongs to the people.
What is something that you’ve learned about Mississippi only by living here? In what ways has Mississippi lived up to your expectations?
Mississippians are diverse and not monochromatic. There is a rich history of culture and education that isn’t promoted. The people I’ve learned about continue to inspire me. Also, Sardis Lake is my favorite camping and fishing spot. I would love to purchase a home on the lake and wake up fishing every day.
I understand the resentment native Mississippians have with being portrayed by stereotypes. We start by taking the first steps for change within ourselves. Progress is a forward motion.
Have you ever thought about moving away?
Yes.
Does a sense of duty keep you rooted here? Do you have a “tipping point”?
Yes, and I’m not sure if there’s a tipping point. My son was born here and I don’t see myself leaving him. I’m invested in the future of Mississippi. I believe the state’s future is great, and that potential is ours for the making. There’s work to be done here and I’m up for the challenge.
What do you wish the rest of the country understood about Mississippi?
Mississippians are misunderstood. The media loves to portray the state by a past rooted in hate and division. No whole place is defined by the actions of a small percentage. I understand the resentment native Mississippians have with being portrayed by stereotypes. We start by taking the first steps for change within ourselves. Progress is a forward motion.
Do you have a favorite Mississippi changemaker who you think everyone needs to know about?
Unita Blackwell, Mississippi’s first female Black mayor in Mayersville in 1976. She was fearless and dedicated. Her legacy deserves to be a household name.
If you had one billion dollars to invest in Mississippi, how would you spend your money?
Lord, I’m gonna hire an accountant first! My family will get the largest percentage, then I’m investing in the Delta with education, housing, and skilled jobs. My husband is from Clarksdale. He’s an OB/GYN. He’s always wanted to have his own clinic. Healthcare would be a huge investment for us. And with a billion dollars, those who know me know I’m gonna shop at some point!
I’m invested in the future of Mississippi. I believe the state’s future is great, and that potential is ours for the making. There’s work to be done here and I’m up for the challenge.
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.)
One Voice Mississippi is a non partisan voting rights/advocacy group that I absolutely love. I’ve learned so much about empowering the disenfranchised. I grew up poor and paying it forward just feels right to me.
Folks can learn more about my campaign for Senate District 2 by visiting my website: PamMcKelvyHamner.com