Presented By

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026

Huntington Bank Arena – Tupelo, Mississippi

Honoring Outstanding Mississippians

Dr. Donald Cole

Mississippi Trailblazer of the Year

Mr. Otis Sanford

The Agnew-Sanford Award for Excellence in Professional Journalism

Mr. Ronnie Agnew

The Agnew-Sanford Award for Excellence in Professional Journalism

Ms Melanie Deas

Tupelo Civic and Community Service Award

Judge Linda Coleman

Dr. Cindy Ayers Elliot Legacy Award

Mr. Louis Od'Neall

Rev. Dr Robert Jamison Lifetime Achievement Award

Featured Entertainment

Josh Miles

Josh Myles is a Gospel music artist from Tupelo, Mississippi. From a young age, Josh’s passion for music was ignited within the walls of his father’s church, where his captivating voice and dynamic energy quickly gained attention. As a solo artist, Josh continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his soulful vocals and undeniable talent.

Not only has Josh made a name for himself as a solo artist, but his contributions to the music world are far reaching. From his early days with his local Gospel quartet group, Determined, to producing and composing award winning tracks, including the 2020 Stellar Award winning Quartet Album of the Year, “The Inspirational Project,” with Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, Josh’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. His involvement as lead singer for the legendary Harvey Watkins, Jr. & The Canton Spirituals further showcased his incredible abilities as a vocal powerhouse.

Josh has released several songs since making his solo debut in 2022. Today, his latest single, “Gotta Be Grateful,” reminds us of how good God is, even when everything isn’t perfect. With his infectious spirit and genuine love for his craft, Josh Myles is a force to be reckoned with, showcasing the transformative power of faith, hope, and love through his music.

COLE: BRIDGE TO JUSTICE

spent the majority of his adult life working to make the University of Mississippi a welcoming campus for all students.

Cole, who retired in 2019, spent much of his adult life making the university a better and more welcoming place for all students. But in 1970, then an undergraduate, Cole was a member of the Ole Miss 8, a group of students expelled from the university following a peaceful protest that ended in 89 arrests in front of Fulton Chapel.

“Having this film screened in Oxford, where so many of these events unfolded, feels deeply significant,” said Antonio Tarrell, the film’s co-director. “This is not just another stop on the festival circuit. This is the ground where history happened.

Featured Entertainment

COLE: BRIDGE TO JUSTICE

Josh Miles

Honoring Outstanding Mississippians

Saturday

September 12th

Huntington Bank Conference Center
Tupelo, Mississippi

Presented By

Celebrating Outstanding Mississippians

Saturday

September 12th

Huntington Bank Conference Center
Tupelo, Mississippi

Presented By

Featured Gospel Concert

COLE: BRIDGE TO JUSTICE

Josh Miles

Our 2026 Mississippi Trailblazers

Dr. Donald Cole

Mississippi Trailblazer of the Year

Mr. Otis Sanford

The Agnew-Sanford Award for Excellence in Professional Journalism

Mr. Ronnie Agnew

The Agnew-Sanford Award for Excellence in Professional Journalism

Ms Melanie Deas

Tupelo Civic and Community Service Award

Judge Linda Coleman

Dr. Cindy Ayers Elliot Legacy Award

Mr. Louis Od'Neall

Rev. Dr Robert Jamison Lifetime Achievement Award

Become a Member of the

A Community-Owned Organization

And enjoy your membership
through march 2027

General Membership

$100 Through 2026-2027

You will receive:

  1. One (1) ticket to the Awards Ceremony and Black Tie Gala
  2. Voting privileges at the Community Board Annual Meeting

Corporate Partnership

$1,000 Through 2026-2027

*$250 Initial Fee, $750 before March 2027 Meeting

You will receive:

  1. 2 tables to the Awards Ceremony and Black Tie Event
  2. Introduction, Signage space, and Rotating Video Presentations at the Awards Ceremony and Black Tie Event
  3. Participation in Television and Radio Advertising Campaign

Attention
Small Businesses

Your Exclusive

$500

Small Business Partnership

  • Reception and Table to the Dinner/Concert
  • A display table available for your merchandise and/or marketing materials
  • A minimum of five airings of your 30 second commercial during the event, produced and developed in conjunction with your marketing department.
  • Newspaper advertising throughout the North Mississippi marketing area in conjunction with your marketing department.
  • Your business signage displayed prominently throughout the event venue.
  • Your business mentions and announcements from the podium throughout the event.
  • Participation in and four (4) tickets to our newest annual event.

Ticket & Table Prices

Table for Six (6)
$600.00

Concert Seating Only
8:00 (Single Ticket)
$50.00

Dinner & Concert Only
$100.00

 evening schedule

  • 5:00pm: Documentary: “COLE”
    Free admission with ticket and table purchases
  • 6:30pm: Dinner
  • 7:15pm: Awards Ceremony
  • 8:00pm: Entertainment by Tupelo native, Recording Artist Josh Myles

Call 662-213-3027 with any questions.