About Us
About Us
Mississippi for a Just World (MSJW) is a humanitarian organization based in Mississippi that bridges the fight to build a more just world from the Deep South to the Global South. Our goal is to be a living, breathing movement for human rights, deeply rooted in the enduring legacy of Mississippi's human liberation struggle. Across borders and cultures, irrespective of our different political, cultural and social backgrounds, we are fighting for a world where every individual is empowered, where justice prevails, and where human dignity is non-negotiable.
Our Mission
Rooted in a rich history of resistance, our mission is to serve as champions of human rights from Mississippi to Palestine, to Sudan, to Congo, to Haiti, and to all oppressed people of the world by dismantling systems of harm and injustice through transformative education, collective power building, and political advocacy.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every individual, regardless of their background or circumstance, enjoys fundamental human rights, dignity, and equitable opportunities for a better future. MSJW is committed to fostering collaboration among diverse organizations, working to address the most pressing humanitarian challenges. Through collective action, we aspire to inspire positive change, cultivate empathy, and build bridges of understanding across borders and cultures.
Our Team
Emad is passionate about advocating for world peace and security through education, cultural exchange, and trade that are based on equity and justice. That is one of the reasons he co-founded the International Museum of Muslim Cultures in Jackson, Mississippi, which is the first Islamic History and Culture Museum in the US, with the goal of educating the American public about Islamic history and culture. Our hope is that our efforts will contribute to reducing tension, bigotry, wars, and conflicts, and will lead to a more balanced and fair relationship between America and the Muslim world based on mutual respect, tolerance, and understanding.
As a retired engineering executive with over 43 years of experience, Emad currently focuses on philanthropy to advance issues related to poverty, humanitarian relief, education, sustainability, peace, security, and economic development. Emad emphasizes supporting marginalized communities, especially the African American community in the USA and Palestinians.
Emad has an entrepreneurial spirit and has served in executive and senior-level positions for the past twenty-five years. He has also served on several boards of directors of business and non-profit organizations. Emad enjoys developing the strategic direction of firms that enable business growth and diversification.
Emad Al-Turk
MSJW Founder
Candace Abdul-Tawwab
Executive Director
A lifelong educator, activist, and champion for social justice, Candace Abdul-Tawwab has devoted her life to amplifying the voices of the marginalized and dismantling systems of oppression. From the outset of her journey, she understood that her deepest impact would come through education and righteous activism. She began by teaching children in her local community and went on to establish Strong Roots, a community-based school dedicated to nurturing young minds.
Through messages of hope, self-determination, and self-love, Candace transformed her school into a powerful space for liberation; one that inspired students to pursue excellence and justice, and to see themselves as stewards of power and progression.
Candace’s vision soon expanded beyond her immediate surroundings. Her work with the People’s Advocacy Institute deepened her understanding of the systemic challenges facing underserved communities across the South. This experience solidified her commitment to driving change through both grassroots engagement and strategic advocacy.
At MSJW, Candace leads with the unwavering belief that dignity, equality, and justice are not privileges; they are inherent rights. Under her leadership, the organization advances transformative initiatives through education, advocacy, policy change, and coalition-building; empowering communities to thrive and forging pathways to a just and compassionate future.
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Education
At MSJW, We offer training, internships, and fellowships to build organizing skills and political knowledge from Mississippi to Palestine.
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![Black and white back ground with blue overlay. Image of protestors with a sign reading "Free Palestine"]()
Advocacy
We support direct action campaigns, protest safety trainings, and narrative-building work to mobilize communities in defense of human rights.
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![Black and white back ground with blue overlay. Image of protestors with a sign reading "Workers Should Have Power"]()
Policy
We delevop policy, educational resources, and legislative strategies for challenging systemic injustice and shifting resources back into the hands of community.
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![Black and white back ground with blue overlay. Image of woman with keffiyah with orange poppy flowers.]()
Support & Connect
If you would like learn how to support our work and get involved in Mississippi for a Just world actions please contact us here or visit our support page.
