TRAILBLAZERS
African-american women in Starkville are proudly using their different platform to inspire generations around them daily and the Starkville Daily News recently caught up with just a few to hear their thoughts and learn more about their world.
Yulanda Haddix
As the newly-elected president of the Oktibbeha County NAACP, Yulanda Haddix’s role allow her to unite the community as one - crossing diverse lines.
“Our mission is to make sure equality is shared among all people,” Haddix said.
She was born and raised in Starkville and grew up in the Rock Hill community.
She graduated from Starkville High School and attended Mississippi State University.
“I came from a lower socioeconomic income and I was on that lower spectrum as a child,” she said.
The opportunity arose for her to step into a more affluent life.
“Given those two worlds I understand the lower income and I also understand the more affluent individuals,” Haddix said.
With that diversity she understands the needs of the community and the mindsets of those around her.
To bridge that gap, she hopes to utilize her own diversity as a step in the right direction.
“My goal is to make sure our community becomes whole and also that if there are any disparities or racial inequality that we overcome those obstacles,” she said.
Haddix steps toward equality includes mentorship of the generations to come.
Her mother is the inspiration behind her dedication.
“She always had a voice for us. If she didn’t agree with something that was going on or that was not fair in our community - she was very verbal and vocal about being disenfranchised,” Haddix said.