John Grisham Will Keynote Anniversary Event in Jackson

The celebrated author joins Mississippi Today to mark a decade of reporting this October at the Two Mississippi Museums.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Awards

Screen-print poster illustration featuring aged books on a wooden lectern, representing the storytelling and history celebrated at the anniversary event.
Mississippi Today will host author John Grisham as the keynote speaker at its 10th anniversary celebration in Jackson on October 7, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Mississippi Today will host its 10th anniversary celebration featuring a keynote address from author John Grisham on Oct. 7, 2026. The event, which takes place at the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson, is currently sold out.

Why it matters

The event commemorates ten years of mission-driven reporting in the state. John Grisham, a former state representative and University of Mississippi law graduate, brings his perspective as a prominent figure with deep roots in Mississippi history.

The anniversary celebration is officially sold out for the October 7 event. Following the celebration, the All In on Mississippi summit will take place on October 8 with individual tickets priced at $25.

The players

John Grisham

He is a best-selling American author who previously served in the Mississippi House of Representatives.

Mississippi Today

This is a non-profit news organization focused on mission-driven reporting in Mississippi.

The details

The anniversary celebration at the Two Mississippi Museums will feature a variety of immersive experiences, including music, storytelling, and conversation. The following day, the All In on Mississippi summit will host sessions focused on industry, artificial intelligence, literacy, and apprenticeships.

Timeline

  1. John Grisham earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1981.

  2. Grisham served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1983 to 1990.

  3. The 10th anniversary celebration takes place on Oct. 7, 2026.

  4. The All In on Mississippi summit occurs on Oct. 8, 2026.

Culture Shift

This anniversary highlights the growing influence of non-profit journalism in the state's media landscape. As the organization marks a decade of work, it reflects the broader societal shift toward mission-driven reporting models replacing traditional legacy newspaper structures.

Residents attending the summit can participate in discussions regarding literacy, industry, and artificial intelligence for a $25 entry fee. While the anniversary gala is sold out, community members can still register for the All In on Mississippi summit sessions held on October 8.

The takeaway

The event series emphasizes the ongoing evolution of local media and community engagement in Mississippi. Readers interested in regional policy and industry trends may find the summit sessions provide valuable insights into state-level developments.

Further reading

For more information on upcoming events and local recognition, visit the Awards section.

More information

To register for the sessions or view the latest event updates, visit the summit registration and update portal.

Source note: This article includes information reported by DeSoto County News.

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