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TMI was organized for the following exclusively charitable and educational purposes: To train and develop individuals in leadership skills, promote strategic thinking about and analysis of societal issues for the betterment of the communities in the eastern portions of Mississippi and the western portions of Alabama; human and infrastructure development in the east portions of Mississippi and the

western portions of Alabama; and To acquire, establish, retain and maintain a fund or funds to be held, invested and used exclusively in furtherance of such charitable and educational purposes.

30/05/2026

Today, we reflect on the vision that helped launch The Montgomery Institute in 2000 and the partnerships that made it possible.

Founded by community leader Bill Crawford, TMI was created to carry forward the legacy of Congressman G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery—building stronger communities through service, collaboration, and opportunity.

We are deeply grateful to The Riley Foundation and The Phil Hardin Foundation for their early investment and belief in a mission centered on upbuilding people and places across East Mississippi and West Alabama.

More than two decades later, that vision continues through health initiatives, youth empowerment, arts education, cultural programs, and community partnerships that impact lives every day.

Because of leadership.
Because of partnership.
Because of community.

The work continues.

City of Meridian-Government East Mississippi Business Development Corporation Beverly J. Knox Lacey Williams Richelle Putnam Cornelious D. Smith Meridian, Mississippi Mississippi State University - Meridian Campus Visit Meridian

27/05/2026

IT'S ALMOST THAT TIME!

The Montgomery Institute facilitates and oversees the MSA Pines Region Songwriters Festival through its partnership with the MISSISSIPPI SONGWRITERS' FESTIVAL, The MAX - The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience, The MAX, and Jimmie Rodgers Festival and Museum This year's festival is scheduled for July 17–18, 2026, in downtown venues in Meridian, Mississippi.

This is a professionally curated arts event designed to elevate original music and support Mississippi songwriters as working artists. The festival brings more than 30 songwriters to Meridian, transforming locally owned venues into intimate listening rooms where audiences experience the craft of songwriting and the stories behind the songs.

Festival activities include:

Friday Night:

Hosting the festival in downtown Meridian’s locally owned venues (The Brickhaus Brewtique, Weidmann's Restaurant, Threefoot Brewing Company, LLC, and 's Taste of Thai) creates vibrant listening spaces while supporting local businesses. Packed venues increase restaurant traffic, hotel stays, and downtown activity, reinforcing Meridian’s role as a regional cultural destination. Rounds begin at 6 pm and run until 12, with round times varying by venue. A time slot schedule will be forthcoming. To apply for a round, send a headshot, bio and links to original songs to [email protected].

Youth Workshop description:
In partnership with the Jimmie Rodgers Foundation and Mississippi Songwriters Alliance Pines Region, The MAX is offering a 3-day progressive workshop for aspiring songwriters ages 13-20. Led by experienced, award-winning songwriters Sean Gasaway and Green, these workshops will feature a day of writing (Thursday), a day of recording (Friday) and a day of performing (Saturday).

Thursday from 2 pm - 5 pm Sean and Brandon will lead participants in the art of songwriting and collectively write original songs.

Friday from 2 pm - 5 pm participants will step inside the Governor's Recording Studio and learn the process of recording by tracking and mixing their original works from the previous day.

Saturday from 2 pm - 8 pm participants will prepare and perform their original songs in a live setting and open for the Mississippi Songwriter's Alliance Pines Region Grand Finale performance by Michael Farris Smith and The Smokes. The Grand Finale performance is from 6 pm - 8 pm and is free and open to the public.

Saturday Songwriting Workshop for All Songwriters: Michael Farris Smith: Mississippi Songwriters Festival Songwriting Workshop with Michael Farris Smith - Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience

Grand Finale – Michael Farris Smith & The Smokes: Mississippi Songwriters Festival Grand Finale - Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience

A native Mississippian based in Oxford, Smith represents a powerful intersection of music, literature, and storytelling that reflects the state's cultural legacy. With The Smokes, Smith released the album Lostville, produced by GRAMMY nominee Jimbo Mathus, blending Southern roots, narrative songwriting, and atmospheric Americana. His Grand Finale performance will anchor the festival’s mission to celebrate original music while highlighting Mississippi’s influence on national arts and culture.

Link to Michael Farris Smith & the Smokes on the Thacker Mountain Radio Hour in Oxford Miss: https://youtu.be/WIy3RB-ylos?si=Awp6W4el3PcRkapd

Songwriter Recording Sessions:

Songwriters registered with the Mississippi Songwriters Alliance Pines Region Festival will have the opportunity to record a free 20-minute recording session in the Governor's Recording Studio at The MAX. Sessions are limited to 20 minutes and require pre-registration for the specified time slot. Songwriters are limited to one instrument and vocals, no drums. For questions, please contact Aaron Windham by email at [email protected] or by phone at 601-581-1550 ext. 15.

City of Meridian-Government East Mississippi Business Development Corporation Beverly J. Knox Lacey Williams Cornelious D. Smith Meridian, Mississippi Meridian Community College Al Brown WTOK-TV WMOX Radio Supertalk Meridian 103.3 SuperTalk Mississippi Doug Jernigan Bill Smith The Bluegrass Standard Structural Steel Services, Inc. The Meridian Council for the Arts Visit Meridian

25/05/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We also honor the legacy of Congressman G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery, a leader who dedicated his life to serving those who served our nation.

May we never forget the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit of our heroes.

We Remember. We Honor. We Serve.

City of Meridian-Government East Mississippi Business Development Corporation Beverly J. Knox Lacey Williams Richelle Putnam Meridian, Mississippi Visit Meridian Meridian Main Street Meridian Community College Mississippi State University - Meridian Campus

18/05/2026

The Montgomery Institute is excited to continue preparing our ABC PreK teaching artists through professional development in arts integration!

On May 19, our beginning teaching artists Alana Sparrow Broughton and Samm Jacquot, along with TMI Cultural Arts/Arts Education Director, Richelle Putnam will attend Arts Integration for Teaching Artists led by Amanda Koonlaba through Mississippi Arts Commission Whole Schools.

This training will help strengthen classroom strategies, creative engagement, and kindergarten readiness support for children participating in the ABC PreK initiative this fall.

We are grateful for opportunities that continue building strong, creative learning experiences for our youngest learners!

City of Meridian-Government East Mississippi Business Development Corporation Beverly J. Knox Lacey Williams Meridian Public School District Meridian, Mississippi Visit Meridian Mississippi Department of Education Mississippi State Department of Health Meridian Community College

14/05/2026

Inspired by the legacy of Congressman G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery, TMI brings together community partners to improve health, empower youth, strengthen education, and enrich lives through the arts.

Through initiatives such as the Community Health Improvement Network (CHIN), TMI connects residents to trusted health education and wellness resources. TMI also oversees the Drug-Free Communities Coalition, through a CDC grant, two regional Mississippi Tobacco-Free Coalitions, through the Mississippi State Department of Health, the MSA Pines Region Songwriters Festival, partnership between MISSISSIPPI SONGWRITERS' FESTIVAL and the ABC PreK Arts Integration Initiative, all of which are designed to create healthier, more connected, and more creative communities.

At its core, TMI believes collaboration, compassion, and community engagement are the keys to lasting impact. Join us. Sign up for updates at www.tmi.ms. Help us spread the news by liking and sharing this post.

City of Meridian-Government East Mississippi Business Development Corporation Beverly J. Knox Mississippi State University - Meridian Campus Visit Meridian Cornelious D. Smith Lacey Williams Richelle Putnam United Way of East Mississippi CHIN - Community Health Improvement Network

11/05/2026

Join CHIN/TMI for an important community conversation about emotional wellness, stress, anxiety, and supporting young adults during life transitions.

🎓 Free Lunch & Learn
📅 Tuesday, May 26, 2026
🕛 Noon
📍 NorthPark Church

📞 RSVP by May 22: 601-483-2661
💻 Register online at www.tmi.ms

City of Meridian-Government East Mississippi Business Development Corporation Beverly J. Knox Lacey Williams Meridian Community College Meridian Main Street Mississippi State University - Meridian Campus Visit Meridian Richelle Putnam

30/04/2026

The ABC PreK Program is growing from a powerful beginning. What started as a successful initiative in Tupelo has evolved into a broader effort to support young learners through creative, engaging early education. By blending arts integration with school readiness, ABC PreK is helping children build confidence, curiosity, and a strong start for kindergarten and beyond.

Enjoy this video update by our mentor and director of the Tupelo program, Amanda Koonlaba.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1EVwG2bXXU/

The Montgomery Institute, Meridian Public School District, Barbara Henson's Daycare and Smith Learning Center will be participating the in the 2026-27 pilot program. This initiative is made possible by The Phil Hardin Foundation.

To learn more about this growing initiative, contact [email protected].

Please join the TMI newsletter here: www.tmi.ms.

East Mississippi Business Development Corporation Meridian Public School District City of Meridian-Government Supertalk Meridian 103.3 WMOX Radio Visit Meridian Mississippi Arts Commission Meridian Museum of Art

26/04/2026

The event in partnership with City of Meridian-Government Police Department was a great success. Thank you to all who came out in support of this initiative. Together we make our community healthier and safer.

Beverly J. Knox Lacey Williams Meridian, Mississippi East Mississippi Business Development Corporation Southeast Lauderdale Middle School Southeast Lauderdale High School Northeast Lauderdale Middle School Northeast High School Meridian Public School District CDC

25/04/2026

The Montgomery Institute understands the importance of cultural events and their impact on community by providing safe and entertaining outlets for our Meridian, Mississippi residents. The partnerships that support these efforts through other organizations with Mississippi Writers Guild and The MAX - The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience, ensure that these programs are accessible to everyone.

Jimmy Henderson reads an original piece at the Literary Artists on Stage (LAOS) held Saturday, August 25 at The MAX.

City of Meridian-Government Visit Meridian Meridian Main Street East Mississippi Business Development Corporation Beverly J. Knox Lacey Williams Richelle Putnam

25/04/2026

The rain is holding off!! Come join us at Sam's Club!!!

CDC CHIN - Community Health Improvement Network Lacey Williams Beverly J. Knox City of Meridian-Government Visit Meridian East Mississippi Business Development Corporation

23/04/2026

💊 Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet & Help Protect Our Community!

The Montgomery Institute/CHIN - Community Health Improvement Network Drug-Free Communities Coalition (CDC) is proud to partner with Lauderdale County, MS Sheriff's Office, Meridian Police Department Meridian, Mississippi, and Sam's Club Meridian for two local National Drug Take Back Day events designed to keep unused and expired medications out of our homes and out of the wrong hands.

Unused medications can create risks for accidental misuse, theft, and harm—especially for youth. By safely disposing of medications you no longer need, you’re taking an important step toward creating a healthier, safer community for everyone.

Two Convenient Locations:
Sam’s Club Parking Lot
10:00 AM – 11:45 AM
with Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department

Meridian Police Department Parking Lot
12:15 PM – 2:00 PM
with Meridian Police Department

🎁 Bonus: Receive a FREE drug lock box while supplies last!

Please:

Share this post (Feel free to download flyer)
Invite family and friends
Attend one or both the events
Help spread the word about safe medication disposal

Together, we can reduce risk, protect our youth, and build a stronger, drug-free community. We look forward to seeing you there!

City of Meridian-Government Lauderdale County, MS Sheriff's Office Weems Community Mental Health Center Northeast Lauderdale Middle School Southeast Lauderdale High School Southeast Lauderdale Middle School Meridian Public School District Northeast High School Beverly J. Knox Lacey Williams Sam's Club

Address

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+16014832661

Website

http://tmi.ms/

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