Hope Rising: Stories From the State Bar- Part One

At the 2025 Mississippi State Bar Convention, former State Supreme Court Justice Dawn Beam interviewed over 20 people in 3 days to bring you a special 7-part series of her Hope Mississippi podcast.

In part one, Dawn hosts three compelling conversations that showcase how hope manifests in unexpected places. 

Podcast producer Hillary Kane reveals the behind-the-scenes magic that brings these stories to listeners. Reminding us that everyone possesses unique gifts to contribute. Whether polishing audio or practicing law, our individual talents can amplify messages of hope when directed toward community challenges.

Dean Jim Rosenblatt shares his remarkable journey from southwest Mississippi farm boy to Army JAG Corps officer to Mississippi College School of Law leadership. His philosophy of lifelong mentorship, appearing at everything from bar exams to weddings, demonstrates how consistent encouragement creates lasting hope. Through programs like adoption clinics, law students transform families while still in school, proving that legal professionals can impact thousands rather than dozens.

Judge Vincent Davis's story is one of transformation through education. After losing his mother at a young age, teachers "adopted" him, with one persistent educator repeatedly telling him he should become a lawyer. That voice eventually led him to law school despite his initial lack of interest. His most profound moment as an assistant district attorney came when pursuing justice for a murder victim's family in a case others considered unwinnable, bringing hope through accountability when it seemed impossible.

Hope Mississippi's Mission: The sobering reality remains: one in four Mississippi children lives in poverty, and one in five experiences food insecurity. These statistics aren't just numbers—they're our collective challenge. Through these conversations, we discover that Mississippi's transformation occurs through individual commitments to mentor, encourage, and be present for others. The small acts of hope accumulate into the broader "miracles" we celebrate.

Join us for new episodes on the 1st and 15th of each month as we continue sharing stories of transformation from across Mississippi. Each story reminds us that when we contribute our unique gifts, Mississippi rises together.