After learning the history of my late great-grandmother serving the county of Amite for seventy-three years and talking with family members, we decided to start the Lizzie Simmons foundation in 2020. To empower women entrepreneurs and provide resources to support the endeavors of the people in the community. Our grandmother gave life to people of all colors with love and integrity. Grandma Lizzie had a passion for helping people and the wisdom to see beyond her circumstances. She remained calm and positive, saying, “if you need me, just call,” when we discovered social responsibility is part of our DNA. We had to continue her legacy by providing support, resources, tools, and helping the people believe their dream can come to reality.
My family and I have traveled across the globe and learned the best gift you can give to anyone is teaching people how to provide for themselves—drawing on our education and many years of business experiences to be the catalyst for change and provide virtual business classes, mentors, health, and wellness resources.
We are advocates and value mentors, vetted advisors from various industries across the states, whereas I trust their insight and perspective. Our foundation will empower and revitalize the community while making an impact on the family’s homes. We hope to coach women on how to live their best life now, not later, and how to be the shero for their sons or daughters. We hope you have interest in serving our mission by becoming a mentor.
With the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren all eager to help, we are providing scholarships to deserving nursing and business students who are attending surrounding state colleges and universities in Mississippi near the county of Amite.
With your support, friends, and colleagues, we can provide first-time business owners with financial assistance to make a dream reality.
We believe there is power in sharing, and with unity, we all benefit. We hope you will join us on our mission.
All the best,
Sylanda McKinnor
Executive Director
Did you know… Ms. Lizzie Martin Simmons
She was born a slave around 1856 and passed in March 1962. At the young age of 14, she began working as a practical nurse and helping women with childbirth without pay. After slavery was abolished, Ms. Simmons continued to serve the people of the community of Gloster and the county of Amite for an astonishing seventy-three (73) years. The first educated African American Woman practical nurse in Amite County. A well-respected and dedicated woman in her family and community by making a difference and helping others in the community.
She was never free and never had the chance to sit on the front of the bus nor got an opportunity to experience equality. Her experience was delivering all ten children of her slave owner. Never treated as equal or viewed as a whole woman, she persevered and continued to serve people with passion despite the unfairness she experienced. African American women are often overlooked in history, especially in the state of Mississippi. In 2020, we celebrated 100 years of the suffrage movement. Amite county and the town of Liberty recognized a beacon of the community and voted to honor our grandmother Lizzie Simmons with an honorary street sign on Jerusalem Road.
As a beacon in the community, we hope to keep her legacy going with The Lizzie Simmons Foundation to empower, inspire, and provide resources to the community.
Simmons Family
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