By Jatavian Walker
(JACKSON, Miss.) – Jackson State University (JSU) hosted the third annual Southern Spark Conference, an event teaching attendees about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, workforce development, business and public service. Over 250 educators, technologists, community leaders and innovators, from Mississippi and other southern regions, got an opportunity to network with AI industry leaders and professionals.
“At Jackson State University, we believe innovation should create opportunity for everyone,” said JSU President Dr. Denise Jones Gregory. “The Southern Spark Conference brings educators, industry leaders and community partners together to focus on how Mississippi prepares its students and workforce for the age of artificial intelligence. JSU is proud to be part of that work and to help position our state for the opportunities ahead.”
The two-day conference was spearheaded by the Mississippi AI Collaborative (MSAIC) to build a community-centric ecosystem for artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. It featured panels, workshops and breakout sessions that aim to provide deeper insight into AI innovations.
“We want to make sure that we create a space where anyone from any perspective or any amount of expertise can come and feel comfortable sharing their point of view, as well as teaching and learning with others,” said Mississippi AI Collaborative President and Mississippi Computer Science Teachers Association Co-Founder, Krystal Chatman, who added that she encourages those who fear AI to become more curious and join the conversation. Chatman believes this will help improve the technology to better suit people’s needs.
MSAIC is a statewide partnership between Jackson State, the Mississippi Computer Science Teachers Association (MCSTA), the Mississippi Coding Academy (MCA), The BeanPath, the Red Beans Group and other community affiliates in an effort to expand knowledge of AI in Mississippi.
It was the only North American recipient to receive a global grant from Data.org, and one of five worldwide. Through external funding, the group has educated approximately 6,500 Mississippians in its efforts to increase AI literacy in the state.
MCA Executive Director and MSAIC Co-Founder Bob Buseck spoke about the decision to hold the event at JSU, praising the university’s progressiveness and fearlessness in taking chances on new ideas. Buseck said he was pleased to see how professionals statewide and beyond have come to learn more about AI innovation.
“Our mission and goal is to educate folks on what AI is and how it can better help you in your pursuit of happiness. Right now, we are leading the revolution in defining AI and its potential,” said Buseck. “We want to make sure that Mississippians have the best foot forward to operate in the global industry that is our world today. We’re putting in the effort to make sure that the word is out there that Mississippi is ahead of the game and we’re key players when it comes to the AI industry.”
As Jackson State continues to be a leader in AI innovation, Assistant Professor of Art Dr. Brittany Myburgh said hosting conferences and serving as the headquarters for MCA, helps to bolster that reputation. The headquarters is located at the JSU’s Mississippi e-Center. Myburgh, who also serves as co-founder of MSAIC, expressed the importance of JSU and HBCUs being at the forefront of integrating AI in surrounding communities.
“Jackson State being a part of the collaborative and conversations regarding AI development is essential. Taking that learning outside the classroom is our commitment to serving the wider community beyond the university,” said Myburgh. “Our goal has always been about ensuring that everyone in Mississippi benefits from our program. Not just one person. We encourage those we have the honor of teaching to bring those skills and knowledge to teach someone else. That’s how we grow as a state and leaders in AI technology.”
On behalf of the City of Jackson, Mayor John Horhn joined the conference to speak on the importance of innovating and advancing AI in Mississippi’s capital city and the need to engage with it.
“It can feel unfamiliar or even intimidating if we never take the chance to engage with it directly, but this is an opportunity for our city to learn, to ask questions and imagine what artificial intelligence can mean for our everyday lives,” said Horhn. “AI could help solve tough problems, make services more efficient and more responsive.”
Horhn spotlighted the BeanPath and its founder and fellow MSAIC board member Dr. Nashlie Sephus by presenting them with a proclamation for their continued work to expand access to technology, foster innovation, and create inclusive pathways into AI and other high-demand fields for residents of all ages.
Horhn concluded by officially proclaiming June 2026 as AI Month in Jackson and encouraged all residents, businesses, educators and community organizations to participate in the various activities being conducted throughout the month.
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