Darian J. Jamison, a proud native of Coldwater, Mississippi, created the Mississippi Merit Awards to give long-overdue recognition to unsung “legends” in his community. Since its inception in 2016, the event has grown into a regional celebration of leaders, entrepreneurs, and artists whose influence reaches far beyond the spotlight. On Sept. 27, 2025, the awards return with the theme “Legends Bowl,” carrying forward Jamison’s vision of honoring those whose impact continues to inspire the Mid-South.
What inspired you to create the Mississippi Merit Awards, and how did your vision evolve from 2015 to the inaugural event in 2016?
I was inspired by looking around my community. I saw leaders, entrepreneurs, and artists who had devoted their lives to a craft yet never received recognition. There was an inner knowing, a voice that told me it was part of my destiny to change that. At first, I only planned the show for my hometown and nearby cities. It was meant to be a one-time event. To see it expand to all cities and states is still mind-blowing.
How has your upbringing in Coldwater, Mississippi, shaped your commitment to recognizing unsung heroes in your community?
My upbringing in Coldwater is the biggest factor in what I do. I was always surrounded by greatness in Coldwater. I can recall many instances of exceptional talent coming from our area. One thing the city always did was get behind the individual and make a spectacle of the accomplishment. I always thought that was beautiful. I simultaneously wanted to be that individual celebrated, AND I wanted to celebrate others as well.
Balancing your role as a Financial Crimes Analyst at Evolve Bank & Trust with leading the Mississippi Merit Awards must be challenging—how do you manage both?
I am able to manage both thanks to my team. I have a small team, but an extremely solid one. Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed, I delegate. A trusted team is better than riches.
What criteria do you use to identify the individuals or “legends” who are honored at the Mississippi Merit Awards?
Impact, influence, and consistency. Other platforms focus on charts, sales, and trophies. To me, legends are pioneers. They often influenced today’s greats but remain unsung and forgotten. This year’s theme will give them their due flowers.
Can you share a memorable moment or story from past award ceremonies that illustrates the impact of recognizing these community leaders?
Every year, we present the “Dahlia” award in honor of our friend and supporter, Nicole Newson, who passed away in an accident. In 2022, we honored six fallen pioneers in her name. Their families filled the room with gratitude. During a slideshow and musical tribute, one of our vocalists sang “See You Again” while my team passed out roses. There was not a dry eye in the place.
How has the support of your wife and daughter influenced your ability to sustain and grow the Mississippi Merit Awards?
My wife is my administrative assistant. Without her, there would be no award show. She’s my biggest pusher and asset. My daughter is 7 months old. This year will be her first show, and I’m so excited. I continue to push harder because I want to make my daughter proud someday.
This year’s theme is “Legends Bowl.” What message do you hope attendees and viewers take away from this theme?
The message is that a Grammy, Stellar, or Oscar does not determine legend status. Not everyone will reach those stages. Impact, influence, and consistency make someone a legend.
The awards have featured notable guests over the years, including Lillian Lloyd and Dorinda Clark Cole. How do these collaborations enhance the mission of the event?
Collaborations with celebrities are important because they help build the reputation of the platform. Ultimately, I only want to highlight hometown heroes; however, it takes strategy to build a platform that even they will be proud of. One way we’ve done that is by pairing a hometown hero with a mainstream celebrity. This is to convey, “You’re just as good, just as impactful, and just as worthy.”
What does it mean to you to honor figures like Dr. Stacy L. Spencer, and how do you select honorees who reflect lasting influence in their communities?
It is truly an honor to shine a light on greats like Dr. Stacy L. Spencer. It means the absolute world. I am still shocked that those I look up to would allow our platform to show that adoration. It is a humbling feeling. We always have our eyes open, those who are diligent in their efforts for change.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future of the Mississippi Merit Awards, and how do you hope it continues to impact the Mid-South region?
It’s my desire for the Merit Awards to stand in the same conversations as the Grammys and Doves. Not for fame or recognition, but so that we can provide a platform for the underdog and the unsung. So that we can make a difference. So that we can be the change.
Be’n Original
