Derrick Simmons facts for kids

Derrick Terrell Simmons (born December 12, 1976) is an American politician and lawyer. He serves in the Mississippi Senate for the 12th district. Since 2017, he has been the Minority Leader of the Mississippi Senate.

Early Life and Education

Derrick Simmons was born on December 12, 1976, in Greenville, Mississippi. He went to T. L. Weston High School, graduating in 1995 as the top student, known as the valedictorian.

He then attended Jackson State University on a full scholarship. In 2000, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in Accounting, finishing first in his class.

Simmons continued his education at Howard University. He earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2002. In 2005, he received his Juris Doctor (JD) degree, which is a law degree. While at Howard, he interned for two years at Northrop Grumman, a large aerospace company.

At Howard University's Law School, he was part of the Mock Trial team. This team practices legal arguments in a courtroom setting. His team famously beat Harvard Law School, becoming the first historically Black law school to win the ABA International Mock Trial Competition.

Career

After finishing college, Simmons returned to the Mississippi Delta region. He worked as a law clerk for a Circuit Court Judge. Later, he became an Assistant Public Defender, helping people who could not afford a lawyer.

In 2008, Simmons started his own law firm in Greenville, Mississippi, with his twin brother, Errick. From 2009 to 2011, he also served as a municipal court judge for the towns of Sunflower, Mississippi and Moorhead, Mississippi.

Simmons was a member of the Greenville Public School District Board of Trustees from 2009 to 2011. Since 2007, he has also taught as an adjunct professor at Mississippi Valley State University. There, he teaches courses like business law, personal finance, and marketing.

He is involved with several legal and community groups. These include the American Bar Association, National Bar Association, Mississippi Bar, and the Greenville Rotary Club.

Politics

Derrick Simmons decided to run for office when State Senator Johnnie Walls left his seat.

On March 1, 2011, Simmons was elected to the Mississippi Senate in a special election. He now represents the 12th district. He ran for re-election in 2011 and 2015 without anyone running against him. In 2019, he won with 81.5% of the vote. In 2023, he again ran unopposed. The 12th district covers parts of Bolivar, Coahoma, and Washington counties.

In 2013, Simmons suggested a change to the law that would expand Medicaid. Medicaid is a program that helps people with low incomes get healthcare. However, his proposal was not approved.

In 2017, his fellow senators elected him as the Minority Leader of the Mississippi Senate. This means he leads the political party that has fewer members in the Senate.

In January 2022, Senator Simmons led a walkout of 14 Black Mississippi senators. This happened during a vote on a bill about what could be taught in public schools and universities in the state.

Personal Life

Derrick Simmons's mother worked in grocery stores. His father worked in a factory until he passed away in 2015.

Derrick Simmons is married to CuWanda Flowers. He is of the Baptist faith and has two children. His twin brother, Errick Simmons, is currently the mayor of Greenville, Mississippi.

Simmons is also a Mason, a member of the NAACP, and part of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.