Derrick Simmons facts for kids

Derrick Terrell Simmons (born December 12, 1976) is an American politician and lawyer. He serves as a Democratic member of the Mississippi Senate for the 12th district. He has held this position since 2011. Since 2017, he has been the Minority Leader of the Mississippi Senate. This means he is the main leader for his political party in the Senate.

Early Life and Education

Derrick Simmons was born in Greenville, Mississippi, on December 12, 1976. He went to T. L. Weston High School and graduated in 1995. He was the valedictorian, which means he was the top student in his graduating class.

He then attended Jackson State University. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting in 2000. He received a full scholarship and was the top student in his class there too.

After that, he went to Howard University. He earned two more degrees: an MBA (Master of Business Administration) in 2002 and a JD (Juris Doctor, a law degree) in 2005. While at Howard, he was part of the university's Mock Trial team. His team won a big competition, beating Harvard Law School. This was a historic win for a historically Black law school.

Career

After finishing his education, Simmons returned to Mississippi. He worked as a law clerk for a judge. Then, he became an Assistant Public Defender. This job meant he helped people who could not afford a lawyer.

In 2008, Simmons started his own law firm in Greenville, Mississippi. He opened it 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 also a member of the Greenville Public School District Board of Trustees from 2009 to 2011. Since 2007, he has taught at Mississippi Valley State University. He teaches classes on business law, personal finance, and marketing.

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. He won a special election to represent the 12th district. He ran for re-election in 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023. He ran unopposed in 2011, 2015, and 2023. In 2019, he won with 81.5% of the votes. The 12th district covers parts of Bolivar, Coahoma, and Washington counties.

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

In 2017, his fellow senators elected him as the Minority Leader of the Mississippi Senate. This is an important leadership role for his political party.

In January 2022, Simmons led a group of 14 Black Mississippi senators. They walked out during a vote. The vote was about banning a certain theory from being taught in the state's public schools and universities.

Personal Life

Derrick Simmons is married to CuWanda Flowers. They have two children. His mother worked in grocery stores, and his father worked in a factory. His father passed away in 2015.

Derrick Simmons has a twin brother named Errick Simmons. Errick is currently the mayor of Greenville, Mississippi. Derrick is a member of the NAACP and Kappa Alpha Psi. He is also a Mason and practices the Baptist faith.