MOSS POINT—To purposefully create a vision for the future, it is important to understand the past and create partnerships with stakeholders. That is part of the mission and creation of We Are Moss Point as it continues to make meaningful impacts around the community.
Moss Point native Charlette Bardwell Brown has spent her career as a social worker in a variety of communities and settings. But through her professional view, she realized that the biggest need for support was in her own home and in a format that empowers the community.
“We Are Moss Point (WAMP) is more than a community organization but rather a call to action, a platform for progress and a testament to what happens when residents take ownership of their future,” Ms. Brown said. “WAMP emerged from a clear and urgent need, and Moss Point deserved intentional investment, accessible resources and programs designed WITH the community and not just FOR it.”
Ms. Brown is a 1986 graduate of Moss Point High School who has a deep-seeded history and love for Moss Point. Shaped by decades of experience in social work, nonprofit leadership, and community service, under her leadership, WAMP continues to grow as a trusted voice and driving force for progress. She said the organization’s work reflects a belief that every community has inherent value and that transformation begins by recognizing and nurturing that potential.
WAMP operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission centered on economic development, community empowerment, financial literacy, social initiatives, and youth leadership development. At its core, WAMP believes sustainable change happens when people are equipped with tools, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive.
“The organization was created to bridge gaps—economic, educational, and social—while restoring pride, opportunity, and hope throughout the city,” she said. “Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, WAMP listens closely to community voices, ensuring its programs reflect real needs and lived experiences.”
She said that the difference in WAMP and other organizations is its commitment to community-led change. As a partner and advocate of Moss Point, WAMP is rooted in the very fabric that is Moss Point. This includes honoring those residents who are interwoven into the past and present and are shaping the future of the city through the Living Legends Ball.
Celebrating its 12th year in 2026, the Living Legends Ball honors legacy, celebrates excellence and invests in the future. Ms. Brown said the ball is one of the organizations most anticipated and impactful initiatives. It recognizes individuals whose lives and contributions have helped shape the city and the surrounding Gulf Coast region.
“These ‘living legends’ are community leaders, cultural bearers, trailblazers and change agents whose work has left a lasting imprint across generations,” she said of the ball and its annual honorees. “The Living Legends Ball serves as a formal tribute to men and women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, resilience, and commitment to community uplift.”
Honorees span a range of fields—including civic leadership, education, business, faith, arts, and social advocacy—reflecting the diverse ways impact is made and legacy is built. Another aspect of the ball is to honor a local business as the WAMP business of the year.
“Rather than waiting to honor greatness in hindsight, WAMP intentionally celebrates these individuals while they are still able to receive their flowers, share their stories, and inspire others,” Ms. Brown said. “By bringing together honorees, young leaders, families, and community partners, the event creates space for shared history, mentorship, and inspiration.”
This intergenerational connection provides role models for today’s youth where they may witness excellence by learning what service, perseverance and leadership look like in action.
“This intentional passing of the torch aligns seamlessly with WAMP’s broader mission of cultivating future leaders while honoring the foundation laid by those who came before them,” she added.
Proceeds from the Living Legends Ball directly support the organization’s community programs, including youth leadership initiatives, economic empowerment efforts, and outreach activities that benefit Moss Point residents and the surrounding communities.
Ms. Brown said that as WAMP continues to grow, the Living Legends Ball remains a powerful reminder that meaningful change is rooted in respect for history, celebration of impact, and commitment to community-driven progress.
“Our vision remains clear: a stronger, more resilient Moss Point where individuals are empowered, youth are inspired, and opportunities are accessible to all,” she said. “WAMP stands as proof that when passion meets purpose, and when community comes together with intentional, meaningful change is not only possible, it is inevitable.”
For more information on the activities of WAMP, follow We Are Moss Point on Facebook.
