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Daja E. Henry

Staff Writer

she/her

I report on stories in Jackson, Mississippi, that go below the surface and examine persistent problems in policing, courts, local jails and state prisons, as well as the criminal justice system’s impact on people.

My Background

Though I’ve covered different topics throughout my career, my work has one common thread: identifying injustice.

From covering gun violence against mothers in my hometown of New Orleans to the disenfranchisement of thousands of Mississippians, I have produced hard-hitting coverage. My reporting on youths with disabilities in the juvenile justice system earned an Arizona Press Club Award, and my reporting on Cuban migrants in Panama earned a Mark of Excellence Award from the Society for Professional Journalists.

I have an enduring interest in history, which I often incorporate into my work. I am based in the Jackson, Mississippi, area.

Contact Me About...

I’m always looking for stories of injustice within Mississippi’s justice system. I’m particularly interested in the treatment of women and children, people with disabilities and any underrepresented groups.

email dhenry@themarshallproject.org
x @dajaehenry
bluesky @dajaehenry.com
An illustration shows a grid of different jail cells with small or narrow windows, or no windows at all.
Analysis May 21
The Unbearable Darkness of Jail
Jails in St. Louis, Cleveland and Jackson, Mississippi, don’t provide direct access to sunlight and fresh air – even when their own policies require it.
By , and
A black-and-white photograph shows two White men in suits looking out a shattered window, while a Black man in a T-shirt gestures downward. The parts of the building around the window are covered in bullet holes.
Jackson May 14
DOJ Shakeup May Put Civil Rights Probe of 1970 Jackson State, Mississippi, Killings At Risk
The Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Act made way for investigations of racially motivated killings. The federal agency enforcing it is in disarray.
By
An illustration shows two people with a medium-dark skin tone pulling a model of a detention facility from opposite ends. Only their hands and arms are visible. One person is wearing a brown sheriff’s uniform while the other is wearing a beige suit.
Jackson March 26
A Court May Soon Control the Hinds County Jail. Here’s What May Happen Next.
When death and violence plagued the jail, the federal courts stepped in. We talked with an expert about what to expect from a receivership.
By
A photo shows a line of police officers standing on a corner while wearing riot gear and holding batons.
News March 12
Trump Is Backing Away From Police Reform. Here’s What That Means for 12 Places.
The administration appears set to end federal oversight of police, including agencies that have committed systemic civil rights violations.
By , , , , and
A photo shows an overview of the Mississippi Supreme Court floor. Eight justices sit in large leather chairs at a curved table, while a White man in a suit speaks from a podium near a round rug with the State Seal of Mississippi. People sitting at tables and benches opposite the justices are listening to the speaker.
Jackson November 20, 2024
How Mississippi’s Supreme Court Runoff Election Could Impact Criminal Cases
After the surprise defeat of one justice, the outcome of the Nov. 26 runoff between another justice and his challenger could change the court’s outlook.
By and
A Black man in a navy suit and blue tie walks up the steps of a courthouse with two White men wearing blue suits and holding leather briefcases.
Jackson November 15, 2024
Jackson, Mississippi, Officials Aren’t the First to Stay in Office Amid Corruption Charges
Hinds County District Attorney Jody E. Owens II and Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba vow to fight federal corruption charges and not step down.
By
An illustration shows circles with portraits of seven judges and the text: “Judicial Election Guide.”
Jackson November 7, 2024
Meet the People Running for Mississippi’s Supreme Court and Other Courts
We profiled candidates for two state Supreme Court seats and other courts, and asked each to tell you in their own words why they should be elected.
By
An illustration shows circles with portraits of seven judges and three question marks.
Jackson September 24, 2024
Mississippi Court Candidates Tell You Why They Should Be Elected
The Marshall Project - Jackson and Mississippi Today asked the candidates to explain why people should vote for them. Here’s who responded.
Compiled by
A photo of a Black woman with her hair in a bun speaking into a microphone while sitting on a panel.
Jackson July 9, 2024
Jackson, Mississippi, Wants Curfew Centers to Cut Crime. Here’s What Other Cities Learned.
After a teen’s murder, city officials hope a curfew and youth centers will get kids off the street. Young people are skeptical.
By
A color photograph of a group of Black people marching while holding signs that read “Black Voters Matter.”
Jackson April 4, 2024
How Mississippi’s Jim Crow Laws Still Haunt Black Voters Today
After the U.S. Civil War, white supremacists used felony disenfranchisement to suppress the Black vote. Even now, restoring rights has hit a roadblock.
By
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