Honorary Grand Marshal

2025 Honorary Grand Marshal:
Justice for Jay Lee

After the friends of Jimmie “Jay” Lee learned of his disappearance on July 8, 2022, they mobilized swiftly, determined not only to seek justice for their friend but also to honor his enduring legacy.

Jay Lee, a Jackson, Mississippi native, graduated with high honors from Forest Hill High School before attending the University of Mississippi in 2019. While in college, he excelled as both a student and a community leader. Jay organized events, engaged in social advocacy, held numerous student leadership positions, and earned high honors within the Social Work program. Outside of his scholarly pursuits, Jay Lee distinguished himself as a talented creative and performer—a skilled singer, fashion enthusiast, and drag artist. Drawing inspiration from icons like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Ariana Grande, he regularly shared his radiant spirit at Code Pink, Oxford’s monthly LGBTQIA+ dance celebration. During his time as an entertainer, Jay Lee built a vibrant community of supporters, drag sisters, and cherished friends that transcended the borders of Mississippi.

Jay Lee’s absence is deeply felt, but the school and stage he once revolutionized now stand as a testament to his legacy. By defying conventionality and embracing individuality, Jay Lee trail blazed a path for the next generation of Queer Mississippians and his peers, so that anyone, regardless of background, could feel empowered to flourish in the classroom, on stage, and beyond. His vision and the hard work he committed to throughout his life encouraged people from all backgrounds to thrive, and that spirit continues to shape Mississippi and the University of Mississippi today. The everlasting legacy that Jay Lee left behind reminds us that Queer people are relentless and yet too often marginalized. His legacy champions the belief that Queer Southerners deserve liberty, equality, and the boundless opportunity to live and move through their communities authentically and unapologetically. Jay Lee’s life affirms that Queer Black joy and resilience in Mississippi is not only achievable but is something that should be protected, embraced, and celebrated.

When Jay Lee went missing in July 2022, he became one of the countless Black individuals and Queer men who experience violence or go missing every year. His case brings attention to the many Black people who go missing annually in America, and highlights the struggle for justice in a system that has too often failed them.

Despite the oppressive culture and statistics that point to injustice, Jay Lee’s life serves as a testament that one can overcome these obstacles and defy expectations. He dedicated himself to making the world a better place than how he found it, ensuring that those who came after him, especially the next generation of Queer Black folks, could rise and create change. 

Jay Lee’s disappearance sparked immediate action from the community he committed his life to serving. The “Justice for Jay Lee” movement quickly grew, not only to advocate for his justice but also for all Queer and Black victims of crime. Because of this group, Jay Lee’s legacy has evolved into a powerful advocacy group for Black Queer Southerners and victims of violence.

Through the “Justice for Jay Lee” campaign, extraordinary strides have been made in raising awareness, mobilizing support, and inspiring lasting change. The campaign has built a powerful platform that amplifies voices too often silenced, uniting a community determined to demand justice not only for Jay but for others like him. Justice for Jay Lee has illuminated the transformative power of social media, proving it to be a tool capable of driving advocacy, building solidarity, and igniting action. What initially began as an urgent call to find a missing friend through a single Instagram post has blossomed into a collective movement for justice, hope, and healing, a testament to what determination, love, and unity can accomplish.

Justice for Jay Lee’s next steps include honoring Jay’s legacy, pushing for legislative reform, and closely monitoring the legal case connected to Jay’s story. The movement plans to continue giving Queer voices a platform, encouraging change, increasing visibility for Queer individuals in Mississippi, and empowering communities to shape a future of acceptance and equality.

Join us in celebrating Justice for Jay Lee as our Oxford Pride 2025 Grand Marshal. This movement, born out of love, grief, and resilience, continues to drive meaningful change in our community. Their selfless commitment to uplifting Queer voices and honoring Jay Lee’s legacy will be felt by generations of Mississippians to come. #JUSTICEFORJAYLEE