MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Officials from eight states in the Mississippi Delta region are gathering in eastern Arkansas to discuss jobs and civil rights.

The Delta Conference on Jobs and Civil Rights is taking place in West Memphis, Ark., on Wednesday.

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, and Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. are scheduled to speak at the conference. So are Republican Congressman Rick Crawford and Democrat Scott Ellington, the two candidates for in the 1st District congressional race in Arkansas.

Delta Caucus Director Lee Powell says the caucus will condemn recent statements made by three Arkansas politicians and call on them to resign.