A Gathering of Waters: African American Read-In

Part of the “A Gathering of Waters: The Power of Place & Pen in Mississippi’s Literary Landscape” Program

African American Read-In

• Monday, February 2, 2026
• 10 a.m. -3 p.m.
• Location: LIB 166

Theme: “Honoring the Mississippi Story: Local Luminaries Illuminating Paths to Knowledge”

Program Description: In a full day of panels featuring Mississippi writers, many current or former JSU English professors, AARI will interrogate how Mississippi’s rich cultural landscape is influenced by artistic expressions of identity. In the opening panel “A Rhythmic Cultural Confluence: Art, Music, and Identity in Mississippi”, Mississippi born writers Charlie Braxton, C. Liegh McInnis, and Jerriod Avant will discuss how Mississippi’s landscape informs literature and lyrics that explore race, resistance, and resilience. The second panel “Black Romance in Mississippi’s Literary Tradition”, Candice Love Jackson and C. Liegh McInnis will describe portrayals of romance in Black narratives and cinematic features amid familial and communal traditions in Mississippi. The third panel “To Tell a Mississippi Story: Inspiring the Next Generation of Creatives” Danielle Littlefield and Kelly Ellis will describe how young Mississippians are innovating while preserving Mississippi traditions, honoring heritage while expanding boundaries. Additionally, the fourth panel “Storybook Mississippi: Children’s Literature” featuring children’s authors Leona Bishop, Sharon Russell Robinson, and Maria Ricketts will discuss the impact of picture books to develop children’s connection to their Mississippi homeplace.