Mississippi Humanities Council

Tennessee Williams Tribute
2019-09-05 - 2019-09-08 | Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main Street , Columbus , MS, United States
“Stella!” Shouting Contestant

The Tennessee Williams Tribute is an annual multi-day event honoring the life and works of Columbus-born playwright Tennessee Williams. This year’s Tribute will include four performances of an original play, a scholars’ reception, a poetry writing contest and reading, “Stella!” shouting contest, two one-act plays, and a memorabilia display.

SB: Kiss Me, I’m Italian — and Irish, Chinese, African, French — and So Are You: Ethnic Heritage in Mississippi
2019-09-03 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | South Mississippi Genealogy & Historical Society, 307 2nd Ave , Hattiesburg , MS
Mississippians and outsiders alike have traditionally viewed the state’s population as basically two cultures, black and white, usually in stark contrast and conflict. However, recent attention and research have stressed the remarkable number of ethnic populations in the state and their broad and deep influences in our evolving culture. The indigenous population (primarily Choctaw) quickly mingled with the earliest European immigrants, including English, Scottish, Irish, German, and Jewish settlers. After the Civil War, Chinese and Italians were recruited into the Delta to replace slave labor, and by the end of the century a significant contingent of Syrians (Lebanese) were used in the same way. In the late 19th- mid 20th-centuries, came waves of Dalmatians, Cajuns, and Vietnamese. The state has also seen small but significant influxes of groups from the Philippines and India. Most recently, a second group of Spanish-speaking peoples, especially following Katrina, have settled in the Coast area, as well as throughout the rest of the state. We see developing patterns of interaction, influence, recognition and appreciation, all creating the unique culture that is the essence of Mississippi. Along the way Carpenter discusses terms such as race, ethnicity, nationality and other concepts used to discuss this extraordinary intermingling of peoples in our state.
Speakers Expertise:
Dr. Barbara Carpenter is former director of the Mississippi Humanities Council. Much of her career has been spent studying and discussing the importance of literature, history, art, and other insights into our own and other cultures in creating meaningful lives for ourselves and in understanding our roles and relationships within our own communities and society at large.

Ideas on Tap Tupelo: The Future of Public Education in Mississippi
2019-08-15 17:30 - 19:00 | The Thirsty Devil, 202 Main St, Tupelo, MS, 38804, United States
On August 15, join the Mississippi Humanities Council and the Phil Hardin Foundation in Tupelo for the first in a special two-part Ideas on Tap series on public education in the state.
The free program will feature an ideologically diverse panel of education policy experts to discuss different approaches to improving public schools. Panelists include Grant Callen (Empower Mississippi), Nancy Loome (The Parents’ Campaign), and a representative from Mississippi First. MHC executive director Dr. Stuart Rockoff will moderate.
A follow-up program that addresses public education in Tupelo will take place on September 12. Both programs are part of a larger yearlong series on public education in communities around the state.
As always, snacks and great conversation are on us, and drinks are on you.

Ideas on Tap Hernando: The Future of Public Education in Mississippi
2019-08-13 17:30 - 19:00 | DeSoto Arts Council, 2465 Highway 51 South, Hernando, MS, 38632, United States
On August 13, join the Mississippi Humanities Council, the Phil Hardin Foundation, and the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi in Hernando for the first in a special two-part Ideas on Tap series on public education in the state.
The free program will feature an ideologically diverse panel of education policy experts to discuss different approaches to improving public schools. Panelists include Grant Callen (Empower Mississippi), Nancy Loome (The Parents’ Campaign), and a representative from Mississippi First. MHC executive director Dr. Stuart Rockoff will moderate.
A follow-up program that addresses public education in Hernando will take place on September 17. Both programs are part of a larger yearlong series on public education in communities around the state.
As always, snacks and great conversation are on us, and drinks are on you.

Let Us March On: Lee Friedlander and the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom
2019-08-07 18:00 - 21:00 | Margaret Walker Center at Jackson State University, 1400 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, MS, 39217, United States
Lee Friedlander, Untitled, from the series Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom, 1957, printed later. Gelatin silver print. Yale University Art Gallery, Gift of Maria and Lee Friedlander, Hon. 2004. Courtesy of Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco. Photo courtesy of Eakins Press Foundation

Let Us March On: Lee Fieldander and the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom is a documentary photography exhibition that details the events and people who participated in one of the first mass protests of the modern civil rights movement in 1957. The exhibition will run at Jackson State from August 5 to November 1, 2019, and it will be featured at three major events including the opening reception of the 2019 Association of African American Museums meeting at JSU on August 7, a roundtable student discussion on September 3, and a gallery talk by Lee Fiedlander himself on October 1, 2019.

Let Us March On: Lee Friedlander and the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom
2019-08-05 | Margaret Walker Center at Jackson State University, 1400 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, MS, 39217, United States
Let Us March On: Lee Fieldander and the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom is a documentary photography exhibition that details the events and people who participated in one of the first mass protests of the modern civil rights movement in 1957. The exhibition will run at Jackson State from August 5 to November 1, 2019, and it will be featured at three major events including the opening reception of the 2019 Association of African American Museums meeting at JSU on August 7, a roundtable student discussion on September 3, and a gallery talk by Lee Fiedlander himself on October 1, 2019.

SB: The Asylum Hill Cemetery Project
2019-07-31 18:00 - 19:00 | Library of Hattiesburg, Petal, and Forrest County, 329 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS, 39401
The Mississippi Insane Asylum was established in Jackson in 1855 and operated in this location until 1935. During this period, a cemetery was maintained on the asylum grounds in which several thousand deceased patients were interred. This site is now occupied by the University of Mississippi Medical Center, for which mission-critical needs have raised numerous administrative, ethical, cultural and practical challenges in the long-term management of these burial sites. This presentation provides an overview of the history of the asylum and describes a proposal to memorialize those buried in the Asylum Hill Cemetery in a manner that also creates a research and education resource.
Speakers Expertise:
Dr. Ralph H. Didlake is associate vice chancellor for academic affairs and chief academic officer for the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He is also a professor of surgery and director of UMMC’s Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities. Dr. Didlake’s focus is on the integration of biomedical ethics and professionalism across Mississippi clinical, educational and research efforts.

SB: A Look at Mande Culture through Traditional Music
2019-07-27 17:00 - 18:30 | China Grove AME Church, 1060 Mannsdale Road, Madison, MS, 39130
This presentation will give the listener a glimpse of the Mande Culture of West Africa. In the tradition of the Mande, the history and culture is orally preserved in the minds and through the music of the Djeli (oral librarian/mandenka hereditary professional musicians). The establishment of the Mali Empire can be recalled and retold in the musical piece of the legendary Densoba (great warrior) Sunjata. This discussion explores the function of the Mande music and musical instruments, Mande class system, songs, ceremonies and stories. The discussion also examines the influence of West Africa on American culture and why the djembe was outlawed during slavery. Participants will learn about the djembe, its introduction by drummers like Babatunde Olatunji in 1950 and Ladji Camara from Guinea, and how it spread throughout America.
Speakers Expertise:
Jerry Jenkins is a musician and educator trained in the music of West Africa.

SB: A Look at Mande Culture through Traditional Music
2019-07-26 09:00 - 12:00 | O.B. McClinton Foundation grounds, 2106 Gravel Springs Rd., Senatobia, MS, 38668

SB: A Look at Mande Culture Through Traditional Music
2019-07-19 15:00 - 17:00 | Clinton YMCA, 400 Lindale Street, Clinton, MS, 39056

Old Asylum History Days
2019-07-19 - 2019-07-20 | School of Health Related Professions Building, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
Are you the descendant of someone who was a patient or employee at the Mississippi State Insane Hospital between 1855 and 1935? You are invited to tell your story!
This free event is open to the public and will include the following activities for attendees:

Have your stories about the Old Asylum recorded to video.
Enjoy presentations about the history of the Old Asylum and plans for the Asylum Hill Project.
Learn how to archivally preserve your own family photos, documents and memorabilia.
Receive free high-resolution scanning of your photos and documents.
Receive a free archival sleeve for your photos and documents.
**Sign up ahead of time or just drop in!**

Ideas on Tap: Look At Me: Image and Identity in the Digital Age
2019-07-16 17:30 - 19:00 | Coffee Prose, 1619 N West St, Jackson, MS, 39202, United States
On July 16, join the Mississippi Humanities Council and Millsaps College Visiting Writers Series at Coffee Prose Midtown for a conversation on identity in the digital age.
The Ideas on Tap program, “Look At Me: Image and Identity in the Digital Age,” will explore how we define identity and how photography and technology have changed the way we define and present ourselves.
Hear from comedian and social media influencer Rita Brent, photographer Imani Khayyam, and Mississippi Museum of Art Center for Art & Public Exchange director Monique Davis. As always, snacks and great conversation are on us, and drinks are on you.

SB: A Look at Mande Culture through Traditional Music
2019-07-12 12:00 - 14:00 | Kemetic Institute of Mound Bayou, 205 N. Edwards Ave., Mound Bayou, MS, 38762

SB: Mississippi Telling
2019-07-10 09:00 - 12:00 | O.B. McClinton Foundation grounds, 2106 Gravel Springs Rd., Senatobia, MS, 38668
The presenter provides an overview of the storytelling Renaissance in America with emphasis upon the oral tradition in Mississippi. The literary tradition of Mississippi owes much to the rich storytelling legacy that riddles the tales of our families and our communities as reflected in the works of many of our best authors: Welty, Wright, Faulkner, Henley, Williams. As part of the presentation, Dr. Jernigan performs as a story teller calling upon on her rich repertoire of original tales and literary masterpieces gearing her choices of tales according to her audience and offers material for children and adults.
Speakers Expertise:
Rebecca Moore Jernigan is an internationally recognized scholar and professional storyteller who resides in Oxford.

Re-Entry Mississippi: 50 Years of the Apollo Program
2019-07-07 - 2019-07-08 | Delta State University Capps Archives Building, 1003 W Sunflower Rd, Cleveland, MS, 38733, United States
Our nation is celebrating 50 years of space exploration through the Apollo programs and projects this year and the Delta’s men and women were intrinsically involved in the explored, discovery, and successes of the new NASA programs.
The in-house curated exhibition provides a platform for understanding the breath and depth of the NASA program and its effect on today’s STEM initiatives while the public programming provides the audience an opportunity to hear from those who were involved in the ‘boots on the ground’ discovery and leadership of the Apollo programs. The exhibit and program will provide a greater understanding of NASA and Mississippi’s relationship then, now, and for the future.

Wilkinson County Mound Sites: Field Facts and Artifacts
2019-06-29 15:00 - 19:00 | Wilkinson County Museum, 165 Boston Row, Woodville, MS
The Wilkinson County Mound Exhibit opens June 29th, 2019 in the Wilkinson County Museum in downtown Woodville, Mississippi at 3pm, in conjunction with a “Meet the Archaeologists” discussion and Artifact Roadshow event at the African American Museum. The exhibit is curated by Dr. Megan Kassabaum, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania and Weingarten Assistant Curator at the Penn Museum, and two studen curators, Arielle Pierson and Erin Spicola.

The Mound Exhibit will feature Native American artifacts from Wilkinson County and will highlight the county’s two sites on the Mississippi Mound Trail–the Lessley and the Smith Creek sites–located along state highway 24, west of Woodville.

Ideas on Tap: Who Are You? Identity in America
2019-06-18 17:30 - 19:00 | Coffee Prose, 1619 N West St, Jackson, MS, 39202, United States
On June 18, join the Mississippi Humanities Council and Millsaps College’s Visiting Writers Series at Coffee Prose Midtown for a conversation on identity construction.
The Ideas on Tap program, “Who Are You? Identity in America,” will explore how we define identity, how identity can be constructed, and how issues like race, gender, and technology can alter how we see identity.
Hear from panelists Katie Sorey (Inclusion and Involvement Specialist at Millsaps), Dr. Patrick Hopkins (Professor of Philosophy at Millsaps), and Natalie A. Collier (founder and director of The Lighthouse: Black Girl Projects). Dr. Michael Pickard, Assistant Professor of English at Millsaps, will moderate the conversation.
As always, snacks and great conversation are on us, and drinks are on you.

SB: "Chimneyville," The Destruction of Jackson, MS During the Civil War, Fact or Myth!
2019-06-09 09:00 - 16:00, 2019-06-08 09:00 - 17:00 | Brandon City Hall, 1000 Municipal Drive , Brandon , MS , 39042
This presentation lays out the facts pertinent to what happened during the four occupations of the city by Federal forces during the Civil War.
Speakers Expertise:
Grady Howell has worked for the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and has written extensively about Mississippi’s Civil War history.

Speakers Bureau: Mississippi Telling
2019-06-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Downtown Poplarville, 155 Springfield Road, Poplarville, MS, 39470
Dr. Rebecca Jernigan provides an overview of the storytelling Renaissance in America with emphasis upon the oral tradition in Mississippi. The literary tradition of Mississippi owes much to the rich storytelling legacy that riddles the tales of our families and our communities as reflected in the works of many of our best authors: Welty, Wright, Faulkner, Henley, Williams. As part of the presentation, Dr. Jernigan performs as a story teller calling upon on her rich repertoire of original tales and literary masterpieces gearing her choices of tales according to her audience and offers material for children and adults.
Speakers Expertise:
Rebecca Moore Jernigan is an internationally recognized scholar and professional storyteller who resides in Oxford.

Everywhere with Roy Lewis
2019-06-06 18:00 | Jackson State University, 1400 J.R. Lynch Street, Jackson, MS, 39217
A conversation about the photography exhibition “Everywhere with Roy Lewis” at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, in Johnson Hall with Dr. Redell Hearn, Curator of Art and Civil Rights at Tougaloo College and the Mississippi Museum of Art, and Mark Geil, an Associate Professor of art and photography at Jackson State.

SB: Developing an Oral History from Concept to Creation
2019-06-06 17:00 - 20:00 | Trinity Episcopal Church, 305 S. Commerce St., Natchez, MS, 39120
An oral history is a valuable tool in preserving the stories and memories of those who lived through interesting, extraordinary, and important times (for example, World War II veterans or Civil Rights leaders and advocates.) An oral history can encompass a wide variety of groups and/or individuals who have a shared experience. G. Mark La Francis, a long time professional oral historian, demystifies the process, breaking it down into manageable components, from establishing a mission statement, creating questions, selecting interviewees, achieving a quality recording, time-coding and more. Oral history novices need not feel intimidated by a project; in fact, they can feel exhilarated as they preserve forever an important piece of history. This workshop will last approximately two hours and include coaching on how to ask questions, audio devices (and video,) choosing an interview location, and more. As a retired journalist, college instructor and author, LaFrancis has interviewed hundreds of individuals of all ages and histories. The workshop is casual, interactive, and fun. There will be plenty of time for questions. LaFrancis also offers follow-up advice.
Speakers Expertise:
As a veteran of 23 years (active duty during the Vietnam War era and Air National Guard) and as a writer for more than 30 years, LaFrancis is professionally and personally qualified to offer what is a moving and unique presentation. LaFrancis has more than 25 years experience as a professional speaker and presenter, particularly on the topics of creative writing and journalism. With the war ever-present in our lives, his presentation of the experiences of the soldiers and their loved ones will enlighten and engage a wide range of audiences.

One Forest, Many Different Trees: E.O. Templeton Jr. Genealogy Fair 2019
2019-06-01 08:30 - 15:30 | Mitchell Memorial Library, 395 Hardy Road, Mississippi State, MS, 39762
One Forest, Many Different Trees is the 13th annual genealogy fair sponsored by Mississippi State University Libraries. Participants will learn skills required to research their families and create family histories and family trees. Participants are asked to register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eo-templeton-jr-history-genealogy-fair-2019-tickets-56044375235
A full schedule of events can also be found on the event website.

Ideas on Tap: Meridian
2019-05-23 17:00 - 18:30 | The MAX, 2118 Front St, Meridian, MS, 39301, United States
On May 23, join the Mississippi Humanities Council and the MAX for the first ever Meridian Ideas on Tap program about art and what makes it “good” or “bad.”
The May 23 program will focus on how we perceive art, the artists behind the works, how historical context affects perceptions of art, and the gatekeepers to the canon. Panelists include Mattie Codling (Walter Anderson Museum of Art), Marty Gamblin (The MAX – Mississippi’s Arts + Entertainment Experience), Lisa Howorth (author and co-founder of Square Books), and Stacey Wilson (The MAX – Mississippi’s Arts + Entertainment Experience). The panel will be moderated by The MAX – Mississippi’s Arts + Entertainment Experience historian Tony Lewis.
As with all our Ideas on Tap programs, snacks and a great conversation are on us, and drinks are on you. Beer is generously provided by Mitchell Distributing.
Don’t forget to purchase a ticket for the MAXEats “Jazz Your Grits” event immediately following Ideas on Tap.

SB: Mixed Messages: Rabbit Foot Minstrels’ Long History and Ambiguous Legacy
2019-05-23 12:00 - 14:00 | Mississippi Cultural Crossroads, 507 Market Street , Port Gibson , MS, 39150, United States
The famous Rabbit Foot Minstrels traveled through Mississippi performing in a large tent. Their marching band paraded through town at noon to attract attention, and their orchestra played inside the tent at night for the singers, dancers, comedians and variety artists. All the performers were black, and some appeared on stage in blackface, a relic of the days when minstrel shows were performed by whites. They performed for mixed audiences of whites and blacks who crowded into the tent.
Rabbit Foot began life in 1900 as a musical comedy troupe owned and operated by a black businessman from Florida named Pat Chappelle. They played theaters, opera houses and tents, traveling on their own railroad cars. When Chappelle died in 1911, a white carnival owner from Michigan named F.S. Walcott acquired the show, moving its headquarters to Port Gibson, Mississippi, in 1918.
This presentation examines how the change from a black owner to a white one affected the way the show was presented to the public, and raises questions about how that eventually affected other mass entertainment venues like radio and television.
Speakers Expertise:
A retired professor from Alcorn State, Dr. David Crosby has conducted many oral history interviews with people who were involved with the Rabbit Foot minstrels in Port Gibson or who witnessed the show in other parts of Mississippi. He has curated an exhibit that recreates the music, images and feel of the old African American traveling tent show.

Ideas on Tap: The Future of Public Education in Jackson
2019-05-16 17:30 - 19:00 | Hal & Mal’s, 200 Commerce Street, Jackson, MS, 39201, United States
On May 16, join the Mississippi Humanities Council and the Phil Hardin Foundation in Jackson for the final in a special two-part Ideas on Tap series on public education in the state.
The program will focus on the Better Together Commission, changes taking place under new JPS leadership, and what these changes mean for student achievement. Panelists include JPS Superintendent Dr. Erick Greene, JPS parent organizer Rosaline McCoy, City of Jackson CAO Dr. Robert Blaine, and W.K. Kellogg Foundation director of Mississippi and New Orleans programs Dr. Rhea Williams-Bishop. The program will be moderated by Mississippi Today education reporter Kayleigh Skinner.
The program is part of a larger yearlong series on public education in communities around the state.
As always, snacks and great conversation are on us, and drinks are on you.

Ideas on Tap: The Future of Public Education in Clarksdale
2019-05-14 17:30 - 19:00 | Meraki Roasting Company, 282 Sunflower Ave, Clarksdale, MS, 38614, United States
On May 14, join the Mississippi Humanities Council and the Phil Hardin Foundation in Clarksdale for the final in a special two-part Ideas on Tap series on public education in the state.
The program will feature a panel of Clarksdale community and education leaders knowledgeable about the state of public education in Clarksdale. The panel will be moderated by Mississippi Today columnist Aallyah Wright.
The program is part of a larger yearlong series on public education in communities around the state.
As always, snacks and great conversation are on us, and drinks are on you.

Greenville Renaissance Scholars Spring Showcase
2019-05-14 17:30 - 19:00 | EE Bass Center, 323 S. Main St., Greenville, MS
Young People are capable of amazing work and can open up hearts and minds in a way that adults cannot. This project aims to further racial equity by having young people create a performance that will be showcased in two Mississippi Delta communities about their experiences with race and afterward facilitate a public discussion on racial equity with audience members.

SB: The ABCs of Making a Documentary Film: From Concept to Creation
2019-05-13 17:00 - 18:00 | Lincoln-Lawrence-Franklin Regional Library, 100 South Jackson Street, Brookhaven, MS, 39601
The ABCs of Making a Documentary Film: From Concept to Creation de-mystifies the creation of a documentary film. LaFrancis, award-winning producer, creator, and director, uses humor, actual projects, and a tremendous amount of personal experience to help beginning and intermediate documentarians not only conceptualize, but create their projects. This is a lively, fast-paced, in-depth program with loads of Q&A time.
Speakers Expertise:
As a veteran of 23 years (active duty during the Vietnam War era and Air National Guard) and as a writer for more than 30 years, LaFrancis is professionally and personally qualified to offer what is a moving and unique presentation. LaFrancis has more than 25 years experience as a professional speaker and presenter, particularly on the topics of creative writing and journalism. With the war ever-present in our lives, his presentation of the experiences of the soldiers and their loved ones will enlighten and engage a wide range of audiences.

SB: The Mississippi Melting Pot
2019-05-07 19:00 - 20:00 | South Mississippi Genealogy & Historical Society, 307 2nd Ave , Hattiesburg , MS
A brief history (from tamales to red beans and rice) of the various ethnic and racial culinary traditions that have shaped Mississippians’ diets.
Speakers Expertise:
Dr. Andrew P. Haley is a professor of American cultural history at the University of Southern Mississippi. He has recently completed a book on restaurant dining in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and is currently working on a history of children and eating.
