Come enjoy this two-day gospel music conference and festival celebrating Mississippi's Bicentennial during the National Gospel Music Heritage Month. Both days will feature  an eclectic mix of performances, workshops, oral histories, speakers, and heritage food will both educate and entertain local residents, students and scholars, and gospel music enthusiasts on the history and role of gospel […]

“Why We Call It Soul Food” tells the story of why southerners, especially African American southerners, call the foods we eat “soul food.” Dr. Willis discusses the emotional and physical aspects of soul food as it relates to our culture and history. She also discusses the bonds attached to the growing, nurturing and preparation of […]

A discussion and reading of The Mississippi Encyclopedia, followed by a signing and reception. Speakers will include scholar James Giesen and Senior Editors Ted Ownby and Charles Reagan Wilson.

The COFO Mural & Mt. Olive Cemetery project aims to celebrate the rich history of prominent African Americans who have made substantial gains for the state of Mississippi. Individuals who have direct linkages to the West Jackson Community will be featured on the COFO Mural and those persons who final resting place is in Mt. […]

With the identification of hookworm disease in early twentieth century Mississippi, physicians were finally able to identify the characteristic apathy, potbellies, laziness, and general malaise of their numerous patients as indicative of a specific medical condition. Rather than blame the symptoms on socio-economic status, the medical community in the state now could explain the reasons […]

Three-day celebration of local culture and history, including a poetry slam, juried art show and public lectures, culminating with a public music performance featuring newly commissioned works by Mississippi composers, as well as Mississippi musicians performing a retrospective of Mississippi music.

Artist and Audubon Master Naturalist; Founder of the Friends of Chackchiuma Swamp Natural Area

Student-written poetry with Mississippi themes

Come and tour our beautifully preserved antebellum homes and churches, including the famous Cotesworth! Cotesworth is the home of former United States Senator, J.Z.George. Cotesworth is one of the main locations used in the movie “The Help”. After your tour, come and join us on the courthouse square for food, music, educational and product tents. […]

World Premier musical works created by Mississippi composers Guest artist Jimmy "Duck" Holmes and The Rising Star Fife and Drum Band