Mississippi Moments Podcast

University of Southern Mississippi graduate student, Isaac Gang, immigrated to Jackson, Mississippi, from post-war Southern Sudan in 1995, several years before the "Lost Boys" of Sudan made their journey to the U.S.  He discusses fleeing war and genocide, assisting the Lost Boys in their transition, enjoying the simple modern luxuries, and the importance of giving back. (photo of Isaac Gang at the...

George Taylor discusses the Rural Electrification Act and what it meant to the lives of thousands of Mississippians.  He also tells the story of how the various electrical co-ops banded together to form the South Mississippi Electric Power Association and the challenges they faced.

Hattiesburg resident Charlie Ainsworth recalls helping to construct the hundreds of sawmills that sprang up across the state during the early part of the 20th century.

Joe Berryman, Buck Wells, and Hugh Clegg fondly recall hometown entertainment during the days of the silent film.

Purser Hewitt, Sam Alford, and E. G. McDavid recall the spirited personality and oratorical skills of the controversial U.S. senator and Mississippi governor from Pearl River County.

Presidential Citizens Medal recipient Oseola McCarty remarks on her lifetime of work as a washerwoman and the legacy she created at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Joseph Wroten, Erle Johnston, and Gilbert Mason recall the creation and influence of the Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission during the civil rights movement.

Jack Pace, James "Jaybird" Smith, and Reverend F. E. Sellers reminisce about southern breakfasts, squirrel stew, and homemade syrup.

Mississippi artists Kay Allen, Jennie Lee Gorton, and Berdie Steve share how identity is discovered and revealed in the folk art forms of quilting, painting, and basket weaving.

Mississippi musicians Melvin Stacks, Roger Smith, and George Cecil McLeod reflect on the centrality of music in their lives. (photo of singing school students at Greenwright School in Monroe County, 1913)

Johnny Balser of McComb remembers how he parlayed skills learned as a railroad worker into support for the Allied effort in Europe during the Second World War.

Belzoni native Thomas Turner reflects on the origins and colorful life of gypsies who mule traded near his home in the early 20th century. 

Mrs. Lamar Hennington, Charles Ainsworth, and Ben Earles reminisce about the days of the gigantic longleaf pine and how an industry altered the land and its people.

Gene Taylor, Reilly Morse, and Diane Peranich shed light on some of the obstacles and issues that surfaced after the storm was over.  (photo of Congressman Gene Taylor, on right).

Tish Williams, Bill Stallworth, and Kurt Brautigam represent the power of determination to survive and conquer in the aftermath.

Michael Hewes, Rachel Williams, and Reverend Lee Adams share similar feelings about the overwhelming power of the storm.

James Harris Jr. and Dr. John Douglas Jr. recall their youthful days buying snacks and swapping stories at the ole country store.

Kenneth O. Williams and Legrand Capers speak of the legacies of the Civil War in Mississippi.

Legrand Capers and Libby Hollingsworth share fond memories of attending traveling variety shows of the early 20th century.

Harry Guin, A.D. Kellar, and Ken Cashion explain how the Stennis Space Center evolved and changed the face of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Chinese Americans Vera Penney Gong, Luck Wing, and John Wing discuss their experiences living outside of a black and white racial identity during segregation in Mississippi.  (photo of students of the only all-Chinese school in Bolivar County, 1938)

Legendary Red Sox Hall of Famer, Boo Ferriss, shares the most memorable experiences of his baseball career, while noting the value and importance of education.

Jobie Martin reminisces about his early career and entering unchartered territory as the first African American to host his own television show in Mississippi.

Korean War veteran Sidney Berry recalls the harsh reality of killing enemy soldiers.  Rodney Duke describes the torture he endured as a prisoner of war.

Kenneth and Jason York discuss the history of the Choctaws and contemporary challenges of retaining their traditional values and culture.