Reflecting Mississippi

In this episode of Reflecting Mississippi , we explore the story behind Mississippi: Conflict & Change —a groundbreaking textbook that didn’t just teach history, it challenged how Mississippi’s history was told. First published in 1974, the book offered a fuller, more honest look at the state’s past, centering the experiences of African Americans, Native Americans, women, and working people—vo...

In this episode of Reflecting Mississippi, we explore the powerful history of Black land ownership in Mississippi through the lens of the documentary Farming Freedom. The film highlights the deep connection between farming, freedom, and identity—showing how, for generations, working the land was a source of pride, independence, and community strength. The conversation also takes an honest look at...

In this episode of Reflecting Mississippi , we talk with historian Jim Giesen about his book The Land of Cotton and the deeper story behind one of Mississippi’s most defining crops. More than just an agricultural history, Giesen’s work explores how cotton shaped the state’s economy, environment, and social structure—leaving a legacy that still resonates today. Through this conversation, we examine...

In this episode of Reflecting Mississippi, we look beyond Jubilee to explore the full legacy of Margaret Walker—poet, novelist, educator, and cultural historian. The conversation highlights her contributions as a scholar and mentor, including her work at Jackson State University and her role in preserving Black literary voices through teaching, archives, and research. From her poetry to her essays...

In this episode of Reflecting Mississippi, we explore the importance of preserving the Choctaw language and the efforts to pass it down to future generations. As one of Mississippi’s original languages, Choctaw carries deep cultural knowledge, history, and identity—serving as a living connection between past and present. Through conversation and reflection, the episode highlights the work of educa...

In this episode of Reflecting Mississippi, we explore the life and legacy of Dr. Emmett J. Stringer and his connection to the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi. Through his story, we gain insight into the local leadership, quiet courage, and community efforts that helped drive change during one of the most pivotal periods in American history. This episode reflects on the power of local impact,...

In this episode of Reflecting Mississippi, we speak with Katie Blount, longtime director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, about her work preserving and sharing the state’s history. After more than three decades with MDAH—including ten years as director—Blount reflects on the agency’s role in protecting historic records, landmarks, and artifacts that help tell Mississippi’s st...

In this episode of Reflecting Mississippi , we explore the cultural ripple effects of the film Sinners —a story set in Clarksdale, Mississippi, a town deeply rooted in blues history and Southern storytelling. While the film draws inspiration from the atmosphere and legacy of the Mississippi Delta, it also raises an important question: what happens when Mississippi stories are told on screen but no...

The story of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast cannot be told without honoring the Vietnamese families who helped shape its seafood industry, faith communities, and cultural landscape. In this episode of Reflecting Mississippi, we explore the journey of Vietnamese immigrants who arrived along the Coast in the wake of the Vietnam War—seeking safety, opportunity, and a new beginning. Through personal reflect...

Beneath Mississippi’s familiar landmarks and well-known narratives lies a deeper layer of stories—unexpected, overlooked, and often untold. In this episode of Reflecting Mississippi , we explore the hidden corners of the state’s past, uncovering the people, places, and moments that challenge what we think we know about Mississippi history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio...

In this episode of Reflecting Mississippi , B. Brian Foster joins Mississippi Humanities Council Executive Director Stuart Rockoff to discuss We Make , his documentary created with Ethan Payne about Siggers High School—an all-Black school that served the Shannon, Mississippi community from roughly 1940 to 1970, originally known as Shannon Colored School. Foster reflects on the power of preserving...