Reflecting Mississippi

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 not filmed in the state?The conversation also highlights Sinners Weekend in Clarksdale, a celebration bringing fans, artists, and visitors together to engage with the film’s themes while experiencing the real place that inspired it. Through this moment, the episode examines how Mississippi’s culture, music, and landscapes continue to influence film and storytelling.Along the way, we look at the broader Mississippi film industry—its growth, challenges, and opportunities—and consider what it means for the state when its stories capture national attention. From the Delta’s enduring influence to the potential for future productions, this episode reflects on how Mississippi remains a powerful source of inspiration for filmmakers and audiences alike.

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 reflections and historical context, we examine how these communities rebuilt their lives in unfamiliar waters, forged resilience in the face of language barriers and economic challenges, and became an essential part of coastal Mississippi’s identity. From shrimp boats and markets to churches and cultural festivals, their legacy is woven into the rhythm of the Gulf.This episode celebrates perseverance, cultural pride, and the enduring spirit of community—revealing how Mississippi’s story is enriched by the journeys that arrived on its shores.

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.

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 local history, the legacy of segregated education, and how storytelling helps communities reclaim and honor their past. Together, the conversation explores memory, identity, and the importance of documenting the lived experiences that continue to shape Mississippi today.