Reflecting Mississippi

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 the rise of cotton production, the systems that sustained it, and the lasting impact on land, labor, and communities across Mississippi. Giesen brings a thoughtful perspective to how this history connects to broader themes of industry, inequality, and change.This episode invites listeners to look beyond the familiar image of cotton and consider the complex history it represents—and how understanding that history helps us better understand Mississippi itself.

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, Walker’s work consistently centers truth, memory, and the lived experiences of her community.This episode reflects on the enduring impact of her voice—how her commitment to storytelling and scholarship continues to inspire new generations to write, preserve, and understand their own histories.

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 educators, elders, and community leaders who are committed to keeping the language alive. From classrooms to cultural programs, these efforts ensure that younger generations not only learn the language but also understand the traditions and values it carries.This episode celebrates resilience, cultural pride, and the power of language as a vessel for storytelling, heritage, and community—reminding us that preserving language is essential to preserving history itself.

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, the importance of remembering these stories, and how the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement continues to influence Mississippi today.

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 story.The conversation also highlights key moments during her leadership, including the opening of the Two Mississippi Museums and the ongoing effort to present Mississippi’s history with honesty and depth. As she prepares for retirement, Blount also reflects on receiving the Cora Norman Award from the Mississippi Humanities Council, recognizing her contributions to public history and the humanities in Mississippi.Through her perspective, this episode explores how archives, museums, and historic places help connect communities to the stories that continue to shape the state today.

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.

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.