Mississippi Moments Podcast

One of Justice Michael P. Mills’ fondest memories from his tenure on the Mississippi Supreme Court was his friend and colleague Justice Michael Sullivan. He shares some of his favorite memories of his friend.

Retired Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Robert Sugg has fond memories of his days on the bench.  He remembers of some of his fellow judges. Sugg also recounts a fishing trip with fellow justice Francis Bowling.

Retired Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Robert P. Sugg wanted to be a pilot during WWII.  He recalls how a perforated ear drum prevented him from serving. He discusses his early career.

In World War II, all-black combat units such as the Tuskegee Airmen gained widespread recognition for their service. However, most black soldiers served in support units away from the front line. Lee Spearman of Bay Springs describes the frustration of being assigned to such a unit. Spearman details the close proximity of the Pacific island battles and the death of American war correspondent, Ernie Pyle.

Many stories surround the naming of the town of D’Lo.  Long-time resident Chrysteen Flynt attempts to set the record straight. She also shares her memories of growing up there.

Many Italian immigrants settled in the Mississippi Delta bringing their culture and traditions with them.  John Bassie of Cleveland, MS recalls how his family celebrated the 4th of July, Italian style.

Growing up during World War II, Lynn Cartlidge of Hattiesburg found plenty of ways to earn money as a boy. He talks about his paper route, which ended up taking him to Camp Shelby.

Lee Davis of Hattiesburg shares his memories of growing up in a large and fun-loving family. He recalls practical jokes and holiday moments shared with loved ones.

This September marked the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. George Schloegel of Hancock Bank and now Mayor of Gulfport, discusses being prepared for the next disaster. He reflects on the real lessons of Katrina.

Greg Osaneha is a Nigerian who immigrated to the United States. He talks about what led him to leave his home.  Osaneha explains what he feels are the strengths of the United States.

During WWII, the war with Japan was fought over tiny islands most people had never heard of.  Truman Ellis of Jackson recalls joining the Navy and his time in the Pacific.

In World War II, Alton Patterson’s unit was days from invading Japan when the country surrendered. He remembers the Japanese prisoners of war and his complex feelings toward the atomic bomb.

For Ellen McCarley of Port Gibson, some of her most cherished childhood memories are of Christmas.  She recalls how her mother made the season special.  

During the early 20th Century, Biloxi was home to more than a dozen seafood processing plants.  Retired fisherman Tommy Schultz, Jr. recalls how each plant had its own unique work whistle.

Gordon Nanney reflects on the 50 + years he spent helping to bring electric power to the people of Mississippi.

In 1963, Dr. Gilbert Mason led a group of African-Americans into the waters of Biloxi beach.  This wade-in, to protest the ‘whites only’ rule of the day, was met with violent resistance from white citizens and the police. Ethel Clay remembers how the youth got involved in the wade-ins and the measures taken for their safety. Clay reflects on the cost of standing up for civil rights and the progress that we’ve made as a nation.

This spring marked the 50th anniversary of the first of the Gulf Coast wade-ins. Back then, most Mississippi beaches were for whites only.  During one of these wade-ins, Dr. Gilbert Mason led a group of African-Americans into the segregated waters of Biloxi beach.  What followed was one of the bloodiest race riots in Mississippi history with 71 arrested and dozens injured.   A small boy at the time, Le’Roy Carney recalls using the railroad tracks to flee the riot.  Carney also explains how the black community in Biloxi organized themselves to boycott those responsible for the violence at the beach.

Earnest Batiste, a US Army veteran and civil rights activist, remembers growing up during hard times. He describes the sacrifices made by his mother to put food on the table. Batiste reflects on the progress we’ve made and the difficulties of explaining that time period to a younger generation.

An army requires daily deliveries of food, ammunition and other supplies.  Mark Whitney of Natchez recalls working as a naval supply supervisor in Vietnam.  As a supply supervisor, Whitney learned that the locals were much smarter than the Americans assumed they were.

Former Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Roy Noble Lee was interested in the law from an early age. Lee reflects on this and the courtroom atmosphere of 1920s Brandon, Mississippi. Justice Lee also recounts getting the opportunity to try his first criminal case, at the age of 19.