Mississippi Moments Podcast

For thousands of troops during World War II, their journey began with a trip to Mississippi for training.  Ruth Colter of Natchez remembers helping to entertain those young men. As a member of the service group Military Maids, Colter helped to organize local dances for the troops.

Long-time Natchez resident Henrietta "Lou" Mallory worked in the downtown area for over 45 years.  She discusses the changing face of Natchez through such topics as the introduction of fast food and gaming.  She also expresses her love of the city and hopes for the future.

Long-time Natchez resident Henrietta "Lou" Mallory recounts the events that brought her to Natchez in the late 1940s.  She also reflects on 45 years as the owner of Lou's Tailor Shop and the love she feels for her adopted city.

     F. L. Speights of Ripley, Mississippi, devoted his life to education. He recalls helping to start the first black high school in Ripley as well as his memories of school integration during the 1960s.

     In August of 1964, forty Freedom Schools were set up in Mississippi in support of the Freedom Summer civil rights project.  Gloria Clark, a first grade teacher from New Bedford, Massachusetts, explains her decision to come to Mississippi and participate.

Palmer Foster of Tupelo was introduced to Scouting as a teen in his home town of Ripley. He recalls his time as a Boy Scout and as the first African American Boy Scout executive in Mississippi.

     Idalia Holloway of Holly Springs began farming at an early age.  Besides growing crops like cotton and sorghum for cash, her family grew all of their food as well.  Holloway recalls how her father would mill the sorghum into juice and cook it down to make molasses. She also discusses cooking on a wood-burning stove.

     In 1965, Raylawni Branch and Elaine Armstrong were the first African-American students to enroll at The University of Southern Mississippi. She reflects on her experiences as a student and on her career as an Air Force officer and as a nursing instructor.

Raylawni Branch recalls her experiences as a civil rights activist and as one of the first African-Americans to attend The University of Southern Mississippi.

     In the 99 year history of The University of Southern Mississippi, no one has had a greater impact on the athletic program than Bernard Reed Green.  When Green came to the school in 1930, football games were still being played in the city park. He discusses how the program evolved during his time as a player, as head football coach, and as USM’s first full-time director of athletics.  (photo of Line coach Thad "Pie" Vann and Bernard Reed Green)

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 University of Juba, July 2007)

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)