Reflecting Mississippi

Reflecting Mississippi - The Story of Mississippi: Conflict & Change

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—voices often left out of traditional narratives. The conversation examines how the book became controversial, rejected by the state, and ultimately the subject of a landmark legal battle over what students should learn. What emerged was more than a textbook debate—it was a struggle over truth, identity, and who gets to shape the story of Mississippi. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Reflecting Mississippi - Farming Freedom: Black Land Ownership in Mississippi

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 how that relationship with farming has shifted over time. Because of the painful legacy of slavery and sharecropping, agriculture has, in some spaces, lost its sense of dignity—becoming something many distance themselves from rather than embrace. This episode reflects on how land, labor, and legacy are deeply intertwined—and why reconnecting with that history remains vital to Mississippi’s future. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Reflecting Mississippi - No One Writes Songs about Polyester: Re-making Cotton’s Image in the Late Twentieth Century

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. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Reflecting Mississippi - More Than Jubilee: The Enduring Impact of Margaret Walker and Her Work

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. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Reflecting Mississippi - Preserving and Passing Down the Choctaw Language

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. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.