Author: Imported Author 1852163

NATCHEZ, Miss. – Like communities across the United States, ArtsNatchez Gallery will celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary with a special patriotic- themed art exhibit on Saturday, July 11, at 425 Main Street. The reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. and is free to the public. Refreshments will be served.

“We’re inviting all of our artists to participate,” said Gallery Director Leon Hollins. “We’re asking them to showcase their work using the colors red, white, and blue. We’re expecting to have photographs, banners, and paintings, and other pieces of art. It will be a great show for the public.”

Among the many works that will be displayed is Carolyn Terry’s photo of a red, white, and blue hot-air balloon. It was photographed over the Mississippi River three or four years ago, said Terry, who is based in Picayune. This and other images she photographed are “very Americana,” she said.

Terry said she appreciates the patriotic theme. “It’s a wonderful thing to celebrate our 250th anniversary,” she said. “I hope we as a nation continue to grow and that in another 50 years, our 300th’ anniversary will be even better.”

Terry said she remains optimistic about the nation’s future because of the people who want it to succeed. “That’s why we’ve made it to 250 years,” she said.

Terry is a master craftsman photographer, digital artist, and member of Professional Photographers of America Inc. She is the author of “Onward Mississippi,” a coffee table book with 65 images of her digital paintings and explanatory text based on locations throughout Mississippi. Her second book is “The Endurance of the Spirit: Mississippi Episcopal Churches.”

The works of Carolyn Weir, who is experimenting with patriotic colors in her banners, will also be featured in the exhibit. Weir said she is excited about Saturday’s event, which will highlight artwork that reflects what it means to be American.

“Our artists have come together and presented creations that tell a little bit of the story of our great country,” she said. “We invite the public to help us continue to celebrate the wonderful gift we have by living in America.”

In addition to being a painter, Weir is a kinetic mobile sculpture artist who specializes in “things that move,” she said, adding she also does abstract paintings.

Weir was recently awarded a $500 mini-grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission for the creative work she is exploring with banners.

ArtsNatchez Gallery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes the arts in the greater Natchez area and is managed by a board of directors. It features local artists whose work spans a wide range of media, including photography, painting, ceramics, woodwork, fabric arts, and jewelry. Artwork is presented in oils, acrylics, pastels, charcoal, pencil, and pen and ink.

The gallery is open daily at 10 a.m. For more information, call 601-442-0043.

NATCHEZ, Miss. — Natchez High School graduate Jayda Myles received the 2026 Hugh Green Scholarship, a $1,000 award presented by the Hugh Green Scholarship Foundation during a ceremony Thursday, July 2.

“I’m so thankful for this opportunity,” said Myles. “I am very thrilled and honored to have this scholarship.”

Jayda is the daughter of Galaundra Myles. She plans to attend Alcorn State University this fall and major in agriculture.

A standout athlete, Jayda was recognized for her achievements in softball. Although she also played basketball during high school, she said softball was her primary sport.

Throughout her athletic career, she earned numerous championship rings and medals.

The scholarship is named for Hugh Green, a former NFL standout and College Football Hall of Famer. He is a native of Natchez and 1976 graduate of North Natchez High School.

The foundation has been actively presenting the scholarship each year for more than 30 years, according to Eva Dunkley, who chairs the foundation committee.

She said it all originated as a vision of her late husband, George Dunkley III, who followed Green’s football career “from the beginning to the end.”

“After Hugh was drafted to the Miami Dolphins, my husband had Miami Dolphin Day, which was the day we had the parade to honor Hugh,” Eva said. “After Hugh finished pro ball, my husband decided he would like to have a Hugh Green Day. Thirty years later, it’s still going. We’re just so proud of what Hugh has done for the community. As long as we have a dollar in this fund, we will be giving a scholarship.”

Eva said it’s important to keep the scholarship going to help the children of the community.

The previous recipient of the award was Markeith Thompson, who attends the University of Southern Mississippi.

Green was on hand for the recent scholarship presentation.

“Congratulations to you,” he said to Jayda. “I hope this helps you somewhere down the road.”

Green said his goal has always been to strengthen the scholarship program. He added that its continued success has been possible because of the support of people in Natchez and across Mississippi.

Eva also presented certificates of recognition from U.S. Congressman Bennie Thompson to both Jayda and Green. The certificates read, “We are celebrating you because you did more and did it better and always exceed our expectations. Your hard work, dedication, and achievement will be cherished.”

The scholarship is awarded each year to students “who really need and deserve it,” Eva said. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, pastor, or coach, and write an essay explaining what the scholarship would mean to them. Applicants also must be active in high school athletics, she said.

In addition to Eva, the foundation’s committee members include Secretary Wilbur Johnson and Treasurer Laura Jackson, both of whom attended the scholarship presentation. Other attendees included Jayda’s uncle, David Myles, Phillip West, and Eva’s classmate, Josie Gilchrist.

Yesterday was a day I shall never forget. Sitting with Marla on the first ever United Airlines jet to fly to our beautiful city was surreal – and together we shared prayers of gratitude for God’s favor that brought us to this moment. After landing and being greeted by hundreds of smiling well-wishers celebrating the arrival of the first plane, I watched Airport Director Carl Beasley and Adams County Administrator Mitzi Conn cut the ribbon. In that moment, surrounded by so many who carried this dream for years, I was overwhelmed with gratitude.

 

Wednesday’s restoration of commercial air service after more than thirty years was far more than one celebration happening at the airport. It was proof of what happens when people work together with persistence and refuse to give up. It’s quite a story. And today, I simply want to say thank you.

 

Every journey has a beginning, and ours began in 2021 with a simple question: Could Natchez once again have commercial air service? That question led us to Greenville, Mississippi, where dear friend and former Cleveland Mayor Billy Nowell connected us with now dear friend and Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons. Mayor Simmons hosted us along with then-Greenville Airport Director Samuel Washington. We toured the airport, shared lunch, and saw firsthand what commercial air service looked like for a city. We left believing that if they could do it, so could Natchez.

 

When we returned home, we began working with the existing leadership of the Natchez-Adams County Airport, including then-Airport Commission Chairman John McCullough and then-Airport Director Richard Nelson, as part of an already committed county-led team. Together, we focused on strengthening the foundation needed for commercial service and advancing Federal Aviation Administration grant projects that modernized our airfield and prepared it for the future.

 

Soon afterward, aviation consultant Jeremiah Gerald joined our effort. From that point forward, Jeremiah guided every phase of this journey – air service studies, federal grant applications, airline recruitment, industry conferences, and countless meetings over several years. His expertise and belief in Natchez were central to making this achievement possible.

 

In 2022, our vision took a giant step forward thanks to US Senator Roger Wicker. Through his leadership, Natchez became one of the first communities in the nation to receive a US Department of Transportation Small Community Air Service Development Grant. That funding changed everything and gave us the ability to compete for commercial air service.

 

I also must thank US Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith for her unwavering support and for announcing additional federal funding Wednesday to complete our new terminal. Throughout this process, she has been only a phone call or text message away. I also thank Congressman Bennie Thompson for his support throughout this process.

 

The support of Governor Tate Reeves has been tremendous. From the beginning, he supported our efforts and helped advance the resources needed for this project. I also thank Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann for his commitment to Natchez along with Speaker of the House Jason White. Our state legislative leaders were supportive as well, including Representatives Robert Johnson, Sam Mims and Angela Cockerham, and Senators Albert Butler and Gary Brumfield.

 

I also must thank Transportation Commissioner Charles Busby, MDOT Executive Director Brad White, and the team at the Mississippi Department of Transportation. Thank you also goes to Mr. Bill Cork and the Mississippi Development Authority team. Their belief in Natchez helped bring critical funding that made this project possible. Critical also was our team of lobbyists: former Congressman Gregg Harper and his partner Brett Bailey, and early-on, Manning McPhillips. I will never forget how Congressman Harper worked with Senator Wicker during a historic government shutdown to secure TSA approval at the last minute so we could meet our July 1 deadline.

 

Closer to home, this achievement would not have been possible without Airport Director Carl Beasley, whose decades of FAA experience brought unmatched expertise at exactly the right time. He was a Godsend. Thanks also to County Administrator Mitzi Conn, whose steady leadership helped move this project forward as part of a large team effort involving county, city, state, and federal partners. The nearly $7 million terminal, built primarily with grant funding and delivered in just 17 weeks, is a testament to what can be accomplished when everyone works together.

 

I am deeply grateful to Supervisor Angela Hutchins, President of the Adams County Board of Supervisors and every member of that board: Warren Gaines, Wes Middleton, Kevin Wilson, and Rickey Gray, for helping make our teamwork happen. Thanks also to our Natchez Board of Aldermen: Valencia Hall, Billie Joe Frazier, Sarah Carter Smith, Felicia Irving, Ben Davis, and Curtis Moroney who supported everything we did as a city to help. I must also mention the Natchez-Adams County Airport Advisory Board including Chairman Dante’ Weir, airport staff, and all others who made this possible. Special thanks to Thrash Commercial Contractors Inc., Waycaster Dungan Architecture and Engineering, Neel-Schaffer, Vasey Aviation, Brett Simon of BSJA, Visit Mississippi, and all professionals who helped transform this vision into a modern terminal in record time – and to David and Betty Paradise who allowed their 10,000 foot hangar to be used for the new terminal.

 

Thank you also to Chandler Russ and Natchez, Inc. He helped tremendously in securing federal and state funding. A must mention is Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten, whose leadership ensured airport security operations were fully prepared. Working closely with TSA, his team has been invaluable. And we must not forget Aimee Guido, Lynsey Gilbert, Alexander Romei, Visit Mississippi and Visit Natchez for their promotion of this new service. Thanks also to Vidal

Blankenstein, Kit White and Michael Wilson who helped with promotion for the city, and also to local media outlets who ran many stories and are continuing to report on this great news for Natchez! Special thanks to my Executive Assistant Richard Burke – I don’t know what we would have done without him.

 

Finally, thank you to SkyWest Airlines and United Airlines for believing in Natchez. Your investment is more than a new route—it is a vote of confidence in our future! This service is already changing how we connect to the world. Residents can park steps from the terminal, check in at home, pass quickly through TSA, and connect through Houston to destinations across the globe, all on a single ticket. Now comes our responsibility. If we use it, support it, and believe in it, it will grow.

 

As I reflect on Wednesday, I am reminded that history is written by people who refuse to give up, partners who trust one another, and leaders who work together instead of apart.

 

In closing, I want to thank my wife and First Lady, Marla, who never doubted for a single moment that we would reach this day. Through every meeting, every setback, and every victory, her faith never wavered.

 

Yesterday, a plane landed—and we now have proof of what happens when we never give up. Because Natchez Deserves More.

 

To book your next flight, visit www.FlyNatchez.com.

As I approach what in July will be the beginning of my seventh year as your mayor, I have begun focusing on what I call “legacy projects”. The first of these is “The Mayor’s Book Club”, an initiative inspired by my own childhood experience when my mother enrolled me in a monthly book club, instilling in me an early desire to read.

 

This program, the first mayor-led effort of its kind in Mississippi, is designed to increase literacy rates by sharing the joy of reading with our children. Now in its fourth month, our progress has been profound!

 

In March when we launched with our national partner, Ferst Readers of Georgia, our goal was simple: get books into the hands of young children before they ever walk through the doors of a classroom. Today, I am excited to report that we have now exceeded our original expectations! More than 600 children in Natchez are now enrolled and receiving a free, age-appropriate book in the mail every single month.

 

Think about that for a moment… More than 600 children are excitedly awaiting their free book, introducing them month by month to the joy of reading. More than 600 children are now building their own personal libraries. And most importantly, more than 600 children are receiving an opportunity that can shape the course of their lives long before formal education begins.

 

We know the early years of a child’s life are critical. Research shows that nearly 90 percent of brain development occurs before age six. By age two, a child’s brain is processing information at nearly the same speed as an adult’s. By age three, a child’s brain is even more active. When children enter school already familiar with books and reading, they begin with confidence and a greater chance for success.

 

That is why this program matters.

 

When we started the Mayor’s Book Club in March, our first-year goal was to serve 500 children from age zero to the time they turn age five. Thanks to the support of parents, grandparents, childcare providers, educators, and community partners, we have now surpassed 600 children and continue to grow. Every month, hundreds of books are now arriving in mailboxes across Natchez, creating excitement for children and encouraging families to spend time reading together.

 

But our work is far from finished.

 

While enrollment is completely free for families, the continued success and growth of the program depends upon community support. If you have ever wondered how you can make a lasting difference in the life of a child, this is one of the most meaningful ways to do so. Every contribution helps place books into the hands of young readers, strengthening the future of our community.

 

Think about the proven benefits. A child who can read is more likely to perform well in school. A child who can read is more likely to pursue higher goals. A child who can read is less likely to get in trouble. Simply put, a child who can read is more likely to succeed.

 

Today, I ask for your support of our Mayor’s Book Club. Together, we can ensure that every child in Natchez has the opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed. After all, today’s young readers will become tomorrow’s great leaders. Because Natchez Deserves More.

 

For more information about the Mayor’s Book Club and Ferst Readers, please visit ferstreaders.org. To make a tax-deductible donation supporting children in Natchez, please visit https://bit.ly/4qUvib5. Contributions may also be mailed to: Ferst Readers Natchez, P.O. Box 1327, Madison, GA 30650.

This Monday, June 15, at 5:30 p.m., we will be celebrating something truly special – our Sixth Annual Natchez Day of Unity. Begun in 2020, this event has become one of my favorites of the year. And this year we are taking it to the next level – a free Ice Cream Social at the Natchez Civic Center featuring live music by the Big Muddy Inn’s Amy Allen and the sounds of artists ranging from Marvin Gaye to Jimmy Buffet orchestrated by WTYJ’s one and only DJ Buz! Hosted by our First Lady, Marla Gibson, this will truly be a great time – fun for our children and a time for friends and family to simply enjoy being together.

 

Since the beginning of our administration, the promotion of unity has been our top priority, and with it two other key words, community and opportunity. Being a city of love is more than a noble ideal – it is obedience to the great commandment “to love one another”. And one of the things I love most about Natchez is that we are a community that knows how to come together. Through good times and challenging times alike, our strength has always been found in our people. We may come from different backgrounds, neighborhoods, churches, and walks of life, but at the end of the day, we are all part of the same city: One Natchez.

 

Monday is going to be a special day, but truly, every day should be a day of unity. In today’s world, it can be easy to focus on the things that divide us. Social media, politics, and daily headlines often emphasize our differences. But events like this remind us that there is far more that unites us than separates us. And in Natchez we have the opportunity to be something truly special – a city that models love and the art of getting along.

 

As with every celebration of unity, there is no agenda for Monday’s event other than coming together. Sometimes the most important conversations don’t happen in meeting rooms or government buildings. They happen when neighbors gather, when families spend time together, and when children laugh and play. Friendships can be formed and strengthened over something as simple as a scoop of ice cream.

 

As your mayor, I believe our future depends not only on the things we build or the investments we attract, but also on the relationships we strengthen. A strong community is built when neighbors know one another, respect one another, and work together toward common goals.

 

Nothing is required for Monday but to show up and share in the spirit of love that makes Natchez special. And enjoying refreshments together, along with music and fun, is bound to create an opportunity for residents of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy an evening of fellowship.

 

I want to thank our First Lady and all those who have worked to organize this special event. I encourage every family in Natchez and Adams County to come out, enjoy the music, share some ice cream, and celebrate all that we, together, can accomplish as we move our city forward.

Because Natchez Deserves More.

NATCHEZ, Miss. – Diana Addison Hunter, longtime employee of the Mississippi State Hospital, will serve as guest speaker at the 86th commemoration of the Rhythm Night Club Fire, which occurred on April 23, 1940. The annual ceremony will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Rhythm Night Club (On Site) Memorial Museum at 5 St. Catherine Street.

The event is free and open to the public. This year’s theme is “Mental Health: Where the Rubber Meets the Road.”

Betty Sago, co-owner of the museum with her husband, Monroe, said mental health is a topic she has wanted to address for many years, in part, because of conversations with the survivors.

“So many of the people we’ve talked to over the years, especially the survivors, said they can’t get the fire out of their mind,” she said. “They’ve struggled with the loss of their friends and family members. So many people were affected by this tragedy. We thought it was time to finally talk about these issues in mental health.”

Betty Sago said Hunter is the ideal speaker for the occasion because of her professional experience in the mental health field.

Hunter, a resident of Jackson, is a human resources supervisor at the Mississippi State Hospital in Whitfield. She is a graduate of West Point High School and Jackson State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance.

In addition to completing coursework for human resources certification, she is a Certified Public Manager. She has been employed at the hospital since 1993.

“This is an opportunity to share and educate people and let them know they have options and a lot of different avenues through which they can maintain mental health. A lot of us focus on our physical health, but mental health is just as important.”

Hunter said the theme is fitting. “If our mental health is not in tune or intact, we’re not able to hit the ground running,” she said.

Hunter also expressed appreciation for the Sagos and their work. She said the Sagos “are amazing people,” and for her, it has been “a grand opportunity to know them and see the work they’re doing with the museum.”

The Sagos have hosted the commemoration each year since 2010 to honor the more than 200 victims who died in the club’s 1940 fire. They also recognize the survivors and their families. Additionally, they award scholarships ranging from $500 to $1000 to local high school students who write a winning essay about the museum and the story of the fire.

The 2025 recipient was Octavius Saul Jr, who was a senior at Natchez High School. He was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Betty Sago said he planned to attend Southern University in Baton Rouge.

Participants in this year’s ceremony will include Stephanie S. Vivian of Terry, who will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies. Soloists Lawrence Winston of McComb and Barbara Evans of Natchez will perform special selections. Dr. Roscoe Barnes III will share remarks about his work as the cultural heritage tourism manager at Visit Natchez.

As a community event, the ceremony is supported by the Natchez Fire Department, which will open the event with a siren blast of a fire engine. Near the conclusion of the program, organizers will distribute door prizes, and refreshments will be served afterward.

The Sagos also invite attendees to tour the museum and view recently acquired items in its collection.

For more information, call 601-597-0557 or send email to bettysago@rnconsitemm.org.

NATCHEZ, Miss. — A new brochure telling the story of Prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahima (1762-1829) — and mapping key sites tied to his life in Natchez and Adams County — is now available free to the public.

The publication, titled “Prince Ibrahima: A Profile and Self-Guided Tour,” was produced by Visit Natchez and funded by a $2,111 mini-grant awarded in 2024 by the Mississippi Humanities Council.

“The Mississippi Humanities Council is pleased to support this project that highlights one of Mississippi’s most remarkable stories,” said Dr. Stuart Rockoff, director of the Mississippi Humanities Council. “This brochure is part of Natchez’s ongoing effort to uplift its full history and challenge simplistic or incomplete accounts of its past.”

The pocket-sized tour guide features a biographical profile of Ibrahima, along with a list of key sites tied to his life in Natchez and Adams County, including places he visited and related gravesites. A map and photographs of the selected sites are included.

The brochure was designed by Dustin Hinkle of Open Market Design Company and printed by Catherine Murray of Murray Printing.

Lynsey Gilbert, interim director of Visit Natchez, said she and her staff are excited about the publication, as are many others in the community.

“This is a beautifully designed publication that meets a real need in our community,” she said. “It tells an important story. At the same time, it is practical in that it allows readers to literally visit the places frequented by Prince Ibrahima. We invite everyone to pick up a copy and start engaging with this vital piece of Natchez’s history.”

Gilbert noted that the prince’s story is published as a convenient, easy-to-use resource for self-guided tours. It is available in print and online at the Visit Natchez website.

Bobby Dennis, director of the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture, said the prince’s legacy remains an essential part of Natchez’s history. Among other things, he said, “The story of the prince’s life in Natchez shows the amount of knowledge and skills a man had before his enslavement.”

Mayor Dan M. Gibson welcomed the brochure, saying it aligns with the city’s broader efforts to share its complete history.

“The story of Prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahima is one of the most remarkable stories in all of Natchez history,” he said. “This new brochure not only honors his legacy but also invites residents and visitors to learn more about Natchez as we continue to tell all of our stories.”

Ibrahima, who was Muslim, was a highly educated Fulani prince and military leader, from Timbo, in the Futa Jallon region of present-day Guinea, West Africa. He was captured in 1788 and sold to slave traders. He spent 40 years enslaved on Thomas Foster’s plantation near Natchez before gaining his freedom in 1828 with the help of Andrew Marschalk, known as the “Father of Mississippi Journalism,” and U.S. Secretary of State Henry Clay during the administration of President John Quincy Adams.

Copies of “Prince Ibrahima: A Profile and Self-Guided Tour” are available at the following locations:

* NAPAC Museum, 301 Main St.

* Visit Natchez at The Depot Visitor Center, 200 N. Broadway St.

* Visit Natchez, 500 Main St., Suite 1

* Historic Natchez Foundation, 108 S. Commerce St.

* Natchez City Hall, 124 S. Pearl St.

* Natchez City Sightseeing Tours (in the lobby of The Natchez Grand Hotel), 111 N. Broadway St.

The Prince Ibrahima brochure may also be downloaded at https://visitnatchez.org/wp-content/uploads/website-11×17-Ibrahima-Brochure-2026-FINAL.pdf

For more information, call Roscoe Barnes III at Visit Natchez at 601-492-3004.

NATCHEZ, Miss. — The City of Natchez unveiled a historical marker honoring Prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahima (1762–1829) on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, on Silver Street. The marker stands near the site where he arrived as an enslaved man in 1788 and later departed Natchez as a free man with his wife, Isabella, on April 8, 1828.

“This marker ties into the larger story of Natchez, a river city that embraces its full history, even the shameful periods, for the purpose of enlightening its residents, visitors, and tens of thousands of tourists annually,” said Shelia Byrd, guest speaker for the ceremony. “This marker is a reminder to all that a rich history is undoubtedly complicated, complex and uncomfortable.”

Byrd is a former Associated Press reporter who now serves as deputy director of Programs and Communication Division at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. “Nearly 200 years after he sailed from a dock here, we’re gathered to unveil a lasting marker so that, perhaps, in another 100 years, future generations will know the story of Prince Ibrahima, his escape from slavery, and of Natchez Under the Hill,” she said.

Ibrahima was a Muslim prince from Timbo in the Futa Jallon region of present-day Guinea, West Africa. He was captured in battle in 1788 and sold to slave traders. He endured 40 years of enslavement on Thomas Foster’s plantation near Natchez, before gaining his freedom.

Byrd discussed his history through the lens of family and legacy and how it fits into the broader story of Natchez and the United States.

“Prince Ibrahima’s story is unique, but in many ways ubiquitous,” she said. “Though he was an educated man, who was multilingual, he was stripped of any material regality in Natchez, where he was made a laborer. He was among the tens of thousands enslaved in Mississippi at that time.”

Despite his subjugation, Byrd said, “Prince Ibrahima was a husband and a father, who provided stability for his family – as much as possible under the circumstances. When we think about slavery and its many destructive elements, we must remember the extreme toll exacted on Black families.”

In opening remarks, Mayor Dan Gibson said it is good to live in a city like Natchez “where we are not afraid to tell our whole story.” He said there was a time when the whole story was not told here and that even today it is not told in many places across the United States.

“But here in Natchez, we know that this is a story that must be told, because it is a story about a people, and about today, a particular individual who absolutely helped build Natchez,” he said.

Gibson suggested Ibrahima is someone to admire for many reasons. He noted his “brilliant upbringing,” his royalty and education, including his multilingual abilities and leadership.

“The story is the story,” he said. “I’m not here to repeat that story. My job is to say we are telling that story. Not just today but every day, and it’s not just the story of one prince, it’s the story of an entire people.”

Gibson said there is good and bad in Natchez’s history, “but it is our history.” He added:

“It is unconscionable to stand right here on this beautiful river in this oldest city on the mightiest bluff on the mightiest river and to ignore those and their ancestors who came before us and built this city. In fact, it is unconscionable that we would ever fail to recognize those across our country whose ancestors built so much of this country and on whose backs much of this country was established.”

The program included remarks by David Dreyer, local historian and genealogist. He said, “This marker acknowledges the 40-year impact of slavery on one man’s life and family over 200 years ago, but the story remains to be told about the complexities of his family’s attempt to recover from the American experience of slavery and to rectify its injustice and inhumanity.”

Other participants in the day’s program included Vickie R. Green, Mistress of Ceremonies; Rev. Dr. Joan Gandy, who presented the Invocation; Tony Fields, who sang special selections; and Rev. Clifton Marvel Sr., who provided the Benediction.

Ainsley Dupre, student at Adams County Christian School, and Halle Stamps, student at Cathedral High School, both members of the Mayor’s Youth Council, read excerpts from Dr. Terry Alford’s book, “Prince Among Slaves: The True Story of an African Prince Sold into Slavery in the American South” (Oxford University Press, 1977).

The Silver Street marker is the second one erected in the Natchez-Adams County area honoring the prince. The first, funded by the Natchez Historical Society, was unveiled in October 2025 on Highway 61 North near Historic Jefferson College and focuses on Ibrahima’s 1807 meeting with Dr. John Coates Cox. The new riverfront marker highlights his West African roots and the site of his departure to freedom.

NATCHEZ, Miss. – “The Parchman Ordeal: The Untold Story,” a documentary highlighting a pivotal chapter in the Civil Rights Movement in Natchez, has found a permanent home at the Margaret Walker Center at Jackson State University. The film is now preserved in the university’s archives and available for free viewing on the Center’s YouTube channel.

The Margaret Walker Center acquired the film and its accompanying original interview footage through a donation from Natchez filmmakers Robert Morgan and Darrell S. White, who co-produced the film with director G. Mark LaFrancis. LaFrancis died in June 2024 following a long battle with cancer.

“The Parchman Ordeal” premiered in October 2015 at the City Auditorium in Natchez, marking the 50th anniversary of the 1965 civil rights events it depicts. The documentary presents the story of African Americans arrested in Natchez for attempting to march for their civil rights. They were later jailed at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman in 1965, where they endured severe abuse.

“The Margaret Walker Center at Jackson State University is extremely pleased to be adding the documentary film, ‘The Parchman Ordeal: The Untold Story,’ as well as its accompanying original interview footage to our oral history collection,” said Alissa Rae Funderburk, oral historian at the Margaret Walker Center.

“Though we have an extensive collection of civil rights interviews in our archive, this documentary sheds light on an important moment in the struggle and brings the stories of Parchman’s brave survivors to the forefront,” Funderburk said. “We hope that by providing access to such a thought-provoking film, we can remind our audience of the value of storytelling and the power of truth.”

Morgan said he is “deeply appreciative” of the university’s commitment to preserving and sharing Natchez’s history.

“We thank the Margaret Walker Center at Jackson State University for preserving the documentary and making it accessible,” Morgan said. “Honoring the roughly 150 young men and women arrested for parading without a permit during the civil rights era inspires future generations to boldly stand up against unconstitutional injustice.”

White echoed those sentiments. “The filmmakers’ mission was to accurately document the sacrifices made by those who took a stand on behalf of others, and the price they paid for their efforts,” he said. “We salute the Margaret Walker Center of Jackson State University for their commitment in helping to tell this forgotten and previously untold story.”

Lynsey Gilbert, interim director of Visit Natchez, applauded the decision by Morgan and White to partner with the Margaret Walker Center.

“This is an important documentary of Natchez’s history that highlights both the struggle and triumph of our local residents during the Civil Rights Movement,” she said. “Visit Natchez was pleased to assist the filmmakers with this new arrangement with the Margaret Walker Center. We’re especially excited to know ‘The Parchman Ordeal’ will be professionally preserved and made available to a much wider audience.”

In 2017, “The Parchman Ordeal” was recognized as the Most Transformative Film at the Crossroads Film Festival. The film was produced in partnership with the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture and was funded in part by a grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council. In addition to being aired on Mississippi Public Broadcasting, it became the basis for the book, “The Parchman Ordeal: 1965 Natchez Civil Rights Injustice” (The History Press, 2018).

“The Parchman Ordeal: The Untold Story” can be viewed on the Margaret Walker Center’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/yJqTXt2tEp4

About the Margaret Walker Center

The Margaret Walker Center is an archive and museum dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and dissemination of African American history and culture. Founded as the Institute for the Study of the History, Life, and Culture of Black People by Margaret Walker in 1968, the Center seeks to honor her academic, artistic, and activist legacy through its archival collections, exhibits, and public programs.

As mayor, I get asked a lot of questions – and often tops on that list is, “When are y’all going to finish Morgantown Road??” Well, I have good news: the long-anticipated completion of Morgantown Road is finally within reach and it’s happening soon! Working together, the city and the county are about to make life better for so many of our residents who rely on this critical corridor every day. After years of planning, coordination, and construction, the final phase of this complex project is set to begin within the next three weeks with final completion expected within six to seven months.

 

The first phase of the project was successfully completed in November 2025, concluding a 15-month effort that cost $3.68 million. That initial work focused on a full replacement of the roadbed and the installation of new drainage infrastructure from the city limits to Redd Loop Road, followed by resurfacing. This first phase was by far the most complicated, involving major upgrades to drainage and the relocation of public utilities in some areas. It had to be completed before moving forward with improvements within the city portion. While it required patience and perseverance, it laid the groundwork for what will be a much safer and more functional Morgantown Road.

 

This project stands as a strong example of collaboration and teamwork at its best. The City of Natchez has invested $2 million into the effort, and together with Adams County secured a Federal earmark of $2.5 million to help fund the work. Adams County has invested additional funds as well. This partnership has been instrumental in moving the project forward despite rising costs and logistical challenges.

 

Now, attention turns to the final phase, which we hope will be complete by early fall. Dozer Construction has been awarded the contract after a successful bid, and a pre-construction meeting is scheduled for next week. This phase will address the section of Morgantown Road from its beginning at Highway 61 to the city limits at Dixie Road. Planned improvements include replacing existing drainage pipes, re-grading drainage ditches, resurfacing the roadway, and tying in residential driveways to ensure proper access and water flow.

 

There is no question this has been a difficult and complicated project. In fact, the total cost comes close to exceeding what the city spent to pave nearly fifty streets just two years ago. However, the importance of Morgantown Road, both as a transportation route and as a drainage corridor, makes it a critical investment. When I ran to be your mayor, I made a commitment to see this project through to completion, and I am grateful that we are now entering the final stage.

 

I want to express my sincere gratitude to our Board of Aldermen and city staff for their leadership and commitment, and to our partners: the Adams County Board of Supervisors for

their cooperation, George Ford with IMS Engineering for his expertise, and Dozer Construction for stepping up to carry this project forward. I am grateful to our leaders in Jackson and Washington for their support, including the MS Department of Transportation, the MS Department of Environmental Quality, our Governor and Lt. Governor, and members of our United States Congressional delegation in both the House and Senate. Most importantly, I want to thank our citizens for their patience and understanding throughout this lengthy process.

 

As construction resumes, residents should be prepared for temporary inconveniences, including lane closures and possible detours. Motorists are urged to slow down, stay alert, and use caution when traveling through the work zone. While the disruptions may be frustrating, they are necessary to ensure the work is completed safely and effectively.

 

In the end, this is a case of “short-term pain and long-term gain”. Upon completion, Morgantown Road will be greatly improved and better equipped to handle drainage, benefiting the entire community for years to come. Safer and smoother rides are indeed in our future! Because Natchez Deserves More.