Category: Local News

Public lecture and exhibit set for March 27 in Port Gibson

PORT GIBSON, Miss. – Ser Seshsh Ab Heter-C. M. Boxley has donated his Forks of the Road exhibition to the Southwest Mississippi Center for Culture & Learning at Alcorn State University, Lorman Campus, announced the Center’s director, Dr. Garry Lewis.

“I am honored to entrust this research to Alcorn State University,” said Ser Boxley. “The Center’s commitment to cultural preservation ensures that the stories connected to the Forks of the Road will continue to educate, challenge, and inspire.”

Lewis emphasized the importance of Ser Boxley’s work. “Ser Boxley’s donation strengthens ongoing collaborations between Alcorn State University and regional heritage organizations committed to documenting African American history, preserving sacred sites, and expanding public access to historically grounded scholarship,” he said.

To recognize Ser Boxley’s decades‑long contributions as a preservationist and researcher, the Center will host a public lecture and presentation of the Forks of the Road exhibit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, March 27, at the Claiborne County Welcome & Heritage Center, 210 Walnut St. in Port Gibson. The event is free and open to the public.

Dr. Roscoe Barnes III, cultural heritage tourism manager at Visit Natchez, will participate as a panelist and share remarks during the program.

Lewis applauded Ser Boxley for donating “his extensive artifact research and documentation on the historic ‘African/European Roots of the Underground Railroad and Forks of the Road’” to the Center. Lewis said the Forks of the Road slave market site is one of the most important locations tied to the domestic slave trade in the Deep Southwest.

For several years, the Forks of the Road exhibition was displayed at the Natchez Visitor Center on Canal Street until 2022, when the facility closed for renovation. The exhibition will have a new home with the Southwest Mississippi Center, according to Lewis.

In addition to his research, the donation includes Ser Boxley’s interpretive materials, historical analyses, and cultural documentation that illuminate the lived experiences of enslaved people trafficked through Natchez and the broader Mississippi region, Lewis said. He noted: “Ser Boxley’s work has been instrumental in shaping public understanding of the Forks of the Road as a site of memory, resilience, and truth-telling.”

In Lewis’ view, Ser Boxley’s contribution is more than a collection of research. “It is a gift of truth, legacy, and cultural responsibility. His dedication ensures that future generations can study, honor, and learn from the stories that shaped Southwest Mississippi and the nation.”

Lewis said the Center will preserve, curate, and integrate the donated materials into its educational programming, community partnerships, and student research initiatives.

“The collection will support Alcorn State University’s mission to advance cultural literacy, historical awareness, and community engagement across the region,” he said. “Ser Boxley, whose decades of research have helped illuminate the history of one of the most significant slave‑trading sites in the Deep Southwest, will share insights into his archival work, the importance of historical truth‑telling, and the ongoing efforts to preserve African American heritage across Southwest Mississippi.”

Lewis encourages Alcorn alumni, community members, visitors, and educators to attend Friday’s program and “engage directly with Ser Boxley’s scholarship and to deepen their understanding of the region’s cultural and historical landscape.”

NATCHEZ, Miss. — Tommy Wildcat, a Cherokee Nation flute player, will perform at the Natchez Powwow on Saturday and Sunday, March 28 and 29, 2026, on the Natchez Bluff. Admission is free and open to the public.

Dr. Chuck Borum, who chairs the Natchez Powwow, said Wildcat is a great musician, and his performance will be an exciting and welcome addition to this year’s lineup. “Wildcat is extremely gifted as a musician and highly respected,” Borum said.

Wildcat, who hails from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, is a Cherokee Nation “National Treasure,” a title recognizing master artisans and tradition bearers who preserve Cherokee art, language, and culture. He has shared his work at cultural events and performances across the country.

Wildcat and his family were featured in the September 2005 issue of National Geographic magazine. In 1995, he appeared in the American Express “Charge Against Hunger” commercial.

Wildcat is a graduate of Northeastern State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Cherokee Cultural Studies. He won the 2002 Native American Music Award for Flutist of the Year for his album “Pow-Wow Flutes.”

Wildcat said performing in Natchez is a privilege he really appreciates. “I’m very grateful and honored to be at the Natchez Mississippi Powwow this year,” he said.

The Natchez Powwow, held annually since the late 1980s, celebrates Native American culture through dance, music, crafts, and more. It is presented as a wholesome family-friendly event for local residents and visitors.

Program lineup

In addition to Wildcat, this year’s powwow will feature Eddie Yellowfish, Osage-Otoe-Comanche, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, who will serve as the head singer of the Southern Drum.

Others featured include Frank Carson, Otoe-Pawnee, of Stillwater, Oklahoma, as master of ceremonies; and Darsh DeSilva of Round Rock, Texas, as arena director; and Free “Bird” Kasler, Otoe, of Chouteau, Oklahoma, as head man dancer.

The program will include Wonzie Kline Kole, Mescalero Apache-Comanche of Dallas as the head lady dancer; and James Barton of Summerville, South Carolina, as the head gourd dancer.

Oscar-nominated songwriter Scott George of Hominy, Oklahoma, will support Yellowfish on the drums. George composed “Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People),” that was featured in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon.” He and Yellowfish performed the song with the Osage Tribal Singers at the 96th Academy Awards in March 2024.

Powwow schedule

Saturday March 28, 2026

9 a.m. – Food, Craft, and Farmers’ Market Vendors open; 12:30 p.m. — Gourd Dance; 2 p.m. — Grand Entry and Intertribal Dancing; 4 p.m. — Camp Feed for Singers, Dancers, and Family/Friends; 6 p.m. — Gourd Dance; 7 p.m. — Grand Entry and Intertribal Dancing; 9 p.m. – Closing

Sunday March 29, 2026

 9 a.m. — Food and Craft Vendors open; 12:30 p.m. — Gourd Dance; 2 p.m. — Grand Entry and Intertribal Dancing

Alcohol is prohibited at the powwow. It is not allowed in the powwow area or in the trader or food vending area. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating.

Borum said the powwow is financially supported by local Natchez businesses, individuals, and the Natchez Convention Promotion Commission/Visit Natchez.

For more information, visit https://www.natchezpowwow.com or email Powwow Chairman Dr. Chuck Borum at cborum@hotmail.com.

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.

Shelia Byrd, the deputy director of the Programs and Communication Division of Mississippi Department of Archives and History, will serve as guest speaker at a marker dedication ceremony honoring Prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahima (1762-1829).

The ceremony will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Under-the-Hill on Silver Street near the Mississippi River landing dock. It is free and open to the public. This second marker complements one dedicated in October 2025 near Historic Jefferson College.

Byrd is a former Associated Press journalist who covered civil rights, politics, and education.

“It is an honor to be included in a ceremony highlighting Prince Ibrahima, whose story is one of millions woven into Mississippi’s history. His story ends in freedom, but only after enslavement, struggle, and loss,” Byrd said. “It is fitting the marker unveiling comes while the country is marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.”

Byrd was an AP journalist for 17 years, covering stories that included the trial of Klansman Edgar Ray Killen for the 1964 murders of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner. She also wrote about the FBI’s reopening of the Emmett Till murder case. Prior to MDAH, Byrd was the communications director at Mississippi Public Broadcasting, managing editor at the General Motors Story Bureau, and vice president for communications at Hope Enterprise Corporation.

A graduate of Grambling State University with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication, Byrd is a multiple Lantern and Prism award winner, recognized for excellence in writing and

integrated communications.

Natchez history

Mayor Dan Gibson said he is looking forward to the ceremony as a meaningful part of Natchez’s history.

“This ceremony is an important step in recognizing and telling the full story of Natchez,” Gibson said. “Prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahima’s journey is both powerful and sobering, and it deserves to be remembered and shared for generations to come. We are proud to commemorate his legacy here in Natchez.”

Lynsey Gilbert, interim director of Visit Natchez, said the ceremony is a celebration of Natchez’s history and a recognition of difficult truths in the nation’s past.

“We value the life history of Prince Ibrahima, and we’re excited to honor him with a new historical marker,” she said. “This marker will commemorate his arrival in Natchez as an enslaved man in 1788 and his departure with his freedom on April 8, 1828.”

The ceremony date was chosen to mark the anniversary of his departure in 1828.

Gilbert said the selected location is ideal for the marker. The area is visited by thousands of people each year, including those who travel on the Mississippi River cruise ships, she said.

The site for the marker was approved by property owner Denton Biglane, who said the marker “will be a much-needed and overdue addition to Natchez and Under-the-Hill.”

Program lineup

In addition to Byrd and Gibson, the program will feature Vickie R. Green, playwright and CEO of Behind the Walls Ministries, as the mistress of ceremonies. The Rev. Dr. Joan Gandy, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Natchez, will offer the invocation, and the Rev. Clifton Marvel Sr., pastor of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church, will offer the benediction.

Tony Fields, soloist and minister of music at Zion Chapel A.M.E. Church, will provide special musical selections for the program. Gibson will deliver the opening remarks, followed by Roscoe Barnes III of Visit Natchez, who will recognize the guests and introduce the guest speaker. Remarks also will be shared by David Dreyer, local historian and genealogist.

Natchez High School students Ainsley Dupre and Halle Stamps will present 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).

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 into the transatlantic slave trade. He spent 40 years enslaved on Thomas Foster’s plantation near Natchez before gaining his freedom in 1828 with the help of Andrew Marschalk, the “Father of Mississippi Journalism,” and U.S. Secretary of State Henry Clay in President John Quincy Adams’ administration.

For more information, call 601-492-3004 or email Roscoe@visitnatchez.org.

NATCHEZ, MS — The Adams County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents of the strict requirements that registered sex offenders must follow under Mississippi law, emphasizing that these rules are in place to protect the public and are actively enforced.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, there are multiple statutory requirements mandated by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety’s Sex Offender Registry. These rules govern where offenders can live, work, and travel, as well as how often they must report personal information to authorities.

Among the most notable requirements, offenders must report all places they stay for seven or more days within a six-month period and must notify authorities at least 10 days before changing their address. They are also required to register in any state where they work, attend school, or temporarily reside.

Offenders must update key personal details — including employment, vehicle information, and even internet identifiers such as social media accounts — within three business days of any change. Quarterly check-ins every 90 days are also required to keep records and photographs current.

Mississippi law also places strict limitations on where offenders can live and be present. Registered offenders are prohibited from living within 3,000 feet of schools, childcare facilities, playgrounds, and similar areas. They are also not allowed within 500 feet of school property while minors are present.

Additional rules are designed to protect victims and prevent further harm. Offenders are strictly forbidden from contacting or approaching victims unless explicitly permitted by a court. This includes visiting a victim’s home, workplace, or school.

The law also requires offenders to notify organizations if they volunteer or work in roles involving direct contact with minors. Travel is regulated as well — offenders must notify authorities at least 21 days in advance of any international travel and must receive permission before visiting certain public spaces like beaches or campgrounds.

Failure to comply with any of these requirements is considered a felony offense and can result in fines, imprisonment, or both.

“These requirements are not optional,” the Adams County Sheriff’s Office stated. “Failure to comply will result in criminal charges.”

The Sheriff’s Office says it remains committed to enforcing these laws and ensuring the safety of the community.

For more information about sex offender registration requirements, residents can contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety or reach out locally to Ms. Karen Ewing at the Adams County Sheriff’s Office at 601-442-2752.