Support for Natchez U.S. Colored Troops Monument Project

Statement by Dr. Stuart Rockoff, executive director of Mississippi Humanities Council

#NatchezUSCT

We are grateful to Dr. Stuart Rockoff for this wonderful testimonial. Stuart is the executive director of the Mississippi Humanities Council. We are encouraged by his support and his appreciation of Mississippi history. His perceptive comment about the Natchez U.S. Colored Troops is something we welcome as we move forward in our efforts to build a monument to honor these brave men.

“The USCT Monument Project will help tell a fuller picture of our state’s history. The story of these men, who gained their freedom and then fought to free others, should inspire all Mississippians. For too long, our state’s monument landscape has not truthfully reflected the richness of our past. Vital stories have not received the attention they deserved. This important project will make Natchez a statewide leader in the effort to retell Mississippi’s story in an accurate and inclusive way.”
 
Dr. Stuart Rockoff

Executive Director

Mississippi Humanities Council

See more at https://natchezusctmonument.com

 #NatchezColoredTroops #CivilWar #VisitNatchez #BlackHistory

The Natchez Democrat: NAPAC Acquires Portrait of Late Opera Singer

Published 5:38 pm Wednesday, December 29, 2021

By Staff Reports

Former Natchez Mayor Philip West, left, joins Mary White, co-founder of Natchez Association for the Preservation of Afro-American Culture, and Jimmy Ware, president of Natchez Business and Civic League, in presenting a portrait of Daisy Newman to the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture. Newman was a famous opera singer who passed in February 2021 at the age of 74. Her portrait will be the centerpiece of the museum’s upcoming “Black Butterfly” exhibit, according to Museum Executive Director Bobby Dennis.

NATCHEZ — A portrait of the late opera singer Daisy C. Newman is on display at the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture. The image will be part of the upcoming “Black Butterfly” exhibit, which is set to open in February 2022.

 
“This artifact is a significant contribution to our collection,” said Bobby Dennis, executive director of the museum. “I knew Ms. Newman. She was a native of Natchez. Her talent and accolades went far beyond Mississippi. Her acclaim was international.”
 
In addition to having worked with Leonard Bernstein and Robert Shaw, among other greats, Newman sang on five continents. Dennis said her life story holds a special place in Natchez’s history.
 
Newman was born on Jan. 5, 1947, in Natchez. She was the daughter of David Newman Sr. and Hattie Bivens. The young singer graduated from Sadie V. Thompson High School in 1965 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Cleveland State University. She also studied at Oberlin Music Conservatory and Oglebay Opera Institute.
 
Newman performed as a soprano soloist. One of her most popular performances was as Cio-Cio San in Madame Butterfly. She also worked as a teacher of music.
Newman died on Feb. 10, 2021, at the age of 74.
 
“The story of Ms. Newman’s life not only gives us a glimpse of her, but a look at the character of the citizens of Natchez,” Dennis said. “Education, hard work, and perseverance help us defeat all odds and achieve those things that make a difference in our community and country.”
 
The museum’s acquirement of Newman’s portrait was made possible by her sister, Dorothy Hills, according to Dennis. “Mrs. Hills wanted us to have it,” he said, adding it was on display at Newman’s memorial service, which was held on Aug. 15, 2021, at the Natchez Convention Center.
 
On Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, the portrait arrived at the museum. It was presented by Philip West, former mayor of Natchez; Mary White, co-founder of Natchez Association for the Preservation of Afro-American Culture; and Jimmy Ware, president of Natchez Business and Civic League.
 
“The museum is very grateful to Mrs. Dorothy Hills for entrusting us to let the world see this story through the eyes of those who have known her sister, Daisy Newman,” Dennis said.
 
Visitors from the American Duchess happened to be present during the presentation. “They became very excited as they felt elated to be addressed by Mr. West, the first black mayor of Natchez since reconstruction,” Dennis said. “It truly was a visit with history.”
 
Newman has been described as “an exceptional woman who was dedicated to uplifting the lives of those she encountered,” according to her obituary published by Berkeleyside, April 2021.

#VisitNatchez #DaisyNewman #BlackButterfly

News of Natchez USCT Monument Website Featured in The Woodville Republican

#NatchezUSCT

The Woodville Republican (Dec. 23, 2021)

We were delighted to see this news on the front page of The Woodville Republican (Woodville, Miss.). It appeared in the Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, issue. If you haven’t already, please check out the site by visiting NatchezUSCTMonument.com

#NatchezUSCT #NatchezColoredTroops #VisitNatchez #CivilWar #BlackHistory

 

Concordia Sentinel: Wreaths Across America: Presentation a First for Civil War Servicemen

#NatchezUSCT

I was truly happy to see this story in Concordia Sentinel (Vidalia, La.). It was published on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021.

#NatchezUSCT #NatchezColoredTroops #VisitNatchez #CivilWar #BlackHistory

For more information on Wreaths Across America, visit https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org 

Information on Home With Heroes is available at https://homewithheroes.org

For information on the Natchez U.S. Colored Troops Monument Project, visit https://natchezusctmonument.com
 

Natchez U.S. Colored Troops Honored in Wreaths Across America Ceremony

 #NatchezUSCT

G. Mark LaFrancis, president of the Home with Heroes Foundation, and Robert Pernell, chairman of the Natchez U.S. Colored Troops Monument Committee, honored the Natchez U.S. Colored Troops on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, in observance of the 2021 Wreaths Across America Campaign. The official day for the event was Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021.

They were joined by several volunteers, including Sarah Sookraj and Roscoe Barnes III, both of Visit Natchez.

LaFrancis and the volunteers laid wreaths on the service member’s graves, which are located at the Natchez National Cemetery, 41 Cemetery Road, in Natchez, Miss. LaFrancis and Pernell gave special recognition to Civil War Navy Landsman Wilson Brown (1841-1900), a Medal of Honor recipient.

#VisitNatchez #NatchezUSCT #NatchezColoredTroops #WreathsAcrossAmerica

#HomeWithHeroes #CivilWar #BlackHistory

For more information on Wreaths Across America, visit https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. 

Information on Home With Heroes is available at https://homewithheroes.org

For information on the Natchez U.S. Colored Troops Monument Project, visit https://natchezusctmonument.com

The Natchez Democrat (print version): WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

Natchez U.S. Colored Troops honored in ceremony

#NatchezUSCT

Here’s the print version of the story about Natchez USCT and Wreaths Across America. It’s in today’s (Dec. 22, 2021) Natchez Democrat. I absolutely love it!

#NatchezUSCT #NatchezColoredTroops #VisitNatchez #CivilWar #BlackHistory

See the online version here: https://www.natchezdemocrat.com/2021/12/20/natchez-u-s-colored-troops-honored-in-wreaths-across-america-ceremony

Natchez U.S. Colored Troops Honored in Wreaths Across America Ceremony

Presentation was a first for the Civil War servicemen

By Roscoe Barnes III

#NatchezUSCT

Volunteers honor the Natchez U.S. Colored Troops and the U.S. Unknown Soldiers during the Wreaths Across America campaign. From left are G. Mark LaFrancis, Roscoe Barnes III, and Robert Pernell. LaFrancis is the president of Home With Heroes Foundation and the coordinator of the ceremony; Barnes is the cultural heritage tourism manager for Visit Natchez; Pernell is the chairman of the Natchez U.S. Colored Troops Monument Committee. The ceremony was held at the Natchez National Cemetery.

 

NATCHEZ, Miss. -- Natchez U.S. Colored Troops were among the 2.4 million servicemen across the United States that were honored recently by volunteers with Wreaths Across America. Volunteers laid wreaths on their graves and on the graves of the Unknown U.S. Soldiers.

The effort was coordinated locally by the Home With Heroes Foundation. According to G. Mark LaFrancis, the Foundation’s president, the recognition was a first for the African American men who served with six regiments at Fort McPherson in Natchez, during the Civil War.

“For the first time we decided to honor the Unknown U.S. Soldiers and U.S. Colored Troops,” LaFrancis said. “We figured it was very important that the public know that these folks also served our country honorably and bravely, and until now, no one specifically had designated wreaths for them. But we’ve done it. It’s our first time, and we will continue to do it.”

LaFrancis, and Robert Pernell, chairman of the Natchez U.S. Colored Troops Monument Committee, honored the Unknown U.S. soldiers and the Natchez U.S. Colored Troops on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, in observance of the 2021 Wreaths Across America national campaign. The official day for the event was Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021.

LaFrancis and Pernell, along with several volunteers, laid wreaths on the service member’s graves that are located at the Natchez National Cemetery, 41 Cemetery Road, in Natchez, Miss. They gave special recognition to Civil War Navy Landsman Wilson Brown (1841-1900), a Medal of Honor recipient.

Pernell said he was pleased to see the honor extended to the U.S. Colored Troops.

“This honor for these brave men is well-deserved and long overdue,” he said. “Now that we are remembering them by laying wreaths on their graves, we plan to continue doing this each year. These soldiers played a major role in the Civil War, and their contributions to our nation must not be forgotten.”

Pernell said he was happy the Natchez USCT Monument Committee participated in the day’s ceremony.

Wreaths Across America is a non-profit organization that honors the nation’s veterans who are laid to rest. Home With Heroes Foundation is a private, non-profit organization that is “dedicated to helping veterans and loved ones, according to LaFrancis.

For more information:
Wreaths Across America: https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org
Home With Heroes: https://homewithheroes.org
Natchez U.S. Colored Troops Monument Project: https://natchezusctmonument.com

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3r8qxT5KUJM
 

#NatchezColoredTroops #VisitNatchez #BlackHistory #CivilWar

Natchez USCT Monument Committee Launches Official Website

#NatchezUSCT

NATCHEZ, Miss. -- The Natchez U.S. Colored Troops Monument Committee now has an official website. It is NatchezUSCTMonument.com

The digital platform will be used to support the Committee’s work in creating a monument to honor the U.S. Colored Troops who served at Fort McPherson in Natchez, according to Committee Chairman Robert Pernell.

“This website is vital to our mission,” Pernell said.  “We have an important story to tell about the Natchez U.S. Colored Troops and our efforts to honor them with a monument. This website is our official platform for sharing news, building support, and keeping the public informed about the progress we’re making to honor these brave men.”

Pernell described the website as being clear and easy to follow. He said, “It is an important digital tool that will be used to tell an important story about Natchez’s history.”

In addition to making it possible to reach more people with their message, Pernell said the website “provides an easy way for people everywhere to make financial contributions toward the monument project.”

For more information, visit https://natchezusctmonument.com

Praise for Natchez U.S. Colored Troops Monument Project

Statement by Dr. Karen L. Cox, author of 'No Common Ground'

#NatchezUSCT

I was deeply moved by this powerful statement from Dr. Karen L. Cox, professor of history at UNC Charlotte.
 
“The USCT Monument in Natchez stands out as a beacon of historical reckoning and truth in a state where monuments to the Confederacy pay homage to the Lost Cause. In advancing this memorial to black soldiers who fought in the United States Army during the Civil War, many of whom had been enslaved, the citizens of Natchez are helping to correct the narrative that has so long plagued the South. In doing so, they honor brave men who fought not only for their personal freedom, but for the freedom of the four million enslaved men, women, and children who helped build our nation. It is a memorial that should be embraced by locals and tourists alike.”

-- Karen L. Cox, Ph.D.
Historian and author of No Common Ground: Confederate Monuments and the Ongoing Fight for Racial Justice
 
#NatchezUSCT #NatchezColoredTroops #VisitNatchez #CivilWar #BlackHistory
 
For information on Dr. Cox’s book, visit here:
https://www.amazon.com/No-Common-Ground-Confederate-Monuments/dp/1469662671
 

Praise for Natchez U.S. Colored Troops Monument Project

 #NatchezUSCT

I’m happy to report that the Natchez U.S. Colored Troops Monument Project has growing support, and our work is being recognized and supported by experts in the field. For example, we recently heard from Dr. Holly A. Pinheiro, Jr., assistant professor of African American History at Furman University. He graciously provided compelling comments about the monument project. Dr. Pinheiro is the author of “The Families' Civil War: Black Soldiers and The Fight for Racial Justice” (University of Georgia Press, 2022). He shared the following:
 
“A monument recognizing and honoring the sacrifices of USCT soldiers is critical to providing a more accurate and meaningful remembrance of the Civil War. Benjamin Harrison, while President-elect, even made the point that USCT regiments were important contributors to the war. For me, I have always wondered why there aren't more monuments to honor the USCT, which in turn, honors their communities and visibly proves their importance to American history, then and now. 
 
“Personally, I'm excited to learn about the work that your organization is doing to honor USCT regiments. I hope that others can follow your endeavors to recenter conversation on the Black military experience. I'm also thrilled to see that you are looking for the descendants of the soldiers as well because their histories are just as important.”
 
#NatchezUSCT #NatchezColoredTroops #VisitNatchez #CivilWar #BlackHistory
 
For information on Dr. Pinheiro’s book, visit here: https://ugapress.org/book/9780820361956/the-families-civil-war

Bobby Dennis Visits Alcorn State University to Talk about History of Natchez

Students ask “good questions” about slavery in Southwest Mississippi

By Roscoe Barnes III

#VisitNatchez

Teresa A. Busby and Bobby Dennis meet after Dennis’ talk on “The African American and Natchez: First 100 years” in special program held recently at Alcorn State University, Lorman Campus. Busby is the Center’s executive director. Dennis is the executive director of Natchez Museum of African American History & Culture.

LORMAN, Miss. -- A presentation by Bobby Dennis on the history of African Americans in Natchez was a hit with the students of Alcorn State University, according to Teresa A. Busby, executive director of Southwest MS Center for Culture & Learning.

 
“He did a great job,” she said. “The audience really enjoyed the presentation. There were good questions afterwards, which is always a good sign.”
 
Busby said she is inviting Dennis back for the spring semester to present “Part 2” of his research. Dennis is the executive director of Natchez Museum of African American History & Culture. He presented a talk on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, on “The African American and Natchez: First 100 Years.”
 
The program, which was hosted by the Southwest MS Center for Culture & Learning, took place in Medgar Evers Auditorium in the J.D. Boyd Library on Alcorn’s Lorman Campus.
 
“I enjoyed the experience,” said Dennis. “The students were interested and very engaging. Their questions reflected their interest in my topic.”
 
Dennis opened the program with a premier showing of his video, “The First 100 Years of Natchez,” which he produced with assistance from Roscoe Barnes III, cultural heritage tourism manager for Visit Natchez. Barnes provided the voice over for the video.
 
Dennis said the students wanted to know how African American slaves came to Natchez. They were especially interested in the Devil’s Punch Bowl, a topic he will address on his next visit, he said.
 
Dennis is a 1975 graduate of Alcorn. A native of Natchez, he previously worked as an optician, a position he held for 30 years
 
For information on Natchez Museum of African American History & Culture, visit https://www.visitnapac.com.

---------------------------------

Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., is the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Manager at Visit Natchez.