MDAH announces grant for Natchez College

This story appears on page 2A in the January 25, 2023, issue of Concordia Sentinel (Ferriday, La.).

MDAH announces $750,000 grant for historic Natchez College

Funding will be used to restore T.J. Huddleston Memorial Chapel

 
NATCHEZ, Miss. -- A $750,000 grant has been awarded to the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi (GMBSC) for the restoration of the T.J. Huddleston Memorial Chapel on the historic Natchez College campus.
 
The funding is provided as a pass-through grant by Lilly Endowment Inc. It is part of a $2.5 million grant to the Foundation for Mississippi History to support Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) programs that promote public understanding of the role of religion in Mississippi history and culture, according to MDAH Director Katie Blount.
 
Blount shared the news at a Jan. 19 press conference on the Natchez College campus. About 60 people attended the morning event. 
 
Blount said the Lilly Endowment is also providing $36,000 for Jefferson College to preserve and interpret the school, an MDAH site-Mississippi's first institution of higher learning, birthplace of the Methodist Church in the state, and home of the 1817 Mississippi Statehood Convention.
 
In addition to Blount, speakers included the Rev. Reginald Buckley, president of GMBSC; the Rev. Isaac Jackson, former president of GMBSC; and Congressman Bennie Thompson, who represents Mississippi's 2nd congressional district.
 
Buckley highlighted the significance of Natchez College to Mississippi history. He described the school as a “special place where Anne Moody began her college career and led her first protest over what most college students protest over – a cafeteria meal.”
 
Moody, a civil rights pioneer, attended the school from 1959 to 1961 on a basketball scholarship. She wrote about her college life in her memoir, "Coming of Age in Mississippi."
 
Speaking further, Buckley said: “It is a place of community pride that for generations shaped the minds of its students and made a pathway to a secure future. A place that now with the help of the Lilly Endowments and partnership of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, will tell the amazing story of our convention and this college in the context of this community.”
 
Buckley said the restoration will occur in three phases:
 
* Phase One will focus on the chapel, which was named for Dr. T.J. Huddleston, a prominent entrepreneur who helped to “orchestrate a system of health insurance for African Americans and helped to build the first hospital owned and operated by African Americans.”
 
* Phase Two will include the restoration of the women’s dormitory, which will house the collection of convention and college archives and serve as a repository of the convention members’ church history.
 
* Phase Three will include the construction of a café, courtyard, and an outdoor amphitheater. It will become the Baptist Heritage and Art Center – “a unique project that celebrates the role that our faith has played in shaping this community and our state,” Buckley said.
 
Jackson commented on the need to see and remember the contributions of African Americans to Natchez.
 
“I don’t think we ought to forget about how we got over here,” he said. “You can walk around Natchez and see antebellum homes that former slaves have built, but I haven’t found anything that slaves have left. I have seen the auction blocks where they were sold. But in this place, we cannot cover up the stones that were left here by our ancestors, that helped make not only Natchez, but America as great as she is.”
 
Congressman Thompson said there is “the lack of keeping the history -- the complete history -- of what happened in this great state and country about everybody.”
 
He said history must be preserved. “If we don’t make every effort to preserve the history, over time it will be forgotten,” he said. He added: “There are a lot of people around the world who want to come and see the complete history of Natchez. When they come, they will spend a night. They will eat and they will invest in the community. And that’s what you want. In telling the story, it becomes an economic opportunity for the entire community.”
 
Natchez College was established by the Baptist convention as a private, historically black institution in 1884. The school, which later became Natchez Junior College, closed in 1989. Booker T. Washington visited the school in 1908.
 

Natchez Historical Society 2023 dinner draws record crowd, despite stormy weather

The Natchez Democrat
Published 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Natchez Historical Society draws its largest crowd ever to annual meeting. 

(Roscoe Barnes/The Natchez Democrat)

President Maria Bowser stands with award winner Stanley Nelson. 
(Roscoe Barnes/The Natchez Democrat)

Note: See this story on The Natchez Democrat website by visiting here.

By ROSCOE BARNES III 

Special to The Natchez Democrat 
 
NATCHEZ — The Natchez Historical Society saw a record attendance at its 2023 annual dinner held Tuesday night at the Natchez Grand Hotel. More than 100 people turned out, braving storms, strong winds and hard rain.
 
“What a crowd!” said NHS President Maria Bowser at the start of the event. “The response to tonight was overwhelming and we thank all you all for coming. You won’t be disappointed.” 
 
About 80 people attended the 2022 dinner. However, this year’s dinner saw a total of 129 reservations. Some people cancelled because of the weather, according to program organizers. The event lasted from 6 to 8:30, with many staying past 9 p.m. to have their books signed by the guest speaker, Danny Heitman. 
 
During the business part of the meeting, NHS Treasurer Charlie Hill shared the annual report. He said the society ended 2022 with $251,099 — and no debt. 
 
As the out-going president, Bowser passed the gavel to Karen Hill, who will serve as the new president. Bowser announced a slate of new officers that included Adam Gwin as the new vice president; Alan King as the new treasurer; and Roscoe Barnes III as the new publicity chairman. 
 
The society recognized Stanley Nelson, noted author and former newspaper editor, as the winner of the 2023 Historic Preservation Award. Bowser presented him with a plaque that bore the words: “Natchez Historical Society Proudly Presents THE PRESERVATION AWARD to Stanley Nelson For Significant Contributions to Historic Preservation, January 24, 2022.” 
 
While introducing Nelson, Bowser noted he has “for years made significant contributions to educating us about many pieces of the history of the Miss-Lou, from duels, to battles, to tales of intrigue and to the movement of our rivers and bayous.” Most importantly, she added, Nelson has been instrumental in “unraveling many of the truths of the civil rights movement.”
 
Bowser said Nelson, who was the longtime editor of the Concordia Sentinel in Ferriday, La., continues to fight for racial justice. 
 
In an emotional acceptance speech, Nelson offered gratitude for the award.  “Thank you so much for this award,” he said. “I am honored and proud to receive it. Like all of you here tonight, I love learning about our past – the bad parts and the good parts – and seeking out the stories that had been long ago forgotten and almost buried forever.” 
 
Nelson is the author of “Devils Walking: Klan Murders Along the Mississippi River in the 1960s” (2016, LSU Press) and “Klan of Devils: The Murder of a Black Louisiana Deputy Sheriff” (2021, LSU Press). He said that when he wrote his first story on the arson murder of Frank Morris 15 years ago, he had no idea of the journey he was about to begin. 
 
“I did not know that over the years I would write more than 200 stories on this region’s civil rights-era history and on the horrific acts of the Klan that resulted in murders, beatings, arsons, intimidation and multiple other forms of violence,” Nelson said.
 
Nelson expressed appreciation for the support of Concordia Sentinel and its owners who “stood behind this long-term quest for truth and for justice.”
 
Nelson ended his speech with a list of names that he said should never be forgotten: Clifton Walker, Woodville; Henry Hezekiah Dee and Charles Moore, Franklin County; Joseph Edwards, Concordia Parish; Frank Morris, Ferriday; Johnny Queen, Fayette; Earl Hodges, Franklin County’ George Metcalfe, Natchez; Ben Chester White, Adams County; Wharlest Jackson, Natchez.
 
Following the award presentation, the audience heard the guest lecture by Heitman, a nationally recognized writer on John James Audubon. Heitman is the author of “A Summer of Birds: John James Audubon at Oakley House” (LSU Press, 2008). 
 
Heitman spoke on the topic, “John James Audubon in Natchez: How a Fabled River Town Shaped His Life and Art.” Using humor, colorful anecdotes, and thought-provoking stories, Heitman described in detail how Natchez played a significant role in Audubon’s work. 
 
Audubon is highly regarded for his artistic work on the birds of North America. Heitman noted that the artist was so committed to his work, that he sacrificed time away from his family. When Audubon sought to do a comprehensive study of birds, he eagerly sailed down the Mississippi River, which in Audubon’s time was “the great American superhighway,” Heitman said. 
 
He explained that going down the Mississippi River was an effective way to cover a lot of ground and see the birds. While discussing Audubon’s art, Heitman said he was “so special,” in part, because his work is so pervasive. Another reason is because of the action shown in his work. For him, nature was not a just a noun, but a verb, he said. 
 
Heitman described Audubon as the father of nature documentaries. He also noted Audubon’s work was supported by the slave economy. Heitman said it is sobering to see how Audubon constructed an artistic idea of freedom and yet he owned slaves.
 
Like many in his day, he apparently thought of slavery as the natural order of things, Heitman said.
 
Speaking after the program, Karen Hill commented on her new role as president and the record attendance. 
 
“It is an honor to serve as the next NHS president,” she said. “We look forward to bringing more interesting and exciting programs to Natchez this coming year. I would like to thank Danny Heitman for an incredible program on John James Audubon and all those who attended in spite of the weather. We were so happy to honor Stanley Nelson for his contributions.” 
 
Alan Wolf, an NHS director, shared those sentiments: “Danny Heitman’s revelations of Audubon and his sojourns in Natchez were eye-opening. And, in accepting the Society’s recognition, Stanley Nelson helped us remember many of those who risked or lost their lives here for civil rights. It was heartening to see so many of the community warmly sharing this special evening together.”
 
2023 goals of the Natchez Historical Society 
 
As the Society faces 2023, it will pursue a number of important goals, according to Charlie Hill. He said the Society will: 
• Collect historical material about Natchez and Adams County, Mississippi. 
• Cooperate with officials in ensuring the preservation and accessibility of local records. 
• Disseminate historical information through publications and other means. 
• Preserve historic buildings, monuments, and markers. 
• Conduct meetings with lectures, papers, and discussions. 
• Participate in relevant field trips and tours.
 

U.S. Congressman Bennie Thompson makes official visit to Natchez, Miss.

He speaks at press conference held by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History

#VisitNatchez

Dr. Roscoe Barnes III, left, and U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson

U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, who represents Mississippi's 2nd congressional district, was one of several speakers at Thursday’s press conference (Jan. 19, 2023) at Natchez College. He said it was his first official visit to Natchez.

Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) called the press conference to announce expansion of preservation work in Adams County. Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded a $2.5 million grant to the Foundation for Mississippi History to support MDAH programs that promote public understanding of the role of religion in Mississippi history and culture. The Lilly Endowment has provided $750,000 for a pass-through grant to the General Missionary Baptist Convention for the restoration of T.J. Huddleston Chapel building at Natchez College.

 #BennieThompson #MississippiHistory #NatchezCollege

AframNews.com: Natchez, NAPAC museum selected for 2023 Award of Merit

Honor awarded by Mississippi Historical Society

#VisitNatchez

Bobby Dennis, executive director of the Natchez Museum of African History and Culture, left, and Mayor Dan M. Gibson, display banner with the list of sites recognized in the African American Historic Markers Project. The list has been updated since the time this banner was created.

Note: To view this story on the African-American News & Issues website, visit here.

NATCHEZ, Miss. – The City of Natchez and the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture are being recognized for their contribution of 27 historical markers for African American sites in Natchez.

The Awards Committee of the Mississippi Historical Society recently announced the city and the museum were selected for the prestigious 2023 Award of Merit for recognizing the African American sites. The award is “presented annually to individuals or organizations for their outstanding archival, museum, or media interpretation work,” according to MHS.

Mayor Dan M. Gibson voiced his gratitude for the honor. “We are so grateful for this recognition,” he said. “Properly designating these 27 historic sites that are so important to the history of Natchez is long overdue. What a blessing it is to be a part of the progress taking place in our community.”

Gibson said that he and the city of Natchez are “so very grateful” to Museum Executive Director Bobby Dennis, Visit Natchez, and the Historic Natchez Foundation. He said their leadership and support were vital to making the project a reality.

Brother Rogers, director of Programs and Communication Division for the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, noted the recognition had the full support of MHS, which included Marcus Ward, chairman of the Awards Committee, and Daphne Chamberlain, the Society’s president.

“The Society applauds this outstanding project to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the history of Natchez,” he said in an email to the mayor. “Thank you for your work in Natchez, our state’s most historic city, to promote an inclusive, accurate history of our state. We look forward to recognizing your work at the annual meeting of the Mississippi Historical Society.”

Recipients of the Awards of Merit will be formally announced at the annual meeting of the Mississippi Historical Society that will take place on March 2-3, 2023, at the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson. The awards will be presented at the Awards Luncheon on Friday, March 3, at 12:30 p.m.

Gibson and Dennis have been asked to attend the luncheon. Dennis said he was happy to learn about the award. At the same time, he noted, he was also excited about the historical markers.

“It gives me great pleasure to present the markers for these 27 African American sites,” Dennis said. “The sites capture the contributions, as well as the sacrifices of our fore-parents in the struggle and the success of the African American in the development and growth of the city of Natchez.”

Dennis said he is also proud of the role the museum has played in telling the complete history of Natchez. The museum is commonly called “NAPAC museum.” NAPAC stands for Natchez Association for the Preservation of African American Culture, the agency that operates the African American museum.

The markers for the 27 sites will be unveiled in a ceremony called, “Celebration of Historical African American Sites.” The event is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, at the Museum at 301 Main Street. It is free and open to the public.

The contribution of the markers is part of the African American Historic Markers Project. The unveiling ceremony will serve as a kickoff for Black History Month 2023, according to the program organizers.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade set for Monday, Jan. 16

Terrence Bailey, Amos James Jr. named co-grand marshals

/ ListenUpYall.com 

Roscoe Barnes III 
Jan 10, 2023 | 4:52 PM

#VisitNatchez
#MLKDay

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
#MLKDayParade

NATCHEZ, Miss. – The 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Parade will feature new participants and attractions that include dance troops, motorcycle riders, co-grand marshals, and three high school bands, among other groups.

The event will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16, in the downtown area.

“It’s going to be a wonderful parade, beyond what we’ve had in the past,” said parade committee member Phillip West. “I look forward to enjoying this event.”

This year’s theme is, “Natchez – Legacy of the Dream,” noted parade Chairperson Jacqueline Marsaw. She said Terrence Bailey and Amos James Jr. will serve as co-grand marshals.

In addition to the Natchez High School band, the parade will feature bands from Ferriday High School and Wilkinson County High School, according to West.

Other participants will include Emerald Elites Dance Team, Diamond Aces Dance Team, Destini Devine Dance Team, Natchez-Adams ROTC, and four girl scout groups. West said fraternities, sororities, and other organizations will also participate, as will the Natchez Police Department, Adams County Sheriff’s Office, and Natchez Fire Department.

Last year, because of Covid-19 concerns, several groups pulled out of the parade, said Marsaw. “Bands and dance troops did not participate last year,” she said. “But I’m excited about the participants this year. A lot of people are becoming interested. We have great participation this year.”

The lineup for the parade will begin at 2 p.m. on Broadway Street. The parade route will start at North Broadway and Franklin streets. From there, it will travel along Franklin to N. Dr. M.L. King St., where it will turn left and proceed up to Minor Street, where it will end.

The parade will be followed by trophy presentations at the corner of Dr. M.L. King and High streets for the best float, the baddest vehicle, bands, and dance groups.

The parade is sponsored by The Natchez Branch of the NAACP. 

For more information on the parade, call Chairperson Jacqueline Marsaw at 601-443-1350 or Philip West at 601-807-0754.

Magnolia State Live: Mississippi community to honor ‘the whole story’ by unveiling 27 historical markers to African American landmarks

 #VisitNatchez

Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture

Note: This story can be viewed on the Magnolia State Live website by visiting here.

Natchez, Miss. -- Twenty-seven African American sites in Natchez will soon be recognized with their own historical markers. The markers will be unveiled in a ceremony called, “Celebration of Historical African American Sites,” that is set for 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, at the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture at 301 Main Street. It is free and open to the public.

The event is spearheaded by Mayor Dan Gibson and the museum’s executive director, Bobby Dennis, both of whom view the ceremony as a kickoff for Black History Month 2023. They also see it as an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to Natchez’s history.

The markers, said Dennis, will allow visitors to have a self-guided tour of local African American history.

Gibson said the markers will play a vital role in telling the complete history of the city. “Following through with the commitment I made when I began my term as Mayor of Natchez, ‘to tell the whole story’, it brings me great joy to finally be able to recognize with signage these important historic sites,” Gibson said. He noted the sites and stories are “so significant to both the African American history of our city and our overall history!”

Gibson added: “I am very grateful to our partners who have helped make this happen… NAPAC, Visit Natchez and the Historic Natchez Foundation. I can’t wait for the unveiling.”

NAPAC stands for Natchez Association for the Preservation of African American Culture, the agency that operates the African American museum.

Dennis said it is an honor to recognize the selected properties and an opportunity to learn of their history.

“This recognition allows us to celebrate and show our contributions to the development of the city of Natchez,” he said. “The people involved with each one of these properties have made an impact on the city. Our stories as African Americans can now be told through these structures that have been left for us to view and to reflect on their history.”

In addition to Gibson, who will serve as guest speaker, several guests will participate in the ceremony. They include a founder of NAPAC, who will do the welcome; the Rev. Clifton Marvel, who will provide the opening prayer; and the Rev. Leroy White, who will give the introduction. Dennis will give the closing remarks.

 27 African American Sites

* The Dr. John Banks House
* Brumfield School
* Forks of The Roads
* Proud to Take a Stand Monument
* Zion Chapel A.M.E. Church
* The William Johnson House
* The Rhythm Night Club Memorial Museum
* The Angelety House
* Richard Wright’s Grandmother’s House
* Robert Smith House
* Black Business District
* Henry J. and Ida Page Dumas House
* Holy Family Catholic Church
* Watkins Street Cemetery
* The Sidney and Sarah Russell House
* The Claiborne Barland House
* Mazique-West House
* Concord Quarters
* Leon Donnan’s Barber Shop
* Mackel’s Funeral Home
* Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church
* The Bud Scott House
* Professor Samuel Owens Home
* St. John’s United Methodist Church
* The Louis Winston Home
* Natchez College
* Beulah Missionary Baptist Church

 For more information on the 27 sites, please visit the museum’s website at visitnapac.net.