 |
| (Click on image to enlarge.) |
 |
| (Click on image to enlarge.) |
I was honored to be interviewed Friday, June 21, by The Clarksdale Press Register Publisher Floyd Ingram at the Writers for Life Summer Seminar in Clarksdale. The seminar is a program of Coahoma Community College.
The story about my work as a writer appeared on the front page of the Thursday, June 27, 2024, issue of the local newspaper. Thanks to Jen Waller for making this possible.
 |
| (Click on image to enlarge.) |
Dr. David Slay, chief of interpretation for the Natchez National Historical Park, is pictured at the Melrose slave quarters, which is the site of the temporary exhibit, “Through the Labor of Others: The McMurrans as Enslavers.” The exhibit highlights the history of the McMurran family – who built the Melrose estate -- and the people they held in bondage. It closes Sunday, June 30.
For more information, visit: https://roscoereporting.blogspot.com/2024/06/melrose-exhibit-highlights-history-of.html
 |
| (Click on image to enlarge.) |
 |
| (Click on image to enlarge.) |
For more information, visit: https://roscoereporting.blogspot.com/2024/06/melrose-exhibit-highlights-history-of.html
“The exhibit includes the currently known names of nearly 400 people enslaved by the McMurrans at Melrose and five plantations."
 |
John Retallack, park guide for the Natchez National
Historical Park, discusses a history panel on display in the temporary slave
quarters exhibit on the Melrose estate. The exhibit opened on June 10 and will
last through Sunday, June 30, at #1 Melrose-Montebello Parkway. (Click on image
to enlarge.) |
Note: A longer version of this story was published by ListenUpYall.com
NATCHEZ, Miss. – A Melrose slave quarters is the
site of a temporary exhibit that presents the history of the McMurran family –
who built the Melrose estate — and the people they held in bondage.
The exhibit, which is titled, “Through the Labor of
Others: The McMurrans as Enslavers,” opened on June 10. It will last through
Sunday, June 30, at #1 Melrose-Montebello Parkway.
It is free to the public and may be viewed each day
between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
“The exhibit includes the currently known names of nearly
400 people enslaved by the McMurrans at Melrose and five plantations,” said
Jeff Mansell, lead historian for the Natchez National Historical Park.
The exhibit aims to show, among other things, how words
matter when discussing the topic of enslavement, said Mansell. For this reason,
an entire panel entitled “The Language of Enslavement” addresses this topic.
Mansell believes it will “be particularly thought-provoking” for the visitors.
Dr. David Slay, chief of interpretation, credited Mansell
with creating the exhibit. He said the names of the enslaved people will
include men, women, and children, with the youngest being 12 months old.
The slave quarters where the exhibit is featured is a
small wooden structure with three rooms, where each served as a cell for three
different families. Each room had a front and back door.
On the wall of the middle room is a history panel that
presents the background of the McMurrans. According to the text, John McMurran
was a Pennsylvanian who came to Natchez in the 1820s to make money as a cotton
planter. “In pre-Civil War American, this meant becoming an enslaver on a large
scale,” the panel notes.
When he married Mary Louisa Turner in 1832, her father
gave them a slave labor farm called Hope Farm and 24 enslaved people to work
it. Mary’s father was Edward Turner who was a state legislator and state
justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court.
 |
| John Retallack, park guide for the Natchez National Historical Park, stands in front of the slave quarters at Melrose, which is the site of a temporary exhibit, "Through the Labor of Others: The McMurrans as Enslavers." (Click on image to enlarge.) |
Even though the McMurran’s started with 24 enslaved people, they would eventually have hundreds working various farms and plantations. It is believed that between 1832 and 1863, the McMurrans had enslaved more than 700 people.
An interesting part of the McMurrans’ history is what
they did to maintain control over the enslaved. What Mary Louisa’s father did
for them in providing slave labor, the McMurrans did the same for their
daughter and son-in-law when they married in 1856, Mansell said.
“They would continue to maintain power and control
through each generation by making enslavers of their children,” Mansell said.
The slave quarters exhibit is one of several programs the
park service initiated this year to commemorate Juneteenth.
 |
| (Click on image to enlarge.) |
 |
| (Click on image to enlarge.) |
 |
| (Click on image to enlarge.) |
 |
| (Click on image to enlarge.) |
I was thrilled to participate as a presenter for this program today (Friday, June 21, 2024) in Clarksdale, Miss. (Click on images to enlarge.)
I think this black-and-white image resembles a historical photo. It was published this week in the June 20, 2024, issue of The Woodville Republican (Woodville, Miss.).
 |
| (Click on image to enlarge.) |
 |
 |
NATCHEZ, Miss. – A Melrose slave quarters is the site of a temporary exhibit that presents the history of the McMurran family – who built the Melrose estate — and the people they held in bondage.
The exhibit, which is titled, “Through the Labor of
Others: The McMurrans as Enslavers,” opened on June 10. It will last through
Sunday, June 30, at #1 Melrose-Montebello Parkway.
It is free to the public and may be viewed each day
between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
“The exhibit includes the currently known names of nearly
400 people enslaved by the McMurrans at Melrose and five plantations,” said
Jeff Mansell, lead historian for the Natchez National Historical Park.
The exhibit aims to show, among other things, how words
matter when discussing the topic of enslavement, said Mansell. For this reason,
an entire panel entitled “The Language of Enslavement” addresses this topic.
Mansell believes it will “be particularly thought-provoking” for the visitors.
Dr. David Slay, chief of interpretation, credited Mansell
with creating the exhibit. He said the names of the enslaved people will
include men, women, and children, with the youngest being 12 months old.
The slave quarters where the exhibit is featured is a
small wooden structure with three rooms, where each served as a cell for three
different families. Each room had a front and back door.
On the wall of the middle room is a history panel that
presents the background of the McMurrans. According to the text, John McMurran
was a Pennsylvanian who came to Natchez in the 1820s to make money as a cotton
planter. “In pre-Civil War American, this meant becoming an enslaver on a large
scale,” the panel notes.
When he married Mary Louisa Turner in 1832, her father
gave them a slave labor farm called Hope Farm and 24 enslaved people to work
it. Mary’s father was Edward Turner who was a state legislator and state
justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court.
Even though the McMurran’s started with 24 enslaved people, they would eventually have hundreds working various farms and plantations. It is believed that between 1832 and 1863, the McMurrans had enslaved more than 700 people.
 |
John Retallack, park guide for the Natchez National
Historical Park, stands at the gate of the slave quarters at Melrose, which is
the site of a temporary exhibit, “Through the Labor of Others: The McMurrans as
Enslavers.” (Click on image to enlarge.) |
“They would continue to maintain power and control
through each generation by making enslavers of their children,” Mansell said.
The slave quarters exhibit is one of several programs the
park service initiated this year to commemorate Juneteenth. Another program,
which will be held Wednesday, consists of Melrose mansion tours, announced
Mansell.
He said in a press release that throughout the day on
June 19th, the staff of the Natchez National Historical Park will provide tours
of the Melrose mansion that focus on the African American experience.
“The tours will highlight what is known about the
enslaved men, women, and children who lived and labored at the estate as well
as the system of slavery in this region that made such extravagant homes
possible,” Mansell said.
The tours, which Slay called “African American
history-centric tours,” will be given during the day on Wednesday.
Melrose house tours take place seven days a week at 9
a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. The cost for adults is
$11.00. The tour is free for children 15 and under. Tour tickets can be
purchased at Melrose or online in advance at Recreation.gov.
Wednesday evening, beginning at 7:30 p.m., the Melrose
Juneteenth Luminary will be held on the front lawn of the Melrose estate.
It is free and open to the public.
For more information, visit www.nps.gov/natc
See more at this link: https://listenupyall.com/2024/06/18/enslaved-labor-is-topic-of-new-melrose-exhibit/
 |
 |
Natchez National Historical Park will present a luminary
on the front lawn of the estate that will honor the lives of those who were
enslaved at the property. About 700 lights will be displayed.
The event is free and open to the public.
“This grand illumination will be held in remembrance of the nearly 700 enslaved people who involuntarily labored at Melrose and on the associated cotton plantations of John and Mary Louisa McMurran,” said Lead Historian Jeff Mansell.
 |
Dr. David Slay, chief of interpretation for the Natchez
National Historical Park, displays one of the many lights that will be
displayed in honor of those where enslaved at the Melrose property. (Click on image to enlarge.) |
Dr. David Slay, chief of interpretation, highlighted the significance of the lights. “Each light represents a human soul: a three dimensional being with hopes, dreams, and dignity,” he said. “The luminary will provide a powerful visual representation of the human cost of Melrose.”
On the day of the luminary, the Melrose front gate will
close at 5:00 p.m. and reopen at 7:30 p.m. Visitors are asked to park in
the main parking lot and walk to the lower portion of the front lawn where an
area will be set aside specifically for solemn reflection.
The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and
flashlights. The observation will conclude at 9:30, and the gates will close at
10:00 p.m.
Slay said he is excited about the event, which will be
held for the first time. “It would be nice if other houses follow suit in
future years,” he said.
For more information, visit www.nps.gov/natc
Mayor Dan Gibson, center, is pictured with the
re-enactors for the 3rd U.S. Colored Cavalry on the Natchez Bluff. He honored
them on Thursday, June 13, with a Certificate of Recognition. Woodville Mayor
Drew Pierson and his wife, Frankie, are pictured at the far right. Richard
Wilder, president of Buffalo Soldiers Florida Inc., is holding the certificate;
Alderwoman Valencia Hall is standing on the left. (Click on image to enlarge.) |
Gibson was joined by Alderwoman Valencia Hall, Ward 1;
Woodville Mayor Drew Pierson and his wife, Frankie; local historian Darrell
White and other members of the local community.
The mayor honored the living history group for their work
in telling the stories of African American soldiers who fought for freedom in
the Union Army in Mississippi and other places. His visit on Thursday occurred
as the group was wrapping up their Civil War encampment on the Natchez Bluff
near Fort Rosalie.
Gibson thanked the re-enactors for their service, which aligns, he said, with his aim to tell the complete history of Natchez. Gibson also recognized White, whom he described as a “long time teller” of the stories of African American history in Natchez. White, one of several local re-enactors, portrayed Wilson Brown, a Union Navy sailor during the Civil War who received the Medal of Honor.
Mayor Dan Gibson honored the re-enactors for the 3rd U.S.
Colored Cavalry Thursday, June 13, at the Civil War encampment on the Natchez
Bluff. The mayor presented them with a Certificate of Recognition and a lapel
pin bearing the city’s seal. Pictured from left are Valencia Hall, Ward 1
Alderwoman; Richard Wilder, president of Buffalo Soldiers Florida Inc.; Darrel
White, local historian; and Mayor Dan Gibson. (Click on image to enlarge.) |
“In fact, this country would not be a country if it were
not for the sacrifices of those who were enslaved… This is a day were we no
longer sweep this under the rug, but we tell it because it is our history.”
The day’s event was organized by Ser Seshsh Ab Heter-C.
M. Boxley, coordinator of Friends of the Forks of the Roads Society. Richard
Wilder, president of Buffalo Soldiers Florida Inc., led the group in their
efforts to discuss the history of Black Mississippians in the Union Army.
In describing the group, Wilder said, “We are historical
re-enactors and lecturers. Part of our mission statement states that we are to
share the history of the USCT [United States Colored Troops] and the black
regulars who were known as Buffalo Soldiers, and in order to do this, we must
share and tell that history in truth and honesty, not leaving out anything.”
Wilder quoted Colonel Embury D. Osband (1832-1866),
regiment commander, who reportedly said that “the name of these black horsemen
struck fear in the hearts of the Confederacy.” Wilder said it is important for
today’s generation and future generations to be aware of this “rich heritage.”
Gibson’s presentation included an update on the Natchez
U.S. Colored Troops Monument project and the Hiram R. Revels Plaza. Together,
these combined projects are called “The Forks to Freedom Park,” a name inspired
by White, Gibson said.
According to White, the recognition given to African
American history in Natchez has been a long time coming. “Individuals have
dedicated energy and effort over the years to call attention to these untold
stories,” he said. “I’m just so pleased to have been involved in this process
and hoping that we can continue and carry on from this moment forward for the
greatness of this community and for this nation.”
By Mississippi Today
Scan the QR code to download the app that will give you a virtual experience of The Parchman Ordeal.
 |
| (Click on image to enlarge.) |
 |
| (Click on image to enlarge.) |
Take advantage of this unique glimpse into our history
By Ser Seshsh Ab Heter-C. M. Boxley
This week Natchez and Woodville will host the re-enactors for the Mississippi 3rd U.S. Colored Cavalry whose presentations, I'm sure, will educate audiences and leave a lasting impression on residents and visitors.
These re-enactors will present a living history program that is designed for people of all ages. Their mission is to meet with the public to answer questions and discuss the history of Black Mississippians in the Union army.
I can assure you these capable men will leave no stone unturned as they discuss the contribution of the Colored Cavalry in the Civil War. Everyone in the community is invited to attend these events, which are free to the public.
Our program in Natchez will be held on Thursday, June 13, on the Natchez Bluff, where the re-enactors will set up a Civil War encampment. The day will begin with the bugle call for reveille at 9 a.m., at which time the flag will be raised. The troops will be inspected and then they will fall out for breakfast.
The re-enactors will portray a number of historic figures from the 1800s while explaining the day-to-day activities of the soldiers during that era. The program will end with the sound of retreat at 4 p.m., which signals the end of the day.
On Friday, June 14, the Colored Cavalry will travel to Woodville for the first time. They will give a public presentation at 1 p.m. at the Woodville Public Library at 489 Main St.
I’m happy to say we were personally invited to Woodville by Mayor Drew Pierson and his wife, Frankie Pierson, along with the Wilkinson County Library System.
This invitation is an honor that means a lot to us. It was also a great surprise to all of us. Let me explain.
As Coordinator of Friends of the Forks of the Roads Society, I started our Annual Black and Blue Civil War Living History Programs in 2008. The purpose was to bring alive in a living history format the “how and what” the Mississippi River Valley enslaved ancestors and foreparents did during the American Civil War to gain their own freedom from chattel enslavement.
In our 2014 Black and Blue Civil War program, which was held annually at Historic Jefferson College, we presented in Living history the Union army’s Mississippi 3rd U. S. Colored Cavalry freedom fighting stories. We brought in the 3rd U. S. Colored Cavalry re-enactors from Florida to help show and tell the Mississippi “Black Horse Soldiers” story.
I organized educational presentations and performances that took the 3rd Colored Cavalry re-enactors to places where the official Civil War records showed the original cavalry had been. They were in Tallulah, La.; the home base in Vicksburg; and in Jackson. They were also in Port Gibson, Fayette and Natchez.
But we didn’t go on to Woodville, which was the expeditions’ destination in October of 1864 and May 1865 of the original Union army Black Horse Soldiers and accompanying Union regiments.
We brought the re-enactors back for our 2018 Black and Blue Program, but we still didn’t go on to Woodville.
To be honest, I didn’t organize the re-enactors to go on to Woodville to complete the story like the actual history says because of my own fearful thinking and imagination of racial antagonism if we showed and told the Black history Civil War truth there.
Hallelujah! In 2024, thanks to Woodville community leadership that I did not imagine, they have excitingly lobbied for the re-enactors to come to Woodville on their way back home to Florida!
This is the opportunity to walk and talk on actual sacred Civil War Battle of Woodville grounds, teaching and completing the southern end of Third U. S. Colored Cavalry’s two expeditions to Woodville via stop overs at Natchez from Vicksburg and Memphis.
Now, as I share this, I am proud to say that I have played a role in helping to create and promote these important living history programs. I have written scripts for the actors and where possible, I have personally participated as an actor in the programs.
In addition to Natchez, I initiated these Civil War programs at three other sites that include Vicksburg National Military Park from June 7-8; the Old Capitol Museum in Jackson on June 11; and Claiborne County Fair Grounds in Port Gibson on June 12. The program in Woodville was organized by Mayor Drew Pierson and his wife.
These programs are designed for the whole family. We invite everyone to come and experience this living history.
----------
SER SESHSH AB HETER-C.M. BOXLEY is coordinator of Friends of the Forks of the Roads Society
 |
| Photo taken at the 2022 African American Travel Conference in Topeka, Kansas |
I saw this photo shared on Twitter/X.
 |
| (Click on image to enlarge.) |
 |
| Re-enactors for the 3rd U.S. Colored Cavalry. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service (Click on image to enlarge.) |
NATCHEZ, Miss.-- Re-enactors for the Mississippi 3rd U.S. Colored Cavalry will visit Woodville on Friday, June 14, following their Civil War encampment program in Natchez. They will be in Woodville from noon to 2 p.m.
The cavalry visit will be led by Richard Wilder,
president of Buffalo Soldiers Florida Inc. He and his team were invited by
Mayor Drew Pierson, and his wife, Frankie Pierson, who are hosting their visit,
along with the Wilkinson County Library System.
The free public event kicks off the start of the
Summer Reading Program for the Wilkinson County Library System.
“Mississippi’s 3rd U.S. Colored Cavalry played an
important role in our state during the Civil War,” said Mayor Drew Pierson.
“They fought bravely for the freedom, peace, and safety of our great nation.
It’s important for all of us to know about these brave soldiers and their
contribution to our nation’s heritage.”
The mayor said he is happy to welcome Wilder and his team
of re-enactors to Woodville. “This is a great opportunity for our town – and
Wilkinson County – as we reflect on the celebrations of Juneteenth,” he
said.
During their visit, the re-enactors will meet with the
public to answer questions and discuss the history of Black Mississippians in
the Union army, Drew Pierson said.
“We’re praying that this is just the beginning of many more important history programs that will be held in Woodville,” said Frankie Pierson.
Wilder and his team will leave Natchez between 11 and
11:30 a.m. Friday, June 14, and head to Woodville. Their schedule includes a
private lunch at the Little Red Building at 155 Boston Row, Woodville, followed
by a public presentation starting at 1 p.m. at the Woodville Public Library at
489 Main St., where they will interact with the public.
“We’re really looking forward to this,” said Monique
Joseph, director of the library. “This is an informative program for all age
groups. It’s a family program, and all of the community is invited.”
“We will talk with all the people that will be present and share our history,” said Wilder. “We also look forward to hearing about the history of Woodville and its place in Civil War history.” Frankie Pierson said they will also visit a site near Bank Street where the Colored Cavalry engaged a Woodville property owner in October 1864.
The actual soldiers, also known as “Black Horse
Soldiers,” camped in Natchez on Oct. 3, 1864. They later traveled to Woodville
where they attacked the Confederates at Bowling Green Plantation and forced
them to retreat, according to historians.
Wilder said that he and his re-enactors look forward to
visiting Woodville.
“Getting to visit Woodville is going to be the highlight
of our tour of Mississippi,” he said. “It is not often that we visit a small
town with so much Civil War history. We are hoping that our visit will
enlighten and inspire the citizens of Woodville, to appreciate those that went
before them, and to be proud of their rich heritage.”
Woodville is one of five places the re-enactors are
visiting. In addition to Natchez, other sites include Vicksburg National
Military Park from June 7-8; the Old Capitol Museum in Jackson on June 11; and
Claiborne County Fair Grounds in Port Gibson on June 12.
Ser Seshsh Ab Heter-C. M. Boxley, coordinator of Friends
of the Forks of the Roads Society, said he initiated and organized these living
history programs at each of the sites except for Woodville.
“I didn’t organize
the re-enactors to go on to Woodville to complete the story like the actual
history says because of my own fearful thinking and imagination of racial
antagonism if we showed and told the Black history Civil War truth there,” said
Boxley, who started Natchez’s Annual Black and Blue Civil War Living History
Programs in 2008.
“Hallelujah!” he
said. “In 2024, thanks to Woodville community leadership that I did not
imagine, they have excitingly lobbied for the re-enactors to come to Woodville
on their way back home to Florida!”
Boxley said the upcoming visit “is the opportunity to
walk and talk on actual sacred Civil War Battle of Woodville grounds, teaching
and completing the southern end of the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry’s two
expeditions to Woodville via stopovers at Natchez from Vicksburg and
Memphis.”
For more information on the 3rd U.S. Colored Cavalry
visit to Woodville, call Frankie Pierson at 910-256-6216 or the Woodville Public
Library at 601-888-6712.
See more at: https://www.natchezdemocrat.com/2024/06/05/3rd-u-s-colored-cavalry-to-visit-woodville-after-stop-in-natchez/