Mayor Dan M. Gibson recognizes Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture at meeting of Natchez Board of Aldermen

By Roscoe Barnes III

Mayor Dan M. Gibson, right, recognizes Bobby Dennis for his work on African American history in Natchez. They are joined by Alderwoman Valencia Hall.  

NATCHEZ, Miss. -- I was happy to see the Award of Merit news highlighted on the screen for Facebook Live and YouTube Live at the meeting of the Natchez Board of Aldermen on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.

In his report, Mayor Dan M. Gibson noted the Mississippi Historical Society had honored the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture, and the City of Natchez as winners of the 2023 Award of Merit on Friday, March 3, at its 2023 annual meeting in Jackson. Gibson’s wife, Marla, attended the event on his behalf.

The award was given for the combined work of the museum and the city in posting 27 historical markers for African American sites throughout Natchez in February.

During the BOA meeting Tuesday, the mayor called up Bobby Dennis, the museum’s director, and recognized him for his contributions to the project, which generated press coverage by the local and regional news media, as well as TV news programs in Jackson and Monroe, La.

Gibson noted the event drew record attendance.

“It was a tremendous day to celebrate together … kicking off that sign campaign,” Gibson said. “I want to say kudos to all of the attendants who supported that. I will forever remember that day as one of the highlights of being mayor.”

The full presentation can be seen on the City of Natchez Facebook page or the City of Natchez page on YouTube. Below is the link to the YouTube page. Start at the 19:00 minute mark:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ul2M2vulBPc