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.
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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
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