Mississippi Moments Podcast

Mississippi Moments, a weekly radio program airing on Mississippi Public Broadcasting, is a partnership between the University of Southern Mississippi Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage, the Mississippi Humanities Council, and MPB.

The Podcasts

February is Black History Month and today we are looking back at Episode number 471, featuring an interview of Hattiesburg native and Civil Rights activist, Doug Smith. Smith was present for several key events in the Movement including the March on Washington in August of 1963, and Hattiesburg Freedom Day in January of 1964 which kicked off Freedom Summer that year.  Doug Smith was also active in a series of voter registration drives which led to greater participation in voting by black citizens from across the state. His activities also led to his being arrested some 32 times by his count.

Joining me for the interview today is Dr. Kevin Greene.

Kevin is an associate professor of history in the School of Humanities at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he is the Director of the Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage, and a fellow in the Dale Center for the Study of War and Society. He teaches courses in Oral History, American history, African American history, Urban history, World history, Research Methodology, and Cultural History. He is the author of The Invention and Reinvention of Big Bill Broonzy, a cultural and intellectual examination of William “Big Bill” Broonzy with the University of North Carolina Press for their catalog in African American Studies. 

We will be discussing the March on Washington, the 1964 Hattiesburg Freedom Day, and how local law enforcement was used to suppress desegregation efforts.

Direct download: MSMO_Redux_-_Freedom_Day_1964_w_Dr_Kevin_Greene.mp3
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We’re taking a break from production this summer, but don’t worry, the Mississippi Moments podcast will return this fall with new and classic episodes, along with exciting announcements about upcoming shows!

Since 2009, our little podcast has developed a loyal following and we’re looking to build on that success by expanding the Miss Mo brand. Soon, we will be offering additional podcast programming, as well as student projects and oral history-based documentaries.

We at the Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage want to thank our production partners at the Mississippi Humanities Council, Mississippi Public Broadcasting, and the University of Southern Mississippi for fourteen years of support and encouragement and of course, we want to offer a special thanks to you, our listeners! (The MSMO broadcast began in 2005)

So, keep us in the mix and we’ll keep you in the loop about all the exciting new programming headed your way.

Thanks!

Ross Walton, Writer, Producer

Bill Ellison, Host

 

PHOTO: Bill Ellison

Direct download: MSM_744_Miss_Mo_Takes_a_Break_for_Summer.mp3
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Claudette Romious grew up the Delta town of Alligator, Mississippi. In this episode, she discusses her father’s various business ventures including a garage, gas station, café, grocery store and juke joint. She also shares her memories of growing up as the daughter of a hardworking African-American entrepreneur.

The Rabbit Foot Minstrels tent show travelled the South entertaining both white and black audiences. Claudette Romious recalls sneaking into the adult-oriented burlesque show as a child.

As a teenager, Romious and her sisters worked in their father’s juke joint on the weekends. She describes learning how to handle drunk customers and not be afraid of confrontations.

When Romious’s father passed away in 1979, people called and came from all over the country to express their condolences. She remembers the diverse array of mourners and their stories of how her father had helped each of them to achieve their dreams.

Direct download: MSM_723.mp3
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Rosie Washington was sixteen years old when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. came to Grenada in 1966. In this episode, she recalls how meeting the civil rights icon inspired her to explore activism and school integration. Washington and her siblings were among the first students to integrate the public schools in Grenada. She remembers the severe backlash they encountered from the white community.

During the Civil Rights Movement, Washington’s family hosted several visiting activists. She explains how that experience encouraged her to participate in protests across her hometown.

While picketing in downtown Grenada, Washington and the rest of her group were rounded up and incarcerated. She describes the trauma of being forced onto a flatbed truck and driven to Parchman without representation or due process.  

This episode was written by Abigail Wiest, a senior at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Hattiesburg.

Mississippi Moments is produced by Ross Walton, with narration by Bill Ellison.

PHOTO: theatlantic.com

Direct download: MSM_647.mp3
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Lucy Allen moved from North Carolina to Mississippi and spent the next seven years teaching school. In this episode, she explains how her interest in photography led to a career with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. 

In 1961, the first State Historical Museum for Mississippi opened in the Old Capitol building. Allen discusses conditions that highlighted the need for a new museum and archives and how MDAH began planning for a new state museum in 1998. She recalls how Hurricane Katrina devastated the old museum in 2005 and altered all their plans.

PODCAST EXTRA: As MDAH developed plans for a new state history museum, the State Legislature’s Black Caucus continued their years-long push for a separate civil rights museum to be located on the campus of Tougaloo College. Allen recounts how Governor Haley Barbour, former Governor William Winter, and Judge Reuben Anderson worked with others to combine the two museums together into one state-funded project.

Don’t miss next week’s episode as Allen discusses the challenges they faced in making the Two Mississippi Museums a reality!

PHOTO: Two Mississippi Museums architectural drawing

Direct download: MSM_628.mp3
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MPB is currently conducting their Spring funding drive during which time there will be no Mississippi Moments aired. New episodes of Ray Ward discussing his years with the McComb railroad maintenance shop will begin airing the week of April 20th and the podcast will drop that morning. Thank you!

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This month marks the ten year anniversary for Mississippi Moments and it coincides with new schedule and format changes.  Since its debute, MSMO has been 4 1/2 minutes in length and aired on MPB Think Radio each Tuesday and Thursday at 12:30 pm. Because of changes to the amount of local break time set aside by NPR at the bottom of the noon hour, MPB asked us to change to a 90 second format Monday through Friday, so shorter program aired more often.

Our solution to this new challenge had been to produce three related episodes per week, each containing one audio clip, instead of one episode containing three clips. The three episodes are played in rotation Mon-Fri and are also combined to make one podcast episode that is virtually identical to the old format.

To streamline the process, we at the Center for Oral History have taken over the final production of the episodes from MPB. The advantage being that we can now add bonus clips to the podcast.  In the past, the 4 1/2 minute format meant that some of the best material wound up "on the cutting room floor" as they say.  Listeners are now instructed by Bill Ellison at the end of each broadcast episode to visit MississippiMoments.org "to hear more."  It also allows us to post the podcast episode the same week that the broadcast episodes air - so no more having to wait for weeks to listen to the podcast of an episode that caught your attention!

We are excited about the new changes and we hope that you, our loyal listeners are excited as well.  We can promise you that the best is yet to come because we have barely scratched the surface of this amazing collection! Thank you.

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After leaving the Army, Charles Dubra became a longshoreman in Gulfport.  He recalls how an injury on the job led him to go into business for himself. He also explains how he made the transition from entrepreneur to teacher.

 

 

Direct download: MSM_388.mp3
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Mississippi Moments is on iTunes --iPad and iPhone Owners Rejoice !!

Did you know that all of your favorite MSMO episodes are available for download for free through iTunes? If you have an iPhone or iPad, it's easy peasy to take us with you.  Just open your music player, select 'more', then 'podcasts' and search for Mississippi Moments. And while you're there, please take a moment and write a review! Thanks and happy listening!

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Jerome Myles of Natchez began working in radio at a young age.  He recalls how a job shadowing program in high school led to a 30+ year career in broadcasting. He discusses the importance of “being yourself” on the air.

Direct download: MSMO293.mp3
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For over 27 years, Leo Welch has hosted a Gospel music TV show on WO7BN in Bruce, MS. He discusses his early career as a Blues musician and the switch to Gospel.

Direct download: MSMO292.mp3
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In 1894, a group of African American men from the Bay St Louis area formed the One Hundred Members Benevolent Debating Association. In 1922, the Association constructed a meeting hall as place to conduct fundraising events.  Known as the Hundred Men Hall, it became a regular stop for many of the greatest musical acts of the day.

Direct download: msmo287.mp3
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Walter Biggins and Anna Kline are newly weds from Jackson brought together by a love of Mississippi foods and culture. They detail how an article Kline was writing on ways to prepare watermelon became an annual party. The couple also belong to a "Soup Club", a group of friends that meet regularly to share good food and conversation.

Direct download: MSMO286.mp3
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Elsie McWilliams of Meridian loved to write plays for her church's you group, but had never tried to write a song. That changed after she received a phone call from her famous brother-in-law, country singer, Jimmie Rodgers

Direct download: MSMO283.mp3
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After not playing guitar for many years, John Arnold was inspired to by the re-release of Jimmie Rodgers' catalog in the mid-sixties. He began performing Rodgers' music across the state for fairs and other events.

Direct download: MSMO281.mp3
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For Greek Americans, traditional foods provide an important link to culture and family. Kris Gianakos recalls a recent family reunion and the role that food played at the gathering. He also details how Greek foods are combined with traditional American foods during the holidays.

Direct download: MSMO280.mp3
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As the son of an army officer, Julian Brunt of Biloxi, was exposed to different cultures and foods at a young age. He recalls a dinner party his mother gave for some German friends while in Europe.He also remembers his first Barq’s root beer and soft shell crab poor boy. When writing about food for the Sun Herald or other publications, Brunt likes to include stories that tie a particular dish to its parent culture.

Direct download: MSMO279.mp3
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Born in 1900, LeGrand “Doc” Capers witnessed many changes to his home town of Vicksburg. These included changes in technology, commerce and transportation. Capers recalls the first phonograph and the fire station next door.

Capers also describes a visit to the Vicksburg Cotton Exchange.

Direct download: MSM_272.mp3
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Sarah Carter of Greenville, was 10 years old during the great flood of 1927. She remembers watching the waters rise as people searched for a place to keep their livestock.

Carter recalls the decision to remain at home during the flood as boats became the only means of transportation.

Direct download: MSM_271.mp3
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During WWII, Japanese-Americans were forced to live in “relocation” camps by the government.  Despite this harsh treatment, many of them served with distinction in the armed forces. Herbert Sasaki recalls coming to Camp Shelby to join an all Japanese-American combat unit. Sasaki explains the purpose of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and reflects on the heavy cost the 442nd paid in becoming on of the Army’s most decorated combat units.

Direct download: MSM_273.mp3
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In 1976, Dorothy Moore of Jackson hit #1 on the R&B charts with the song Misty Blue, two years after it was recorded. She discusses her upbringing and how it affected her career.

Direct download: MSM_265.mp3
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In this final look at Jerry Clower's 1973 interview with the Center for Oral History, Clower discusses the difference his step father made in his life. He also talks about having fun without a lot of money.

Direct download: MSM_263.mp3
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Before the advent of refrigeration, farmers relied on a variety of innovative methods for preserving meat.  Boe McClure of Marshall County describes how they used to smoke hams in their smoke house. McClure also recalls how his mother preserved sausage using fertilizer bags and home canning.

 

Direct download: MSM_256.mp3
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Rev. John M. Perkins became involved in the civil rights movement after returning to Mississippi in 1960. He recalls being arrested in Mendenhall in 1969. After the arrest of Perkins and his young parishioners, people from around the county converged on the jail. Perkins marks this incident as the beginning of the civil rights movement in Simpson County.

Direct download: MSM_257.mp3
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The Civil Rights movement forced many Mississippians to rethink some long held attitudes. Humorist Jerry Clower speaks candidly about how his experiences and faith altered his views on race. 

Direct download: MSM_262.mp3
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You can now enjoy Mississippi Moments on the go with our new Android App. It is available for download through Google's Android App Store for the low one-time price of $1.99. With over 260 episodes and counting, you can enjoy hours of entertaining and educational audio clips from The Center for Oral History's enormous collection. We will be including additional content exclusively for the MS Moments App, so don't miss out. Download it today!

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For many years, farmers and share croppers relied on credit supplied by furnish merchants.  Humorist Jerry Clower of Liberty, Mississippi explains how this early lending system functioned and the history of the expression "making groceries."

Direct download: MSM_261.mp3
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In the early 20th Century, Mississippi’s fledgling cattle industry was plagued with tick fever. By 1929, it was obvious that something must be done to fight the state’s tick infestation. McComb newspaper publisher John O. Emmerich recalls how this new program was met with violent opposition.

Direct download: MSM_260.mp3
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Long time newspaper publisher G.O. Parker of Magee reflects on his early career and on the colorful history of politics in Simpson County.

Direct download: MSM_259.mp3
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Hundreds of volunteers travelled to Mississippi in 1964 to teach basic literacy to African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. One of those volunteers, Sandra Adickes, shares her initial impressions of Hattiesburg.

Adickes also recalls a trip to the Hattiesburg Public library with six African American students in the first attempt to integrate the city’s library.

 

 

Direct download: MSM_250.mp3
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Dorothy Nunnery of Brandon worked as a nurse at the VA Hospital in Jackson for 32 years. She recalls her time at the Jackson Infirmary Nursing School during WWII. She also recounts her first encounter with bed bugs.

Direct download: MSM_249.mp3
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Built in 1918 between Mendenhall and Magee, the Mississippi State Tuberculosis Sanatorium provided care and isolation for those afflicted with this terrible disease.  Dorothy Nunnery of Brandon recalls living on the grounds of the Sanatorium during the 1930s. Nunnery also explains the purpose of the Preventorium and remembers a family who came to stay.

 

 

Direct download: MSM_248.mp3
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Former Mississippi Supreme Court, Armis E. Hawkins, served as a district attorney in Chickasaw County in the early 1950s. He looks back on his early career.

Direct download: MSM_232.mp3
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Mississippi Supreme Court Justice, Armis E. Hawkins, joined the service in June 1942 with ambitions of becoming an officer.  The Marine Corps had other plans. Hawkins recalls his service during WWII.

Direct download: MSM_231.mp3
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The first African American Mississippi Supreme Court Justice, Reuben Anderson, remembers the racial climate of 1960s Mississippi. At Tougaloo College, he was inspired by the activism around him. He looks back on his career and his beginnings as a civil rights lawyer.

Direct download: MSM_230.mp3
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Senator Thad Cochran nominated Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Michael Mills for a Federal Judgeship in 2001. Mills recounts a getting phone call from the Oval Office. Justice Mills’ confirmation hearing before the Senate was just two days after 9/11. Mills remembers the patriotism and resolve of Americans to overcome the tragedy in the immediate aftermath.

Direct download: MSM_229.mp3
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One of Justice Michael P. Mills’ fondest memories from his tenure on the Mississippi Supreme Court was his friend and colleague Justice Michael Sullivan. He shares some of his favorite memories of his friend.

Direct download: MSM_228.mp3
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Retired Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Robert Sugg has fond memories of his days on the bench.  He remembers of some of his fellow judges. Sugg also recounts a fishing trip with fellow justice Francis Bowling.

Direct download: MSM_227.mp3
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This September marked the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. George Schloegel of Hancock Bank and now Mayor of Gulfport, discusses being prepared for the next disaster. He reflects on the real lessons of Katrina.

Direct download: MSM_242.mp3
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Greg Osaneha is a Nigerian who immigrated to the United States. He talks about what led him to leave his home. 

Osaneha explains what he feels are the strengths of the United States.

Direct download: MSM_241.mp3
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During WWII, the war with Japan was fought over tiny islands most people had never heard of.  Truman Ellis of Jackson recalls joining the Navy and his time in the Pacific.

Direct download: MSM_240.mp3
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In World War II, Alton Patterson’s unit was days from invading Japan when the country surrendered. He remembers the Japanese prisoners of war and his complex feelings toward the atomic bomb.

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For Ellen McCarley of Port Gibson, some of her most cherished childhood memories are of Christmas.  She recalls how her mother made the season special.

 

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During the early 20th Century, Biloxi was home to more than a dozen seafood processing plants.  Retired fisherman Tommy Schultz, Jr. recalls how each plant had its own unique work whistle.

Direct download: MSM_237.mp3
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Gordon Nanney reflects on the 50 + years he spent helping to bring electric power to the people of Mississippi.

Direct download: MSM_236.mp3
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