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Mississippi State University Unveils Hidden Civil Rights Stories

Volunteers working together on a digitization project for civil rights archives.

News Summary

Mississippi State University (MSU) has been awarded a $123,403 grant from CLIR for a project aimed at digitizing untold civil rights stories of Black Mississippians. This initiative, titled ‘Freedom Means: Digitizing the Hidden Stories of Black Mississippians’ Fight for Civil Rights’, will make essential archival materials widely accessible online, enhancing educational resources and promoting a deeper understanding of Mississippi’s civil rights history for students and researchers.

Exciting News from Starkville: Mississippi State University to Unveil Hidden Civil Rights Stories!

Starkville is buzzing with excitement as Mississippi State University (MSU) has just received a whopping $123,403 grant from the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR). This generous funding is aimed at an inspiring project titled “Freedom Means: Digitizing the Hidden Stories of Black Mississippians’ Fight for Civil Rights.” It’s a fantastic initiative that seeks to bring to light untold stories that have been overshadowed in the tapestry of our history.

A Mission to Amplify Unheard Voices

The grant comes from CLIR’s program “Digitizing Hidden Collections: Amplifying Unheard Voices.” With this financial support, University Archivist Jessica Perkins Smith and Curator of Material Culture Carrie P. Mastley are set to lead the digitization efforts. Their mission? To focus on essential materials that showcase the hard work and dedication of community organizers in Northeast Mississippi, Black students from MSU, and Black extension and home demonstration agents who played pivotal roles in the civil rights movement.

Easy Access to Digital Treasures

One of the most remarkable aspects of this project is that all digitized materials will be made freely accessible online. You’ll soon find these treasures on the MSU Libraries’ website and the Mississippi Digital Library. This initiative stands out because it promises to broaden access to invaluable resources related to the Civil Rights Movement that haven’t always been easy to find. With this, students, researchers, and the public at large can delve deep into Mississippi’s civil rights legacy.

Educating the Next Generation

A recent sentiment shared among educators highlighted that many students are not fully aware of Mississippi’s rich civil rights history. This project aims to tackle that gap by enhancing students’ understanding of their community’s historical significance. It is particularly motivating as it seeks to spotlight the daily lives, struggles, and achievements of Black Mississippians who are often overlooked in major historical records.

Notable Collections to Explore

Among the collections to be digitized is a notable archive connected to Sadye Wier, a Black home demonstration agent known for her advocacy work for Black families in North Mississippi. This collection will provide a glimpse into her impactful contributions. Another significant collection is the Afro-American Plus Archive, which chronicles the formation of Mississippi State’s first Black student organization back in 1968. These collections will serve as a crucial part of the larger narrative surrounding the civil rights movement in Mississippi.

Diverse Materials on the Menu

So, what kinds of materials can we expect to see once this project is underway? The digitization process will include a rich variety of items such as broadsides, voter registration education documents, photographs, and organizational records that span from the 1920s all the way to the 2000s. It’s like a treasure chest of history waiting to be explored!

Bringing History to the Classroom

Additionally, the project plans to create educational resources, including K-12 lesson plans that align with Mississippi Education Standards, specially targeting 4th and 9th-grade students. It’s all about making history come alive and ensuring that young learners get a clear and comprehensive understanding of their community’s past.

An Important Step for Representation

This endeavor, funded by the Mellon Foundation, will span two years and ultimately aim to uplift the narratives of Black Mississippians and the African American community. By enhancing their representation in our historical discourse, the project will play a crucial role in educating future generations about the importance of diversity and inclusion in our collective narrative.

In summary, this grant and digitization project are poised to be game-changers for how we understand and appreciate Mississippi’s civil rights journey. Let’s keep an eye on Starkville and celebrate this initiative that promises to broaden our horizons while honoring the voices that have shaped history.