Author: BobbyD
: Claire of Natchez — The Legend, The Evidence, The History
A popular modern retelling claims an enslaved woman named Claire (often “Clara”) poisoned an entire plantation household in Natchez. Extensive searches of major local archives and institutional histories turn up no clear primary-source evidence for this specific event. The legend fits broader documented patterns — enslaved women accused of poisoning and acts of covert resistance — and has been amp...
The Lesser-Told Story of the Tougaloo Nine:
“The Tougaloo Nine and the Fight for Equal Access to Public Libraries, 1961.” When most people think of civil rights sit-ins, they envision lunch counters and picket lines. Fewer remember the quiet, deliberate courage of nine students from Tougaloo College who walked into the whites-only Jackson Public Library on March 27, 1961, and read. That “read-in” — which led to arrests, courtroom battles, a...
Discovering Motherland: Following History
I recently watched Motherland, a documentary that was nothing short of transformative for me—a sweeping, cinematic journey through the African continent that centers African perspectives, knowledge, and skills. As someone deeply committed to showcasing cultural pride, identity, and the stories that shape us, I feel compelled to bring this experience to you, my readers, in the most intimate, first-...
40 Acres The Movie
Why I Was Drawn to 40 Acres I still remember the instant the trailer for 40 Acres hit—this post-apocalyptic thriller, drenched in cultural resonance and anchored by Danielle Deadwyler, felt like one of those rare films that invited both adrenaline and deep reflection. As someone passionate about genre films that transcend their tropes, I knew this one demanded my attention. To my delight, 40 Acres...
Woodlawn Historic District: A Tapestry of African-American Legacy in Natchez
Introduction Tucked in northern Natchez, Mississippi lies the Woodlawn Historic District—a 97-acre, 360-contributing-building neighborhood that stands as a powerful emblem of African-American resilience, community development, and architectural heritage from Reconstruction through World War II. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995, Woodlawn’s story spans emancipatio...
Unveiling of Anne Moody’s Freedom Trail marker set for September 15
By: Roscoe Barnes, III, Visit Natchez The late Anne Moody, author of “Coming of Age in Mississippi,” will soon be honored with a Mississippi Freedom Trail marker in her hometown of Centreville. The marker will be unveiled in a ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday, September 15 at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, 8755 Highway 24 East. The event is free to the public. Frances Jefferson, Moody’s siste...
Film Review: Natchez
On August 21, 2025, I had the privilege of attending the screening of Natchez, a new documentary directed by Susannah Herbert. Having met Herbert and members of her crew during production, I was immediately curious about how she would approach a city as layered and complex as ours. Natchez is not simply the oldest settlement on the Mississippi River—it is a place where cultures collided and reshap...
Mississippi River Tales: The Devils Punchbowl
The Devil’s Punch Bowl: A Historical Reflection Through Bobby L. Dennis’s Lens The Devil’s Punch Bowl, located in Natchez, Mississippi, is one of the most haunting yet profoundly important historical sites in the American South. On the surface, it appears to be a picturesque natural basin carved into the bluffs along the Mississippi River. Yet, beneath its lush greenery lies a tragic story tied to...
12 Facts About Natchez’s Historic Roots
12 Powerful Roots of Natchez, Mississippi: Facts That Explain a City Like No Other If you’ve ever rolled into Natchez, Mississippi, you’ve felt it: the sense that this place is older than most American stories and richer than a single label can hold. Natchez sits high on the bluffs above the Mississippi River, gazing west toward Louisiana and back in time toward centuries of layered history. It’s ...
Natchez Through the Eyes of Its Community
Exploring the Historic Charm of Natchez, Mississippi Nestled along the majestic Mississippi River, Natchez, Mississippi, is a city steeped in rich history, stunning architecture, and Southern hospitality. As one of the oldest cities on the Mississippi River, Natchez offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past with its well-preserved antebellum homes, vibrant cultural scene, and scenic river vie...
A Visitor’s Guide to Natchez’s Culture
Nestled high on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, Natchez, Mississippi, is one of the South’s most captivating cultural destinations. Known for its antebellum architecture, vibrant traditions, and rich layers of history, Natchez offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in a unique cultural tapestry woven from centuries of Native American heritage, European settlement, African American con...
Discovering Native American Legacy in Natchez
The Natchez Indians, with their distinctive social structure, profound religious devotion, and elaborate mound-building tradition, represent a remarkable chapter in Native American history. Their Grand Village was more than a settlement; it was the heart of their cultural and spiritual life. Though the Natchez people endured displacement and dispersion, their legacy continues to inspire respect, c...
