Columns Category
: 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 histor...
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, d...
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, a...
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 o...
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 resilien...
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 ma...
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 immed...
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 ...
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 America...
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 hospital...
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 ...
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 Gran...
