Shalaan Hendricks is a talented and passionate kindergarten teacher at Joe Cook Elementary in Columbus, Mississippi. She has been an integral part of her schools, and her dedication to her students’ education is evident in everything she does. Shalaan is also an active participant in the school’s community. She collaborates with other teachers and staff to create a positive learning environment for all her students. Her enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset to the Joe Cook Elementary School community. Written by Kinsley Hendricks and produced by A'Meya Stewart.

Amazing programs and flourishing businesses probably do not come to the forefront of people’s minds when thinking of Mississippi. However, Petal,

Another cross has been erected along Highway 25 near Starkville, Mississippi. Its presence sparked an argument among the people of Starkville: does it represent good-natured evangelism or an effort to intimidate people of different religious backgrounds. Starkville is one of Mississippi's most diverse communities. The Cross of Christ may be an important symbol for Christians, but it may not be perceived in the same way by people of different faiths. How might it affect Starkvillagers' impressions of the place they call home? Written and produced by Vivian Peng.

In the not too distant past, blue collar jobs abounded in Columbus, Mississippi. A person could graduate from high school,  start working as, say, a machinist, and retire comfortably a quarter century later. NAFTA effectively did away with that kind of opportunity at the turn of the century. Manufacturing jobs have returned for skilled laborers since then. But will those be enough to keep people here?

In the literary world of Oxford, Mississippi, hidden gems can be discovered on every corner. Jill Moore, who runs Square Books, Jr., is one of them. She knows what it means to think--and to read--like a child, and that makes all the difference. Written and recorded by Ava Grace Noe and produced by Levi Stevens.

Covid-19 caused thousands of businesses across the nation to close down and ruined the economy. But members of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission found a way to combat these issues. Vicki Taylor, the wife of the Commission’s executive director, turned the alleyway behind the Saenger Theater into The Hattiesburg Pocket Museum. Since then, the museum has had over 100,000 visitors and contributed over $17 million to Hattiesburg’s economy. Written by Asher Rials and produced by Justin Doan.

When Anne Moody and other activists sat down at the Woolworth's lunch counter in Jackson, Mississippi, they were taunted and abused by white supremacists and the police. Fred Blackwell, a photographer for the Jackson Daily News, captured the intensity--and the horror--of the moment in a photograph that helped to galvanize support for Civil Rights. Because Anne Moody's face was in the image, she could not go to her home in south Mississippi again. Her name and accomplishments have almost been forgotten there as a result. Written by Keyonna Griffin and produced by Ben Billa.

Media coverage of the Jackson, Mississippi water crisis has focused on the blame game. Whose fault was it? Where did all the money for infrastructure go? Who should be in charge of making sure it doesn't happen again? As usual, when "adults" argue during moments like these, children suffer the most. Whether there isn't water at home or at school, Jackson's students are being hurt.

When Robert St. John was a young man, he didn't think he'd live to be 25. He knew he had a substance abuse issue, but didn't know how or where to get help until he got arrested and ended up in rehab. Now, as one of Mississippi's most successful restauranteurs, he hires members of the recovery community. It's not mere charity. It's good business. Written by Jaqueline Smith and produced by Max Flaschka.

Queer culture been demonized in Mississippi since the 1830s. In recent years, the state has slowly improved its environment for those in the LGBTQ+ community. Some denominations have been especially progressive in making the state friendlier to members of the community. Unfortunately, anti-trans bills have outweighed the inclusive laws. Written and recorded by Victoria West.