Real Mississippi

"Cultural Activist" tells the story of poet, writer, and archivist Margaret Walker Alexander who founded the first institute for African American studies in Jackson, Mississippi. It includes excerpts from her journals and follows her journey through life, displaying her struggles and triumphs. Written by Chauncy Jordan and produced by Willem Arnoldus.

You’ve already heard stories of the groundbreaking achievements of Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, and Malcom X in the fight for African American civil rights. But have you heard Richard E. Holmes’ small-town story with much bigger implications? Delve deeper into the adversity he faced and challenges he overcame as he became the first African American to integrate Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi. Written by Nicholas Popescu and produced by Jeremy Dawe and Elliot Mathers.

Richard Howorth is the owner of three local and iconic bookstores in Oxford, MS. It's one of the first places that visitors to the small college town go. Richard Howorth was also Mayor of the town and was the president of the American Booksellers Association. He has certainly left his mark on Oxford--and on Mississippi. Written and produced by Isaac Riggins and Aaron Sharp, with samples from "Morning Routine" by Ghostrifter.

Everyone has something that they like, maybe something that they love. But what happens when that thing you find comfort in becomes a crazed delusion? What happens if that thing leads you to abandon everything you have known? What if it destroys the life of those around you affected by the mess? This is the story of Paul MacLeod, who proclaimed himself the world's number Elvis fan. Written by Shonice Oswalt and produced by Makenzie Brannon.

Julia Evans Reed was an author, journalist, and humorist from Greenville, Mississippi. She often wrote about things that she enjoyed, such as cooking and entertaining, and had a gift for explaining what she knew in ways that nobody else would have considered. Her life teaches two important lessons: you do not always have to have a boring career to be successful, and you can often make a living out of the things you love. Written by Sophie Hines and produced by Andrew Liu.

Annie Hsu, a 24-year old community leader serves as an inspiration to many. Volunteering as a local Chinese church Sunday school leader at Grace Baptist Church, the lessons she teaches Asian-American youth in Mississippi reach far beyond bible verses. Written by Christina Zhang and produced by Sawyer Levenson.

Gambling addiction has ruined the lives of many. The unfortunate stories of each victim do not go unseen. Although relapses often occur, complete recovery is possible. Given the high rate of gambling addiction in Mississippi, how should the state feel about funding education through casino taxes? Written by Dia Kher and produced by Nicolas Neal.

Charles Evers--an activist and the first black mayor in Mississippi after Reconstruction--pulled off the impossible for a black man in the 1900s. Not only did he redefine politics in Mississippi, but he was also a driving force for both social and economic equality. A feisty activist from Decatur, Evers helped bring about equality for blacks in Mississippi by embracing the notion that talk was cheap. After his brother, Medgar, was assassinated, Evers continued Medgar's work and contributed significantly to the Civil Rights Movement. Whether Evers was motivated by civil rights or by money, Evers fought for what he believed in and freed many blacks from the shackles of oppression. Written by Everett "CJ" Mason, Jr, and produced by Jordyn Hughes.

If you ever take a ride around Forest, you’ll probably notice the chicken statues everywhere or the smell of chicken scrap trucks--seriously everything in Forest is built around chickens. But you probably don’t notice the impact Allen Atkison has had on Forest. However, his work over the last two decades makes Forest what it is today. Written by Oliver Higginbotham and produced by Cali Orman.

Football is widely considered a sport of male brutality, a sport that only has women either on the sidelines as cheerleaders or in bleachers. Sarah Thomas has broken countless barriers in becoming the first woman NFL referee. She has proved many times that gender should not matter when you are looking for a career.  Written by Geethika Polepalli and produced by Camille Jester and Andrew Liu.