Real Mississippi

Outside of Meridian, Mississippi, most people know Sela Ward as a model and Emmy Award-winning actress. But people from her hometown know her as a compassionate philanthropist who does all she can to help children whose lives have been turned upside down. Ward's road to becoming one of Meridian's most memorable heroes all began with a Christmas visit home and a soul-searching endeavor to find what home truly meant to her.

Philadelphia native Donna Ladd knows all about Mississippi's brain drain. She could not wait to get out of her home state as soon as she graduated from Mississippi State University. She built a career as journalist with a reputation for grappling with uncomfortable truths. In 2001, she returned to Mississippi to cover the state's first referendum on its flag and found a way should could come home again: by pushing Mississippi towards its true potential through investigative reporting. She is now the co-owner of the Jackson Free Press.

From the outside, McComb, Mississippi looks unremarkable. But if you venture into the library when Scooter Mouse is there, you'll find a miracle: dozens of kids and their parents on the edges of their seats because their imaginations are being called to life. Scooter and his creator, Miss Mattie Rials, make McComb, McComb.

Donald H. Peterson went from rural Winona, Mississippi to the final frontier. Peterson changed the views of many people by proving that people from small, southern towns are capable of accomplishing big things. By Lauren Hood

Dr. Deborah Hyde is a determined, inspiring African American neurosurgeon who has given back to her community. Although Hyde faced many obstacles during her youth and throughout her medical career, she overcame them all. Moreover, she used lessons from her struggles to bring hope to students of all races by establishing the Beacon of Hope Scholarship Foundation for her community in Laurel, MS. This foundation has made a positive impact on many lives. By Madison Johnson

Not all heroes wear capes; Ms. Tye Rollins wears scrubs and a smile. As a Nurse Practitioner at Maxem Healthcare in Flowood, she works on the frontlines of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in the most distressed state in overall healthcare.  She provides affordable healthcare and inspires fellow people of color to join the health profession, all while sticking with her true desire: helping others. By Nicholas Djedjos, along with voices from Cameron Wright, Caleb Jenkins, Zeke Pulido, and Vineeth Vanga.

As a doctor, politician, and civil rights activist, Dr. Douglas Conner helped promote change and healing throughout his everyday life. After his medical internship at Homer G. Philips in Louis, Missouri, he moved to Starkville, Mississippi and worked diligently for over 50 years. In Oktibbeha County, Connor organized boycotts, protests, established the Oktibbeha County NAACP chapter, and had a life changing conversation with Medgar Evers. Dr. Conner never stopped working in his lifetime for equality for African Americans, and when he died November 13, 1998, he left a legacy behind that every African American in Mississippi can still feel today. By Kayla Riley

Myrlie Evers-Williams, an African American activist, mother, journalist, and public speaker, is known for being the first of many. She, a Vicksburg native, has gone above and beyond to impact her community in Central Mississippi and Mississippi as a whole. From working hard to push the state more towards equality, better education, and motivating people all over the US to follow their dreams. Myrlie Evers-Williams has broken many glass ceilings and inspired African Americans, young women, and future generations to keep fighting for the betterment of all people. By Zaria Cooper

Dr. Felicitas Koller, a surgeon affiliated with the University of Mississippi Medical Center, doesn't just want to help patients with her scalpel. She wants them to learn about their conditions so they can stay ahead of issues. Her calling also involves encouraging young women to join the highest ranks of the medical profession. By Sidney Wetherbie

Listen to the trailer for Real Mississippi, a podcast written, researched, and produced by students at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science in Columbus, Mississippi.