SPIN-OFF PROJECTS: ORAL HISTORY INTERVIEW AND PUBLIC PROGRAM

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HCLS partnered with Maurice Singleton on related projects, including an oral history interview in April. Once complete, the audio recording and transcript will join this digital collection and provide additional context and nuance. We also held a public program in May to spotlight and celebrate the collection. Maurice spoke to the community about his memories of publishing the Mississippi Star—the inspiration, influences, and community impact—highlighting some of the more memorable articles. 

Attendees had a chance 

The physical issues held by the library and browse the digital collection on a touchscreen kiosk. The storytelling and remembrances during the program demonstrated the impact of community-centered archiving. Thirty years later, photographs of fellow community members captured interest and attention as people laughed and connected. Maurice came alive as he told his story and engaged with questions from the audience. As the program closed, the community came together to reflect on the importance of preserving community history. Maurice recalled a gentleman who had gently urged him to “bring back the Star” over the years since he’d stopped publication. This project had brought the Mississippi Star back for Maurice, for the community, and beyond.  

SPOTLIGHT ON THE MISSISSIPPI STAR: MEMORABLE ISSUES

The Mississippi Star magazine provided a monthly glimpse into the Black community of the Mississippi Coast and the State in the late 1990s. The publication included local news, features, interviews, book reviews, advertising from local businesses, and letters from readers—all presenting a positive view of the Black community and holding to the values of family, health, education, business, and culture. Maurice shared that readers sometimes referred to the magazine as the Mississippi Jet, referencing one of the few publications with positive Black representation at the time (the other memorable example being Ebony).  

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