The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum’s Under the Light series takes visitors on a deep dive into each of its eight galleries. The subject of this edition of the series is the museum’s first gallery, Mississippi Freedom Struggle, which educates visitors about slavery and emancipation. The program will take place on Thursday, March 21, at 6 p.m. in This Little Light of Mine gallery.
“The inaugural Under the Lights program was a great success,” said Mississippi Civil Rights Museum director Pamela Junior. “Having programs in this sacred space, which captures the essence of phenomenal people who gave of themselves to make a better world for all of us, helps to make this event even more amazing!”
Mississippi Freedom Struggle gallery introduces guests to African Americans who fought for freedom and against the institution of slavery, setting the context for the modern Civil Rights Movement. Images seen in the gallery of people affected by slavery, including well-known leaders, reflect the inhumanity of the institution and their determination to end it.
The program will feature two scholarly presentations and a living history presentation by Natchez public historian Darryl White and a historical overview by Chuck Yarborough, a history instructor at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science. White will portray members of the United States Colored Troops who served for the Union Army during the American Civil War. Afterwards, MADDRAMA performance troupe will perform a slavery-themed reenactment.
“More than 140 people attended this event in February, where patrons learned about Africa before the transatlantic slave trade and enjoyed African drum calls and dancing,” said Junior. “We look forward to seeing you on March 21 when we delve into the history, from slavery to emancipation.”
Under the Light references the large light sculpture in the museum’s central gallery, which honors veterans of the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi. Activists are celebrated with words and images, and the music of the Movement emanates from the structure. Next month’s Under the Light program on April 25 will explore the era of Reconstruction in Mississippi.
There is no charge to attend. For more information, call 601-576-6800 or email info@mscivilrightsmuseum.com. The museums are located at 222 North Street, Jackson, MS 39201.
The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, which opened alongside the Museum of Mississippi History in December 2017 in celebration of the state's bicentennial, explores the period from 1945 to 1976, when Mississippi was ground zero for the Civil Rights Movement nationally. The museums are open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.