Margaret Walker Center

Black and white photo of people sitting at a Toddle House diner counter. Most wearing jackets. In conversation except one young woman looking at the camera

Booklet cover - green with a black and white photo of two adults and a child. Text says: SNCC & Grassroots Organizing

DC area friends: Don't miss in-person workshop led by SNCC vet/Eyes on the Prize assoc. producer Judy Richardson (facing camera, sit-in photo, still looks the same!) about SNCC organizing.

Saturday, Social Justice Curriculum Fair, register: www.dcareaeducators4socialjustice.org/news/2025-so... 🧵

1964: Fannie Lou Hamer testifies at DNC - Mississippi Today On this day in 1964, Fannie Lou Hamer testified before the Democratic National Convention’s (DNC) credentials committee.

#OnThisDay in 1964, Fannie Lou Hamer testified before the DNC’s credentials committee about violence against Black Mississippians who tried to vote. Her testimony ran on all the networks. “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.”
mississippitoday.org/2024/08/22/1...

We enjoyed a beautiful program and reception today for the Reinterment Ceremony at Mt. Olive Cemetery.

With heartfelt remarks from the speakers, moving musical performances by JSU students, and a joyful reception in COFO, today was a wonderful benchmark for the cemetery's enduring legacy.

The photo shows the front of the building lined with windows and navy blue awnings. A lowercase blue sign above one of the awnings reads gallery 1. The windows are all papered over with brown paper; on one, there is a window cling that reads "Margaret Walker and the Power of Words" and shows an oval black and white photo of a woman smiling.

The photo shows a close up of a window, which is papered on the inside. On the window there is a window cling that reads "Margaret Walker and the Power of Words" and shows an oval black and white photo of a woman smiling.

A ladder stands to the left side of the photo in front of a beige wall, while on the right side a piece of paper that shows a diagram with small writing and a room layout is taped to the wall.

We're gearing up for something big...a brand new opportunity to immerse yourself in Margaret Walker's literary legacy. More soon 👀

Don't miss a single update. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Enjoy a sneak peak from today's HBCU Radio Preservation Project episode!

This week, Tony Clomax discusses being fueled by creativity, becoming a professor, filmmaking, Chicago inspirations, upgrading a radio station, and much more!

Listen here: youtu.be/zkqJ2eBh754?...

Flyer with a half cream, half crimson background. Has the "HBCU Radio Preservation Project in collaboration with 91.3 WYSO" logo in gray and yellow. There are graphics of a black microphone and black radio waves surrounding text that reads "Tony Clomax on being fueled by creativity, becoming a professor, filmmaking, Chicago inspirations, upgrading a radio station, and more."

Celebrate making it halfway to the weekend with the new edition of the HBCU Radio Preservation Project!

This week features Tony Clomax from KPVU at Prairie View University in Texas.

📻 Listen now: youtu.be/zkqJ2eBh754?...

📻 Subscribe: www.youtube.com/@mwalkercenter

#HBCU #HBCUradio #radio

Another fun fact: Cora also wrote about Margaret in her book "Mississippi in Transition."

The inscription here reads:
"Love and best wishes to Cora and Bill Norman
Sincerely,
Margaret Walker
Jackson
November 27, 1990"

A fun surprise for this #archivespotlight! This first edition of "Richard Wright: Daemonic Genius" by Margaret Walker is signed by the author with a note addressed to Cora and Bill Norman. Cora was the 1st executive director of the MS Humanities Council in 1972.

#archive #books #MargaretWalker

In 10 days, we gather to remember. 70 years ago, Emmett Till's murder shook our nation's conscience. His mother's courage to “let the world see” changed history forever. Join us August 28-30 as we honor their legacy and continue the unfinished work. Register at emmett-till.org/70th.

We're feeling inspired this week by a group of hardworking and dedicated students who came together to provide free haircuts and a fun hangout for their campus community this past Sunday at COFO. In addition to haircuts, there was music and even a raffle giveaway!

In this photo, she talks with Margaret Walker during the 1973 Phillis Wheatley Poetry Festival.

The background is a black and white photo of two women in dresses talking in an empty hallway next to closed doors. They both carry folders and papers.

Our heartfelt sympathy extends to the Currie family today with the recent passing of Mrs. Alleane Currie.

Among her many accomplishments and important work, Mrs. Currie was Margaret Walker's long-time secretary, and we are grateful for her dedication to the Center and the JSU community.

The background is peach and orange, with large font reading "Black Business Month Taylor's Candy Co.". Below, smaller font reads: 1519 Cox Street, Jackson, MS 39204 (601) 352-3462. Taylor’s Candy Co. is a long-standing Black-owned Jackson business, currently located at 1519 Cox Street. Though it found its home in 1967, the idea had long been in the works; co-owner to-be Walter Lee Taylor always had dreams of owning a business. His first chance to explore this was as a young boy selling grits in Madison County, MS." At bottom left there is a photo of a large sign on a metal post. The sign is white, red, and blue, and reads "Taylor's Candy Company & More est. 1967".

The background is light peach with black font reading "Taylor's Candy Co. He worked under his cousin, Harvey Taylor, who owned a distribution company founded sometime in the 1940s. Walter Lee settled on his idea to create Taylor’s Candy in 1960s with one truck and $200. In 1962, he married his wife and co-owner, Ozie Gross Taylor. The two retired school teachers (Rankin County and Jackson Public Schools respectively) operated the company out of their home until they were able to secure and build up the current location through a Small Business Administration loan in 1967. Since then, Taylor’s Candy Company has operated from West Jackson, serving a dedicated customer base with candies at affordable, wholesale prices. Approximately 5 years ago, the Price family took over the business. The couple, Pamela Price and Greg Price, operate Taylor’s Candy as a family business. On weekdays, you can meet Greg at the register, and on weekends you’ll likely meet Pamela. They have added to the store’s reach by stocking everyday items for their nearby consumer base, who often don’t have transportation to get their essentials. There is also the added struggle of Jackson, and particularly West Jackson, being a food desert. Walking into Taylor’s Candy Company, your eyes are certain to light up at the shelves full of iconic candies and snacks such as bags of Frooties, Banana Planks, hot pickles, Grandma’s cookies, and Faygos. Their selection perfectly encapsulates a bit of Mississippi childhood."

The background is off white with orange text reading "Let's Discuss How have you adapted to your changing environment? How do you continue to be true to yourself and your community? What’s your favorite candy?" Above, there is a photo of the store's interior, with bright blue walls and shelves filled with packages of candy and snacks.

Welcome to this week's #WalkerWeeklyWisdom #BlackBusinessMonth edition!

Taylor’s Candy Co. is a long-standing, Black-owned Jackson business, currently located at 1519 Cox Street. Family-owned and offering a wide array of candy, sodas, confections, and snacks, the store is a fun place to shop local!

A little preview from this week's #HBCURadioPreservationProject!

In this edition, Houston native Devan Wade discusses his talk shows, the city of Houston, the history of KTSU, journalism, lessons learned from football, and more!

Watch the rest here: youtu.be/2gfxksrQDXY?...

Flyer with a half cream, half crimson background. Has the "HBCU Radio Preservation Project in collaboration with 91.3 WYSO" logo in gray and yellow. There are graphics of a black microphone and black radio waves surrounding text that reads "Devan Wade on his talk shows, the city of Houston, the history of KTSU, journalism, lessons learned from football, and more!"

Take a well-earned break and listen to this edition of the HBCU Radio Preservation Project!

Meet Devan Wade, Coordinator of News, Sports, and Podcasts at KTSU in Houston, Texas.

Listen: youtu.be/2gfxksrQDXY?...

Subscribe: www.youtube.com/@mwalkercenter

#HBCU #radio #HBCURadioPreservationProject

ETIC’s Public Engagement and Museum Education Director Benjamin Saulsberry was recently on WLBT to talk about the upcoming 70th anniversary programming. Thanks as always for doing us proud, Benjamin! Watch the segment at muckrack.com/broadcast/sa....

We know it's been a minute since we've posted any #trivia, so enjoy this quiz that we made earlier in the year before joining Bluesky--now, it's your turn to test your knowledge of #Blackhistory!

As promised in the video, we'll shoutout the account who comments the most correct answers.

Good luck!

Two young women sit next to each other inside an exhibit room with informational wall posters with text and photos behind them.

A large group of students, most of whom are wearing gray and orange Home Depot shirts, pose on lawn chairs outside on a green lawn. Trees and tall stadium lights are in the background.

Students sit on dark gray metal lawn chairs placed around a deck and rock pit beside a building. The side of the building has a painted mural depicting several faces on it. String lights hang overhead.

Two young women sit next to each other on a gray-blue couch in front of a photograph collage. They both hold slices of cake and smile at the camera.

Welcome back to school, students! Whether it's your first semester of high school or your last year of grad studies, we wish you the best!

Don't forget to come see us at the COFO Civil Rights Education Center, just down the road from #TheeILove Jackson State University!

We're open M-F, 8am-5pm.

The background is peach and orange, with large font reading "Black Business Month OffBeat". Below, smaller font reads: 109 N State St, Jackson, MS 39201. Despite being called a record shop, OffBeat carries a lot more than just records! One step inside and you'll also see comic books, manga, figures, and artwork. It’s nearly impossible to leave the store without finding something that piques your interest." At bottom left there is a photo of the store front, with the bright blue text logo "OFFBEAT" on large windows next to the store's door.

The background is light peach with black font reading "OffBeat OffBeat has been a Black-owned business in Jackson since its opening in 2014; the store has now celebrated its 10th anniversary as a cultural pillar in the community. In its operation, OffBeat has acted as a one-stop cultural shop, a performance venue hosting local musicians and poets, an art gallery, and a general space in which to hang out and get to know the community. The idea for OffBeat came about because the owner and founder, Phillip Rollins, was invited to take part in the Mississippi Black Leadership Institute (MBLI); there he was tasked to end with a product that positively impacted the community, and out came OffBeat! Since then, OffBeat has continued to serve Jackson with a special care to Black arts and creativity. Now OffBeat even takes to the streets with the OffBeat Skate Crew, representing the still-vibrant subculture of skateboarding in our capital city and pushing us to be more active in ways that both improve our health and our sense of joy and community. OffBeat currently operates at 109 N State St, Jackson, MS 39201, though this is the second location of the shop, which was formerly in the Midtown neighborhood at 151 Wesley Avenue. The iconic OffBeat awning can still be seen at this location."

The background is off white with orange text reading "Let's Discuss How do you plan to bring the community together? How does pop culture impact you? What is your favorite purchase from OffBeat?" Above, there is a photo of the storefront windows, in front of which is a table draped in a black tablecloth with the words "My City" on it. Black and white t-shirts and hats are laid out on the table.

Welcome to this week's #WalkerWeeklyWisdom #BlackBusinessMonth edition!

Despite being called a record shop, OffBeat carries a lot more than just records! One step inside and you'll also see comic books, manga, figures, and artwork.

Check out OffBeat's website: www.offbeatjxn.com?srsltid=AfmB...

This evening, we join with many others in offering our deep condolences after hearing of Robert M. Walker's passing.

We remember his valuable contributions to the programming and research at the Margaret Walker Center, and we are heartened by the incredible legacy he leaves behind.

Two people in a large gymnasium with stands in the background pose in front of large white letters illuminated by light bulbs, spelling "JSU." They smile at the camera and hold up white and blue certificates.

Let's hear it for our hardworking team members! Yesterday, Ms. Angela Stewart (MWC Archivist) and Dr. Robby Luckett (MWC Director) were awarded certificates for their 20- & 15-year anniversaries at JSU, respectively. We're so thankful for their dedication.

Help us give them a round of applause!👏👏👏

Flyer with a half cream, half crimson background. Has the "HBCU Radio Preservation Project in collaboration with 91.3 WYSO" logo in gray and yellow. There are graphics of a black microphone and black radio waves surrounding text that reads "De'Aundrea Kidd on her love of music and writing, working as a program director, on-air techniques, the origins of her interest in media, and more!"

Time for more HBCU excellence! Listen to this week’s edition of the HBCU Radio Preservation Project.

De'Aundrea Kidd talks about her love of music and writing, working as a program director, her interest in media, & more!

Listen: youtu.be/_mcssBAaLmc?...

Subscribe: www.youtube.com/@mwalkercenter

📅 Upcoming Webinar – August 12 | 5pm ET

How did WWII shape US racial politics—and how can educators teach these complex histories today?

🎙️ Part of our US History at 250 series
🗓️ August 12 | 5pm ET
👉 Register now: ow.ly/cr8c50WAn0r

Guess who else is hiring?! Our friends at the Oral History Association!

They are looking for a full-time Program Associate based at Baylor University (Waco, TX).

Send your letter of application & resume to stephen_sloan@baylor.edu.

For more info, visit their site: oralhistory.org/2025/07/25/j...

The background is peach and orange, with large font reading "Black Business Month Marshall's Bookstore". Below, smaller font reads: 618 N Farish St, Jackson, MS 39202 (601)-355-5335. Marshall’s Bookstore is one of the oldest (if not the oldest) Black-owned bookstores in the United States. It was founded in 1938 by Louis Wilcher, who was the pastor of Greater Pearlie Grove Missionary Baptist Church, which is also still in operation. Even the location of Marshall’s is historic as it stands on Farish Street, one of many areas across the country where Black businesses thrived before integration took real roots." At bottom left there is a photo of the front of the bookstore, with large windows, a green awning, and a red brick facade.

The background is light peach with black font reading "Marshall's Bookstore Marshall’s is a worthwhile visit as a historic destination and as a bookstore, with a collection that is purposefully curated for the Black experience. The store exists partly as a bookstore and partly as a museum. The current owner, Maati Jone Primm, acts as a beacon of Black history. She champions the subject with a collection of personal history, videos, literature, music, and, of course, books that beautifully illustrate the vibrant African American history of this country. Even the walls are decorated with the faces of Black changemakers in and from Mississippi. As of today, Marshall’s Bookstore has been standing for 87 years. Its existence has been lovingly sustained by Primm’s family, including her mother, Louise Marshall, who is featured in the mural at the COFO Civil Rights Education Center. Marshall’s Bookstore represents a tradition of Black book and cultural shops across the nation, filling an important niche in a community that has been historically denied access to these knowledge bases. You can visit Marshall’s Bookstore yourself at 618 N Farish St, Jackson, MS 39202. The store is open 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and 10 am to 2 pm on Saturdays."

The background is off white with orange text reading "Discussion Questions Have you ever been to Marshall's Bookstore? Do you have any memories of Marshall's Bookstore? Can you think of other Black businesses with a decades-long legacy?" Above, there is a photo of stacks of books sitting atop display cases in front of a wall full of photos, quotes, and other paper memorabilia.

Welcome to our 1st #WalkerWeeklyWisdom #BlackBusinessMonth edition! This week we highlight the long-standing Marshall’s Bookstore, one of the oldest Black-owned bookstores in the United States.

You can visit Marshall’s Bookstore at 618 N Farish St, Jackson, MS. Open 10-5 M-F and 10-2 on Saturdays.

Thanks for sharing!

There is a light blue filter over a photo of people standing on a sidewalk to the right of a large fence and a metal sign with a paragraph on it. A large gray circle in the middle of the graphic contains text reading "Our hours WIll be limited This week on 8/6 and 8/7 due to meetings at JSU. Please contact us via mwa@jsums.edu with any questions or requests."

Our hours will be limited this week on 8/6 and 8/7 due to faculty and staff meetings at Jackson State University.

Please contact us via mwa@jsums.edu with any questions or requests.

Thanks for your understanding!

On September 4 and 6, the 150th anniversary of the 1875 Clinton Massacre will be commemorated through a series of poignant and reflective events throughout the city, including a reflection at the historical marker, an academic panel discussion, and a memorial service featuring witness descendants.

Jubilee Book Club: August Edition Welcome to the second edition of the Jubilee Book Club! This month, we feature an in-depth examination of the protagonist Vyry along with some archival materials, trivia, and more.

Kick off August right with this month's edition of the Jubilee Book Club!

Dive into a character study of the protagonist Vyry, make your voice heard in our polls, enjoy some trivia, and watch a couple interviews!

Don't forget to tell us what you think.

Read now: open.substack.com/pub/margaret...