- Mississippi Free Press

Culture

‘My Hometown Too’: Laurel’s Downtown Blossoms Despite City’s Complicated History

Nearly three decades ago, most of the once-bustling businesses in downtown Laurel, Miss., had shuttered their windows, and the brick streets that criss-crossed the Pine Belt town’s center were void of pedestrians and drivers alike. Today, downtown Laurel is enjoying a resurgence thanks to locals and outside assistance. As always throughout its history, like that of other Mississippi towns, it’s complicated.

Taylor McKay Hathorn December 13, 2021

MFP Voices

Former Governor: Mr. Watson Tips Hand When He Disparages ‘Woke’ Voters and Students

Recently, Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson said that the United States would suffer if more “woke” and “uninformed” college students are registered to vote under President Biden’s executive order on voting which, Watson claimed, included “automatic voter registration.” There are so many wrong things about this statement, it’s hard to know where to start, former Mississippi Gov. and Navy Secretary Ray Mabus writes.

Ray Mabus April 15, 2021

In-Depth

Forrest County Votes to Keep Confederate Monument in Majority-Black Hattiesburg

A towering Confederate monument will likely continue to stand next to the Forrest County Courthouse in majority-Black Hattiesburg, Miss., after a county-wide referendum to remove it narrowly failed in a 51% to 49% vote.

Ashton Pittman November 6, 2020

a photo showing Black teens wearing Black Lives Matter masks with a multiracial group of students behind them protesting outside

In-Depth

‘Good Trouble’ in a White Flight Suburb: Oak Grove High Teens Confront Racism

Oak Grove High School students are fighting back against what they claim is an atmosphere of racism and indifference in a historic white flight suburb in Mississippi’s Lamar County.

Ashton Pittman September 3, 2020

MFP Voices

John Lewis: An American Hero Who Put His Body Behind His Beliefs

Very few people deserve to be called a hero. But, under any criteria, Congressman John Lewis is one of the great American heroes in our country’s history.

Ray Mabus July 23, 2020