❤︎ Lifestyle with Krissy Bri ❤︎

February is our annual celebration of the achievements of African-American people and a time for recognizing our success. Our integral roles have made a difference in the world. Additionally, our undying love and appreciation of our culture are emotions that we proudly express every day. African-American culture is both distinct and influential to the lifestyles of so many Americans. This year, I wanted to highlight the best places to visit in Mississippi for Black history. All museums are found in North, Central, and Southern Mississippi. As a Mississippi native, I felt it important to showcase the exhibits that celebrate Black history. Moreover, there’s so much to be inspired by in the Magnolia State.

African American Military History Museum

The African-American Military Museum is the only building remaining for African-American soldiers in the United States. The museum educates the public about African-American contributions in the military. The museum is located on 6th Street, in Hattiesburg, and offers free admission to guests who visit the exhibits.

Some of the exhibits that you can explore:

• Lobby Exhibits
• Revolutionary War
• The Founding of Hattiesburg
• Buffalo Soldiers
• World War I & II
• Desegregation
• Desert Storm

Go to their website to learn more about how you can tour the museum or make a donation!

Delta Blues Museum

Delta Blues Museum is where you go to explore the history and heritage of the American Blues genre. If you’re looking to find meaning or perspective about the blues and its origin, this museum is located in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Moreover, known as “the crossroads” of interstate sections HWY 61 and HWY 49.

The museum is dedicated to the mission of preserving the story of the blues, as many legendary Blues music artists are born near Clarksdale, MS (Muddy Waters, Ike Turner, Sam Cooke).

This February, the museum has several historical exhibits that include:

• Ike Turner and Rocket 88, Panny Mayfield: Live from the Mississippi Delta
• Don Nix: Memphis Man Living High, Laying Low
• Blue Portraits in Steel

For those looking to purchase tickets to tour The Delta Blues Museum, general admission is $10. Check out their website for brochures, pricing, tickets, or donations.

The Grammy Museum

The Grammy family is in Mississippi! The Recording Academy Grammy Museum provides unique learning opportunities about the creative and technological processes of Mississippi recording artists. The Grammy Museum, located in Cleveland, Mississippi, is an interactive celebration of music. In 2011, the 28,000-square-foot museum was built on the campus of Delta State University and has provided inspirational and educational public programs featuring exhibits, film, lectures, and intimate performances.

Additionally, this month the museum features the celebration of Jermaine Dupri, 25 Years of Jermaine Dupri and SoSoDef. Exhibit highlights include:

• lyric and concept books from Kris Kross
• performance wardrobes for So So Def artists
• the original beat machine that Jermaine Dupri used to make his earlier productions and more

To find out how you can tour this exhibit before it leaves, go to The Grammy Museum’s website to get touring information.

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum shares the stories of a Mississippi movement that changed the nation. The museum promotes a greater understanding of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement and its impact by highlighting the strength and sacrifices of its people. Visitors will witness the freedom struggle in eight interactive galleries that show the systemic oppression of Black Mississippians and their fight for equality that transformed the state and nation. 

The museum has eight interactive exhibits that include:

• Mississippi Freedom Struggle
• Mississippi in Black and White
• This Little Light of Mine
• A Closed Society
• A Tremor in the Iceberg
• I Question America
• Black Empowerment
• Where Do We Go From Here?

Be sure to check out the Civil Rights website often, as it also lists special events happening throughout Black History Month. General Admission is $10 for adults and as of 2020, the museum now offers audio tours!

Mary O’Keefe Cultural Center

The Gulf Coast has Black History events and programs throughout the month also. The Mary O’Keefe Cultural Center (Ocean Springs), will be hosting events on February 7th, 15th, and 28th 2020 for local Black artists and businesses. Two events have free admission, and if you’re going to check out the live performances event, admission is only $5. If you are an artist or business owner, this is a great opportunity to showcase your talent and promote your brand. Check out their website for additional information.

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