USM Libraries Special Collections Receives Mississippi Humanities Council Funding

News item published on: 2024-08-26 11:15:00

Photograph of Will Campbell, standing with hand in pocket, outside in front of a stone building, wearing a blue jacket, plaid shirt, and jeans. Mississippi Humanities Council, the statewide, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), has awarded The University of Southern Mississippi Libraries Special Collections a grant to fund a project that will stimulate meaningful dialogue, attract diverse audiences, and increase understanding of the human experience.

The project will celebrate the life and work of Mississippi author and preacher Will D. Campbell in a celebration of his 100th birthday. Events will include a book discussion of Campbell’s National Book Award finalist memoir Brother to a Dragonfly, a lecture, and an exhibit opening and reception.

Book Discussion of Brother to a Dragonfly
Tuesday, October 22 at 6 p.m.
Cook Library Room 209A

In a Brother to a Dragonfly, Campbell writes about his life growing up poor in Amite County, Mississippi, during the 1930s alongside his older brother. The book serves as a historical account of Campbell's life with his brother, his tenure as a Baptist preacher, and his involvement in the later stages of the Civil Rights movement. The discussion will be hosted by Dr. Douglas Bristol, a history professor and director of the Center for the Study of the Gulf South.

Lecture, Exhibit Opening and Reception
Monday, November 4
Lecture, 6 p.m., Gonzales Auditorium, USM Liberal Arts Building
Exhibit Opening and Reception, Following Lecture, McCain Library and Archives

The lecture, “Where Two or Three Are Gathered: Reconsidering Community and Conversation with Will D. Campbell,” presented by Brett Harris, will examine the recurring theme of community and the need for conversation through the life and writings of Will D. Campbell. Harris, a Baptist minister and the host of the podcast God Knows Where, draws parallels with Campbell's work. Having taught classes focusing on Campbell, he introduced students to Campbell's legacy through the collection of his papers housed in Special Collections.

The exhibit “A Celebration of Will D. Campbell: Preacher, Activist, and Writer” features the materials held in the Will D. Campbell papers. The exhibit highlights his efforts during the Civil Rights movement including his work with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Southern Christian Leadership Conference, manuscripts of his writings, and the many stories told through his papers.

Mississippi Humanities Council grants are used to support public humanities programs, exhibits, the planning of larger projects and the development of original productions in film, television, radio, or online resources. All projects are intended to serve Mississippians and are free and open to the public.

For more information on the events, contact Jennifer Brannock at or 601.266.4347.