USM Special Collections to Host Will Campbell’s 100th Birthday Celebration

The Mississippi Humanities Council (MHC), a statewide nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), has awarded the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Library a special collections award grant to fund a project that will stimulate meaningful dialogue, engage diverse audiences, and increase understanding of the human experience.

The project will commemorate the life and work of Mississippi author and preacher Will D. Campbell during the celebration of his 100th birthday.^t birthday. The events, which are free and open to the public, will include a discussion of Campbell’s National Book Award finalist memouard Dragonfly’s brotherlecture and opening and reception of the exhibition.

“We really wanted to celebrate the life and work of Will D. Campbell this year,” said Jennifer Bannock, curator of Rare Books and Mississippiana in Special Collections and principal investigator for the grant. “Special Collections is fortunate to have his archival collection, and we look forward to helping younger generations learn more about Campbell. We truly appreciate the funding from the Mississippi Humanities Council that makes these events possible.”

IN Dragonfly’s brotherCampbell writes about his life growing up poor in Amite County, Mississippi, in the 1930s with his older brother. The book is a historical account of Campbell’s life with his brother, his tenure as a Baptist minister, and his involvement in the later stages of the civil rights movement. A book discussion is scheduled for October 22 at 6:00 p.m. in Cook Library, room 209A.

“Where Two or Three Meet: Reconsidering Fellowship and Conversation with Will D. Campbell,” presented by Brett Harris, will explore the recurring theme of fellowship and the need for conversation through the life and writings of Will D. Campbell. Harris, a Baptist pastor and podcast host God knows where, references Campbell’s work. In his Campbell class, he introduced students to Campbell’s legacy through the collection of his work held in special collections. The lecture will be held Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. in Gonzales Auditorium in the USM Liberal Arts Building, followed by an opening reception and reception at the McCain Library and Archives.

A Celebration of Will D. Campbell: Preacher, Activist, and Writer presents materials from the Will D. Campbell Papers. The exhibit highlights his efforts in 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 in his papers.

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