PresentationsDr. Stuart Rockoff, “Chai Cotton: Jewish Life in the Mississippi Delta” Dr. Stuart Rockoff, Director of the History Department at the Institute of Southern Jewish Life, is a world-renowned authority on immigration and American Jewish history, especially in the Mississippi Delta. He will speak on the Jewish presence and impact in the Delta.
Mrs. Gloria Carter Dickerson, “Somebody Had to Do It”
Mrs. Dickerson and two of her siblings were the first African-Americans to integrate the Drew, Mississippi public school system (in 1964). She survived the abuse, ostracism, and violence associated with that chapter of the civil rights struggle in Mississippi. Mrs. Dickerson will tell an inspiring story of danger, sacrifice and courage.
Mrs. Charlotte Hays, “The Delta Way of Death”
Mrs. Hays, raised in Greenville, Mississippi, is a noted author and commentator who, with Gayden Metcalfe, has written two humorous books about the Mississippi Delta, Being Dead Is No Excuse, and Somebody Is Going to Die If Lilly Beth Doesn't Catch That Bouquet. Mrs. Hays will bring a light-hearted perspective on the ways things are done in the Delta.
Mr. Willy Bearden, “Something in the Water: Delta Writers and the World”
The acclaimed Memphis filmmaker and author who is currently working on a documentary of Memphis' Victorian Village will bring to life several literary personalities of the Delta including Shelby Foote, Ellen Gilchrist, Walker Percy, William Faulkner, Elizabeth Spencer and others.
Dr. Charles Crawford, “Sullen, Untamed, Intractable: The 1927 Mississippi River Flood”
Professor of History and Director of the Oral History Research Office at the University of Memphis, Dr. Crawford will provide a gripping account of the devastating Flood of 1927, and will accompany his presentation with historical images of the catastrophe that changed so many Delta lives.
Ms. Eden Brent, “That's How Boogaloo Did It”
Popular musician and vocalist Eden Brent will perform and comment on the music of the Delta. Ms. Brent, a native of Greenville, Mississippi, is known for her vast repertoire of jazz and blues standards. She performs for special events throughout the nation and around the world and has worked with Blues greats such as B. B. King and her mentor, Boogaloo Ames.
Mr. Charles Weissinger, “The Largest Naval Battle in American History Won by the Infantry!”
A Delta native who lives in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, Mr. Weissinger will provide insights into that provocative topic, the Delta and the Civil War. Mr. Weissinger is an attorney and entrepreneur who has studied Delta history in-depth.
Fogelman Executive Conference Center
330 Innovation Drive
Memphis, TN 38152-3130
Contact: Dr. Nicholas Gotten or William Bearden
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