Documenting the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi: An Overview of the Collections at the University of Southern Mississippi

Abstract

Special Collections at the University of Southern Mississippi houses a variety of civil rights materials documenting all aspects of the movement. In addition to detailing the activities of civil rights volunteers in the 1960s, in particular Freedom Summer, the collection also maintains collections of those attempting to prevent equal rights. For example, Southern Miss has the papers of Theodore G. Bilbo, a former Mississippi governor and US senator, who actively fought to prevent African Americans from achieving rights similar to the white citizens of the state. His collection, which starts in the early 20 century, provides a glimpse at the other side of the struggle. Bilbo’s papers and other collections relating to segregationist groups like the Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission and the White Citizens Council, provide the context in which the civil rights movement existed. By coupling the collections of over 100 civil rights activists with materials pertaining to those wanting to deny equal rights, the civil rights collections at the University of Southern Mississippi provide a comprehensive look at the civil rights era. Introduction In Mississippi, the civil rights movement represents a defining feature of the state’s history. With the anniversary of Freedom Summer this year, the importance of volunteers, both national and local, and their work highlights the sacrifices and accomplishments of these organizers and volunteers. Special Collections at the University of Southern Mississippi contains collections that highlight the work of civil rights workers during the movement in Mississippi especially during Freedom Summer. In addition, the library holds collections from those who fought integration and were the very people the volunteers battled. This article will highlight the manuscripts and books relating to the civil rights movement as well as people and groups who opposed equal rights for African Americans. Freedom Summer Manuscript Collections The University of Southern Mississippi has over 120 manuscript collections from volunteers and local activists participating during the Freedom Summer initiative of 1964 and other civil rights activities. These collections contain correspondence, brochures from civil rights organizations, photographs, The Primary Source, Vol. 33, Issue 1 21