Conference for the Book Coming Up March 29-31

For those who relish getting lost in a good story, the 24th annual Oxford Conference for the Book is an opportunity to gather with authors, editors and scholars. On March 29-31, the conference at the University of Mississippi, which is free and open to the public, includes readings, panel discussions and lectures by award-winning writers and first-time novelists.

The Mississippi Encyclopedia to Be Published in May

Work on a Center project that began in 2003 is at long last winding up. The Mississippi Encyclopedia—a mammoth collaboration that includes over 1,600 entries, 1,451 pages, and features more than 700 scholars who wrote entries on every county, every governor, and numerous musicians, writers, artists, and activists—will be in print and for sale this May. This is the first encyclopedic treatment of the state since 1907.

Center to Offer New MFA Degree in Documentary Expression

A new Master of Fine Arts degree in Documentary Expression begins this fall, and prospective students are encouraged to apply before the April 13 deadline. The new MFA, housed at the University of Mississippi’s Center for the Study of Southern Culture, will be a two-year (30-hour) graduate program that combines three forms of training.

New LIVING BLUES Magazine Out

The February/March 2017 issue of Living Blues features Hill Country bluesman Cedric Burnside on the cover. The grandson of the late R. L. Burnside, Cedric’s star is on the rise, and he is dedicated to keeping the sound of the Hill Country alive. Guitarist Kenny Brown was also raised in the tradition, and he shares his memories of playing with the Burnsides, Junior Kimbrough, Joe Callicott and others.

Hip-hop and the South Lecture Set for Friday

A conversation about the South and hip-hop music is set for Friday, Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. in Barnard Observatory’s Tupelo Room. The Center for the Study of Southern Culture hosts a conversation between Regina Bradley and Kiese Laymon, “When the South STILL Got Something to Say: A Conversation about Hip Hop in the South.” The event, which will be introduced by Brian Foster, is free and open to the public, with a reception afterward in the lobby.

Professor Jodi Skipper to Receive Mississippi Humanities Council Honor

Written by Edwin Smith, University Communications OXFORD, Miss. – A University of Mississippi anthropology and Southern Studies professor is among five people being honored this month by the Mississippi Humanities Council. Jodi Skipper will receive the Humanities Scholar Award on Feb. 10 during the council’s 2017 Public Humanities Awards program in Jackson. The agency recognizes