Mississippi Unveils Markers for Black Legislators
A new project commemorates 162 Black lawmakers who served during the Reconstruction Era across Mississippi.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in African-American
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Oktibbeha County has unveiled a historical marker at Unity Park honoring five Black legislators who served during the Reconstruction Era. This event marks the beginning of a statewide initiative to install 22 total markers by 2028.
Why it matters
The project aims to restore the historical visibility of 162 Black men who served in the state legislature between 1870 and 1878. By documenting their service, organizers seek to ensure these figures are recognized for their contributions to Mississippi history.
The initiative, Making Their Mark, is supported by a $100,000 grant from Monument Lab. The project will place 22 markers at courthouses across Mississippi, detailing the service of lawmakers including Anderson Boyd and David Higgins.
The players
DeeDee Baldwin
A researcher from Mississippi State University who compiled the historical data for the legislative project.
Monument Lab
A non-profit public art and history studio that provided a $100,000 grant to fund the marker initiative.
The details
The project research was compiled by DeeDee Baldwin of Mississippi State University and relies on lobbying boards of supervisors for support. Local high-school students participate in the initiative by performing dramatic re-enactments during each dedication ceremony.
Timeline
1870-1878: Term of office for the honored legislators.
2025: Project production started after grant funding was received.
October 29, 2026: Oktibbeha County marker unveiling.
November 2, 2026: Dedication ceremony at the Noxubee County Courthouse.
2028: Targeted completion goal for the 22-marker project.
Culture Shift
This project highlights a growing movement to reclaim and memorialize Black political history from the Reconstruction Era. It represents a shift toward local, research-driven efforts to fill historical gaps in civic memory across the South.
Residents in Oktibbeha and Noxubee counties can visit these new permanent markers to engage directly with local history. The involvement of local high-school students in ceremonies offers an educational opportunity for students and families to learn about the state's Reconstruction history.
The takeaway
This initiative serves as a reminder of the historical political participation of Black Mississippians during the late 19th century. Readers can support local historical preservation by attending upcoming dedication ceremonies and reviewing historical archives in their own counties.
What happens next
A dedication ceremony for five legislators is scheduled for November 2, 2026, at the Noxubee County Courthouse.
Further reading
Learn more about local historical initiatives in our African-American section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Commercial Dispatch.
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