Vicksburg storytelling workshop invites community to explore education’s legacy

By Vicksburg Voices

Experience the power of storytelling at the Catfish Row Museum with the Vicksburg Voices workshop. This free event celebrates the legacy of education, Rosenwald Schools, and intergenerational connections in Mississippi, offering a unique opportunity to explore and honor Vicksburg’s rich educational heritage.

We encourage the community to come together, share their stories, and learn from one another, as every voice contributes to our collective history.

Education has always been a driving force behind community growth in Vicksburg, and Barbara Tolliver exemplifies its transformative impact. A proud Vicksburg native and the first in her family to earn a college degree. After graduating from Alcorn State University, Tolliver dedicated 27 years to the Vicksburg-Warren School District as a teacher, principal, and curriculum coordinator. She then extended her legacy of service, leading the United Way of West Central Mississippi for 14 years and empowering families by connecting them to critical resources that strengthened the community.

“My education allowed me to serve as a role model in the community for both parents and their children,” Tolliver said. “Through my work at United Way, I was afforded opportunities to connect parents to community resources that created a healthier and stronger family unit. I was able to seek resources on the local, state, and national levels that enabled parents to be taught financial literacy skills. This work was essential in helping to build stronger families and stronger communities.”

Tolliver’s story reflects the spirit of the Vicksburg Voices: Intergenerational Storytelling Workshop, set for Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the Catfish Row Museum. This free workshop, supported by Shape Up Mississippi, the City of Vicksburg, and United Way of West Central Mississippi, is part of the broader Vicksburg Voices: Celebrating Community Through Storytelling project. Vicksburg is participating in a storytelling cohort designed for RWJF Culture of Health Prize alumni. Running through December 2025, the initiative aligns with the city’s Bicentennial 200 celebration, amplifying local voices and preserving the community’s cultural heritage.

The workshop will focus on education’s role in shaping Vicksburg’s identity, with a particular emphasis on the legacy of Rosenwald Schools, built in the early 20th century to provide quality education for African American children across the South.

Ashley F.G. Norwood, an award-winning journalist and associate director of digital storytelling at Jackson State University, will lead the workshop, guiding participants in exploring education’s impact across generations.

“Storytelling has always been a passion of mine,” Norwood said. “As a former reporter and multimedia journalist, I know how stories inform, propel people into action, and effect change. This kind of work isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am.”

Joining her are Jennifer Baughn, an architectural historian with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, and Erica Hensley, an award-winning journalist.

Baughn has surveyed more than 800 historic Mississippi schools, documented post-Katrina damage in historic districts, and authored the National Historic Landmark nomination for the Medgar and Myrlie Evers House. Her expertise in Rosenwald Schools and segregation-era architecture provides essential context for understanding the historical challenges and triumphs of education in the region.

Hensley, passionate about health equity and community-focused storytelling, is documenting the history and impact of Rosenwald Schools in Warren County as part of the Vicksburg Voices project. Her work highlights these schools’ critical role in providing educational access for Black students during segregation and preserving their stories for future generations.

The Culkin/Rosenwald Exhibit at the Catfish Row Museum, which offers an in-depth look into the history and impact of Rosenwald Schools in Warren County, will be on display at the Catfish Row Museum during the workshop. The exhibit also highlights the contributions of John H. Culkin, a local educator and politician, who played a significant role in advancing education in the region. By featuring historical artifacts and personal stories, the exhibit aims to deepen participants’ understanding of this important educational legacy.

Connecting Generations Through Storytelling

The workshop will foster intergenerational connections, inviting participants of all ages to share personal stories about how education has influenced their lives. Guided by Norwood, Baughn, and Hensley, attendees will learn to craft their experiences into compelling narratives through writing, audio, or video.

“Storytelling is a powerful way to connect,” said Lauchlin Fields, founder and CVO of LF Voices Collective, which has been commissioned to lead content creation and event production for the Vicksburg Voices project. “This workshop invites everyone to come together, share their unique experiences, and celebrate the role education has played in shaping our lives and our community. By listening to one another, we create deeper understanding and strengthen the bonds that unite us.”

Shape Up Mississippi and its partners will host storytelling events, cultural programs, and multimedia features celebrating education, health, and community resilience throughout the year. The Vicksburg Voices initiative seeks to inspire positive change and engage a wider audience by showcasing Vicksburg’s vibrant heritage and its vision for the future.

“This workshop is more than just an event; it’s a chance to preserve history, amplify voices, and empower individuals to create change,” said Linda Fondren, executive director of Shape Up Mississippi and the Catfish Row Museum. “With support from the City of Vicksburg and United Way, we’re bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate what makes this community strong. We encourage everyone to join us, share their stories, and contribute to the rich tapestry of Vicksburg’s legacy.”

We invite everyone to participate in this enriching experience, share your stories, and learn from one another as we honor Vicksburg’s educational heritage. Your voice matters—join us in preserving and celebrating the history that unites our community. For more information, email info@shapeupmississippi.com.

What: Vicksburg Voices: Intergenerational Storytelling Workshop
When: Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Catfish Row Museum, 913 Washington St., Vicksburg, MS
Cost: Free
Who: All ages are welcome!