The Strand Theatre will host a special event featuring the two short films, “Okay, Mr. Ray!” and “Ray Lum: Mule Trader.” The short films explore the history of Mississippi, providing a glimpse into Southern manhood, community, and livelihood through the lens of a livestock trader. They also share an overarching sense of “place” and how the environment can contribute to the human experience. A Q&A with author Bill Ferris, Ashley Melzer, director of “Okay, Mr. Ray!”; Betsy Lipscomb, Ray Lum’s grand-niece; and Henry Harris, a descendant of mule trader Squire Harris.
The event will be held Saturday, July 13, at 7 p.m. at the Strand, located at 717 Clay Street in downtown Vicksburg. The program, which is supported by the Mississippi Humanities Council – which also helped fund the new films – is free and open to the public.
Read more at: https://www.vicksburgpost.com/2024/06/29/his-wits-and-his-words-strand-theatre-to-feature-films-about-famed-mule-trade/