On October 6, the MHC will partner with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to host a screening and panel discussion of the documentary film Civil War (or Who Do We Think We Are?) at the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson. The film, created and produced by Rachel Boynton, addresses Civil War memory and how the Reconstruction period is portrayed in education.
In making the film, Boynton interviewed educators, community leaders, politicians, and students across the South. Among those Boynton interviewed were Missy Jones of Mississippi College, Atwayn Patrick of the Holmes County Consolidated School District, and Dr. Stephanie Rolph of Millsaps College. All three Mississippians share their approaches in educating their students and general public on the Civil War through historical facts. They also discuss the struggle as educators to correct the Lost Cause narrative in a place like Mississippi.
The film is timely and aids in the current conversation about how and what we should remember of the Civil War. Boynton asks the viewer to question what they think they know of the Civil War and challenges them to re-educate themselves, hopefully with more diverse resources.
The panel discussion to follow the screening will include Boynton, Jones, Patrick, and Rolph. Long-time educator and administrator within the state department of education, Chauncey Spears, will also be included. The goal of the panel discussion is to not only discuss themes from the film, but also to understand the current climate on Civil War and Reconstruction education within Mississippi schools.
The program will be held in the Neilson Auditorium within the Two Mississippi Museums and will begin with the film screening at 5:30 p.m. followed by the panel discussion. Food and beverage will be served. Due COVID-19, masks will be enforced at this event.
