February marks Black History Month, and Hattiesburg residents have several opportunities to get involved through the city’s historic landmarks. The Sixth Street Museum District, home to the African American Military History Museum, Historic Eureka School, Smith Drug Co., and the Oseola McCarty House, offers events celebrating African American history and culture.
The African American Military History Museum, constructed in 1942 in Hattiesburg’s historic USO building, stands as a symbol of African American history. Initially a recreation center for military personnel and later a community hub for African Americans, the museum now showcases military memorabilia and is open for public tours and events.
One event scheduled during Black History Month is “Storytime with a Soldier,” designed for children in pre-kindergarten through second grade. Free to the public, the event gives children a chance to interact with a military veteran, participate in arts and crafts, and listen to stories. The first session took place on February 7, when children met LaShaundra Bradford, a retired Master Sergeant of the U.S. Air Force.
Bradford read Maxine Got a Job by Alexandra Garyn and Bryan Reisberg.
“I hope that after reading or hearing this story, the kids will be able to figure out what they love to do in life because that’s what Maxine figured out,” Bradford said. “I think it’s important for the kids to do what they love instead of trying to follow what everyone else is doing. They should figure out what they love and then go after that.”
Following the reading, Bradford encouraged the children as they shared their future aspirations. The group was then surprised by a visit from Mayor Toby Barker. Afterward, a museum staff member taught the children about the Six Triple Eight, a unit of African American servicewomen who sorted and delivered mail during World War II. The children participated in a hands-on activity, pretending to be members of the Six Triple Eight by sorting mail into color-coded bins.
The event concluded with a tour of the museum, where the children took pictures at the horse exhibit. Bradford expressed her passion for inspiring young minds, sharing her reflections on the importance of Black history.
“I am Black history. Yes, I am. I am my ancestors. I am everything they fought for. It’s me,” Bradford said.
The next “Storytime with a Soldier” event will be held on February 21 at 10 a.m. Other upcoming events include “Career Chat with Servicemembers” on February 18, where high school students can speak with military personnel about career opportunities, and “On Strike: MS Freedom Labor Union and Strike City” on February 20. The latter will feature a screening of the Strike City documentary and a lecture by Dr. Robert L. Reece at the Historic Eureka School.
All events are free and open to the public, though registration is required. For more information about events in the Sixth Street Museum District, call (601) 450-1942 or follow them on social media.