Mississippi Cultural Crossroads (MCC) began in 1978 to encourage the youth of Port Gibson and Claiborne County to explore and appreciate the arts and culture of the community through photography. Over the years, MCC developed a variety of arts programming for students including Peanut Butter & Jelly Theater and Summer Art. MCC became known for the Crossroads Quilters, including master quilter and teacher Mrs. Hystercine Rankin, a 1997 NEA National Heritage Fellow, and master quilters Geraldine Nash, Mary Ann Norton, Gustina Atlas, and Tammy McGrew. Collecting oral histories of local people has long been a passion of the organization. In addition to preserving the historical perspectives and memories of local citizens, MCC shared many practical ideas for using oral history to create public programming, including the I Ain’t Lying magazine series, GOOD EATING, a booklet of interviews about local foodways, accompanied by a CD of interviews, and community plays, WHAT IT THIS FREEDOM, HOLLA!, and HOW THE DEAL ROCKED UP, based on the stories.
