Things were different for the Mississippi Book Festival's sixth edition. We never dreamed that the 2020 literary lawn party would become a “virtual” event but, with a pandemic raging, that’s where we landed. With generous funders and some of our favorite authors, we served up lively and informative conversations online. We began with celebrated panelists Ron Rash (In the Valley), Natasha Trethewey (Memorial Drive), Wayètu Moore (The Dragons, The Giant, The Women), Nic Stone (Dear Justice) and Michael Farris Smith (The Fighter). Later we featured Richard Grant (The Deepest South of All), Tiffany McDaniel (Betty), John Marszalek (Coming Out of the Magnolia Closet) and Cassandra King Conroy (Tell Me a Story). These and more virtual panelists explored a range of subjects through new books and writings in our first ever Virtual 2020 Festival. 2020 Funders >
We’ve been busy recording! Here’s a quicklist of panels, panelists and community engagement experiences in videos and podcasts. Clicking items in this list conveniently “jumps” you to the place lower on this page where you can watch or listen to recordings.
Scroll down. Pick a panel. Click on the “+” to watch and listen.
Welcome Message from our Executive Director
75th Anniversary of Richard Wright’s Black Boy
On the 75th publication anniversary of Richard Wright’s Black Boy, C. Liegh McInnis, Kiese Laymon, and Charlie Braxton reflect on the importance of this monumental literary work.
A Conversation with Angie Thomas & Nic Stone
A Conversation with Brittney Morris
Brittney Morris is joined by Dr. Ebony Lumumba to discuss her hit debut YA novel, Slay.
A Conversation with Cassandra King Conroy
A Conversation with Dr. Nancy Bristow
Dr. Nancy Bristow joins C. Liegh McInnis in conversation about her new book, Steeped in the Blood of Racism.
A Conversation with Elliot Ackerman
A Conversation with Gilbert Ford
A Conversation with John F. Marszalek III
A Conversation with Michael Farris Smith
A Conversation with Natasha Trethewey
A Conversation with Richard Grant and Martha Hall Foose
A Conversation with Ron Rash
A Conversation with Roy DeBerry
A Conversation with Tiffany McDaniel
A Conversation with Wayètu Moore
Wayètu Moore joins Dr. Ebony Lumumba in conversation about her new memoir, The Dragons, The Giant, The Women.
Page to Screen
Reader Feature: Librarian Edition #1
Reader Feature: Librarian Edition #2
Reader Feature: Reviewer Edition #1
Reader Feature: Student Edition #2
Reader Feature: Student Edition #4
Reader Feature: Student Edition #5
Reader Feature: Student Edition #6
Southern Fried Futures
Uncomfortable: Episode 1
Holly Lange, Executive Director of the Mississippi Book Festival, visits with Dr. Ebony Lumumba, First Lady of Jackson, Tougaloo College Associate Professor of English, and Festival Board member, about racism, anti-racism and how we can create positive change.
In a conversation that kicks off the new podcast series “Uncomfortable,” Ebony and Holly talk about books, articles and resources for all ages. The series will feature many of these works by contemporary writers, sharing their experiences, thoughts, and hope for the future.
Uncomfortable: Episode 2
In Episode 2 of “Uncomfortable”, Holly Lange and Dr. Ebony Lumumba discuss more in depth a few books discussed in Episode 1. Some of the titles discussed are Toni Morrison’s Playing in the Dark, Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow, Ibram X. Kendi’s Stamped from the Beginning, Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give, and more!