3157 - Voices of Mississippi
Course Description
Join us for an engaging discussion of Voices of Mississippi, the most recent work by noted historian William Ferris that includes a portrait of people whom he recorded, photographed, and filmed during his work as a folklorist of the American South. Individuals range from unknown blues musicians, quilt makers, and prison inmates to celebrated writers like Eudora Welty, Alice Walker, and Robert Penn Warren. The course will explore how all their lives—like pieces in a patchwork quilt–are woven together through their stories. With a broad array of photos, film clips, stories, and music, “Voices of Mississippi” paints a powerful picture of a unique time and place that remains an essential piece of the American cultural fabric. A book signing of the box set by the author will follow the discussion. Join us for an informative and lively session!
Course Outline
William R. Ferris, Ph.D., a widely recognized leader in Southern studies, African American music, and folklore, is the Joel R. Williamson Eminent Professor of History Emeritus at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the senior associate director emeritus of its Center for the Study of the American South. He is also an adjunct professor emeritus in the curriculum on folklore. The former chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities (1997-2001), Ferris has conducted thousands of interviews with musicians ranging from the famous (B.B. King) to the unrecognized (Parchman Penitentiary inmates working in the fields).
He has written or edited 10 books and created 15 documentary films. He co-edited the massive "Encyclopedia of Southern Culture" (UNC Press, 1989), which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. He also authored, “The South in Color: A Visual Journal,” which was published in 2016 by the University of North Carolina Press. His most recent work, Voices of Mississippi (http://www.dust-digital.com/ferris/) received two Grammy awards, one for Best Historical Album, and another, for Best Album Notes.
At Carolina, Ferris taught classes both on southern literature and on southern music, including Native American songs, Appalachian folk ballads, Afro-American hymns, spirituals, work chants, blues, country music, gospel, jazz, rock, and rap.
Notes
This course takes place in-person at the Friday Conference Center and consists of one session, Wednesday, May 10, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. The fee is $25.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellation must be received in writing at least one week before the start of classes. Participants will be issued a refund, less a $10 administrative fee. Contact Student Services, at stuserv@unc.edu for more information.
Participant substitutions are welcome. If you cannot attend, please contact Student Services with the name of the individual who will take your place.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, or need further information or assistance, please contact Laura Respess at lrespess@email.unc.edu.