McMorrough Library Renovation Project for Cultivating the Humanities

FAIN: CHA-268843-20

Holmes Community College (Goodman, MS 39079-2300)
James Thompson (Project Director: May 2019 to October 2023)
Lindy McCain (Project Director: October 2023 to present)

The renovation of interior spaces in the college’s McMorrough Library, in order to facilitate activities and services that advance humanities education and programming.

The McMorrough Library of Holmes Community College (HCC) in Goodman, MS, is dedicated to the preservation of humanities and seeks to provide an inclusive environment, offering informative programs to cultivate critical-thinking citizens. To enrich and diversify the scope of humanities extended to students, faculty, staff, and community members, HCC has developed plans to renovate the 1975 structure’s interior spaces and their contents. Because of the low socio-economic population the library serves, the need for exposure to the humanities is critical for individuals to recognize their own dreams and potential through the study of literary characters and historical figures who overcame struggles before them. Hence, the new multifaceted spaces proposed by the McMorrough Library Renovation Project for Cultivating the Humanities will secure practical activities set forth as well as advance the library to become an innovative leader among Mississippi’s fifteen public community colleges.

Associated Products

The Humanizing Force of Black Poetry in the Antebellum South (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: The Humanizing Force of Black Poetry in the Antebellum South
Abstract: The historical poetry reading titled “The Humanizing Force of Black Poetry in the Antebellum South” was assembled to analyze and provide context to poetry published by black-owned newspapers in the antebellum era. Three Holmes humanities instructors were assembled for a discussion panel, with a fourth Holmes humanities instructor serving as moderator. Each panelist was charged to explore a different facet of the three poems selected for the event. After each poem was read by a Holmes student volunteer, the context of literature, historical connection, and prosody of each selected poem were presented and discussed, allowing 15 minutes for each perspective. Sound systems and covered microphones were used to accommodate readers and panelists for the event to be heard in person and recorded for other instructors to share with their classes. The event was well promoted via local news, social and radio media, and shown on informational displays throughout Holmes Community College. Forty-five seats were placed as limited seating per health restrictions, and televisions were used to showcase the poetry during the event.
Author: Jessica Brown
Date: 04/15/21
Location: McMorrough Library and Archives
Primary URL: https://library.holmescc.edu/mcmorrough-library-neh-grant-resources/
Primary URL Description: Holmes Community College NEH Grant Resources

Black in America Series The Revolutionary Era (Exhibition)
Title: Black in America Series The Revolutionary Era
Curator: McMorrough Library and Archives
Abstract: “Black in America: The Revolutionary Era” is a multi-panel pictorial and informational exhibition developed to examine the role Blacks played in the American Revolutionary era. Twelve panels were assembled on the Main Reading Room’s floor of McMorrough Library for the exhibition. Informational and visual displays were obtained through reputable sources, organized by major figures and groups of blacks who played significant roles during the course of the American Revolution.
Year: 2020
Primary URL: https://library.holmescc.edu/mcmorrough-library-neh-grant-resources/
Primary URL Description: Holmes Community College NEH Grant Resources webpage

Foundation Report 2021: Giving McMorrough a New Look (Article)
Title: Foundation Report 2021: Giving McMorrough a New Look
Author: Katherine Ellard
Abstract: Each year, the Holmes Community College Development Foundation publishes the Foundation Report. This publication serves as the organization’s annual report and recognizes notable donors or friends of the College. The 2021 Foundation Report published an article about the NEH Grant and the implementation of its renovation plans (pp. 26-27). The report is made available on the website and printed copies are sent to all registered HCC alumni.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://holmescc.edu/pdf/Foundation/2021-FoundationReport-web.pdf?_t=1623334567
Primary URL Description: HCC Development Foundation Report website
Format: Other
Publisher: HCC Development Foundation

Holmes Foundation awarded NEH Challenge Grant for McMorrough Library (Article)
Title: Holmes Foundation awarded NEH Challenge Grant for McMorrough Library
Author: Steve Diffey
Abstract: Once the award of the NEH Grant was made official, the College shares the news with students, faculty, staff, and community members via an article published on the College's Main News portal and all social media venues.
Year: 2020
Primary URL: https://news.holmescc.edu/holmes-foundation-awarded-neh-challenge-grant-for-mcmorrough-library/
Access Model: open access
Format: Other
Publisher: Holmes Community College Communications Department

McMorrough Library and Archives to present historical poetry reading: "The Humanizing Force of Black Poetry in the Antebellum South" (Article)
Title: McMorrough Library and Archives to present historical poetry reading: "The Humanizing Force of Black Poetry in the Antebellum South"
Author: Steve Diffey
Abstract: The informative article was published to inform students, faculty, staff, and community members of the upcoming humanities event hosted by the library with respect to the NEH Grant humanities activities.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://news.holmescc.edu/mcmorrough-library-and-archives-to-present-historical-poetry-reading-the-humanizing-force-of-black-poetry-in-the-antebellum-south/
Primary URL Description: Holmes Community College News website that is shared via all of the College's social media platforms
Access Model: open access
Format: Other
Publisher: Holmes Community College Communications Department

A Groundbreaking Day at Holmes Community College (Article)
Title: A Groundbreaking Day at Holmes Community College
Author: Kimberly Clark
Abstract: Local news media covered the day's events at Holmes Community College, including the ceremony recognizing the renovation of the library made possible by the NEH Grant. U.S. Senator Roger Wicker spoke at the ribbon cutting, acknowledging the importance of the NEH Grant and its benefits to the College and community.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://www.breezynews.com/local/a-groundbreaking-day-at-holmes-community-college
Primary URL Description: Breezy News.com of Boswell Media, Kosciusko, MS
Access Model: open access
Format: Other
Publisher: BreezyNews.com, Boswell Media

Spirituals from the Underground: How Music Inspired and Instructed Slaves to Pursue Their Freedom (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Spirituals from the Underground: How Music Inspired and Instructed Slaves to Pursue Their Freedom
Abstract: A music lecture/recital offering a brief history, explanation, and musical demonstration of selected songs used to inspire and instruct slaves attempting to escape slavery during the 19th century.
Author: Jay Cheatham
Author: Benny Edwards
Date: 09/28/2021
Location: McMorrough Library
Primary URL: http://https://library.holmescc.edu/mcmorrough-library-neh-grant-resources/

Beauty and Poise: Women Writers of the Harlem Renaissance (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Beauty and Poise: Women Writers of the Harlem Renaissance
Abstract: “Beauty and Poise: Women Writers of the Harlem Renaissance.” The Humanities Council was apprised of this event, as it was a statewide honor for Lashonda Levy, as the Humanities Teacher of the Year for Mississippi. The event was held on the main floor of the library (February 24, 2022 at 2:00 – 3:00pm). Book and television displays framed the speaking podium, as Levy discussed the importance of African American female writers to literary culture during the Harlem Renaissance.
Author: Lashonda Levy
Date: 02/24/2022
Location: McMorrough Library
Primary URL: http://https://library.holmescc.edu/mcmorrough-library-neh-grant-resources/

Traveling While Black (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Traveling While Black
Author: Jason Kelly
Abstract: The library hosted a classroom event for history students on February 8th and 10th, where virtual reality systems showcased relevant 3d immersive experiences during Black History Month. College history instructor, Jason Kelly, brought his classes and used the library main floor for the showcase during class periods. The software showcased was “Traveling While Black,” which teaches civil rights and segregation history to students.
Year: 2022
Primary URL: http://https://library.holmescc.edu/mcmorrough-library-neh-grant-resources/
Audience: Undergraduate

The Black Experience: Civil War Stories of Courage, Hope, and Perseverance (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: The Black Experience: Civil War Stories of Courage, Hope, and Perseverance
Abstract: A lecture on civil war times shown and told through the perspectives of black Americans.
Author: James Thompson
Date: 11/2/2022
Location: Mc Morrough Library, Goodman, MS
Primary URL: http://vimeo.com/768106556/3f0670b015
Primary URL Description: Video of the presentation

Harlem Renaissance Sound Showcase Featuring Terry Miller and the 41st Army Band (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Harlem Renaissance Sound Showcase Featuring Terry Miller and the 41st Army Band
Abstract: A musical performance of songs from the Harlem renaissance.
Author: Terry Miller
Date: 4/5/23
Location: McDaniel Auditorium, Goodman, MS
Primary URL: http://library.holmescc.edu/mcmorrough-library-neh-grant-resources/
Primary URL Description: Video of presentation and performance.

Freedom Riders (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Freedom Riders
Abstract: Viewing of the documentar
Author: Mississippi Department of Archives and History
Date: 10/30/2024
Location: McMorrough Library

"Black Mississippians Navigate Reconstruction: African-American Voices from the Civil War & Reconstruction Governors of Mississippi Project" (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: "Black Mississippians Navigate Reconstruction: African-American Voices from the Civil War & Reconstruction Governors of Mississippi Project"
Abstract: Dr. Susannah Ural is a member of the Mississippi Humanities Council Speaker's Bureau.
Author: Dr. Susannah Ural
Date: 2/26/2024
Location: McMorrough Library

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