Laurel Celebrates Mississippi Bicentennial with Community Photo Stories

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Laurel, Mississippi – July 27, 2017 – Blue Magnolia Films in partnership with The City of Laurel, Laurel Main Street, The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Chisholm Foundation and local organizers, will host a FREE public screening, Saturday, July 29, 7- 9 p.m. at Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, to premiere a series of photo stories, produced by local community leaders, to commemorate the Mississippi Bicentennial.

The photo stories, each three minutes in length, will celebrate the theme, “Home Is Our Heritage” highlighting the importance of Laurel’s unique heritage from diverse perspectives.

Resulting photos stories will be posted online using social media and will be integrated into downtown revitalization projects, including a “walkable” gallery, community events and a book project highlighting Bicentennial stories around the state.

Participants include: Akeem Davis (free agent, NFL), Katrina Cox (Choral Director, Maddox Elementary School), Samantha Nowicki (Lauren Rogers Museum of Art), Richard and Portland Brown (Hair World), Larry and Pamela Thomas (Thomas Pharmacy), Chris Wilson (Realtor), Joseph Cooley (Artist), Katelyn Bryant (Teacher, Maddox Elementary School) and Brooke Davis (Black Horn Productions).

Additional support provided by Laurel Mayor, Johnny Magee, Laurel Chamber of Commerce, and local caterers, Marilyn Fuquay and Rod Hollins/Hi5Eats.

 Laurel is one of ten cities elected to participate in “Celebrating Storytelling”, a Mississippi Bicentennial project that will culminate with 100 community voices by the end of the year.

Alison Fast, Founder of Blue Magnolia Films says, “Storytelling is a powerful way to pay homage to the themes that have carried Laurel from its beginnings, and will continue to guide the success stories of people who live here and make Laurel ‘home’.” 

WHAT:  Celebrating Storytellers: Home Is Our Heritage (Mississippi Bicentennial Event)

WHEN: Saturday, July 29, 7-9 PM

WHERE: The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art

WHO: 9 community storytellers 

CONTACTS: Alison Fast c. 310-497-7109/ Email: alison@bluemagnoliafilms.com 

Judi Holifield  judi@laurelmainstreet.com Tel: 601-433-3255 

LINKS: www.bluemagnoliafilms.com / FB: @BlueMagnoliaFilms

COST: Free and open to the public. 

Written by Keri Rowell

Keri is a member of the Laurel Main Street Board of Directors and the Promotions Committee Chair. She has been involved with Laurel Main Street since high school, and owns a small business in Downtown Laurel.