“REMEMBER IT WHEN I AM GONE”
On September 3-6, 2025, events were held in Jackson and Clinton to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Clinton Massacre and honor the victims, among whom were legislators Charles Caldwell and James G. Patterson. All events were free and open to the public. Please see below for photos, videos, and press coverage of the events.
SEPTEMBER 3 – “HISTORY IS LUNCH”
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History’s weekly “History is Lunch” program at the Two Mississippi Museums focused on the Clinton Massacre with remarks from Al Dorsey, Missy Jones, Nicholas Lemann, and DeeDee Baldwin, with Drew Gardner moderating.
Watch the recording here (start at 5:25)
SEPTEMBER 4 – REFLECTION AT THE HISTORICAL MARKER
About 35 people gathered at the historical marker, located at 300 Northside Drive in Clinton, for a brief reflection on the day of the anniversary. Speakers included Missy Jones and Senator Hillman Frazier, who spoke about his Senate Resolution 120.
Watch Senator Frazier’s speech here.
Watch part of Missy Jones’ remarks here (recording by Rep. Zakiya Summers).
SEPTEMBER 4 – “THE 1875 CLINTON MASSACRE AND THE OVERTHROW OF MULTIRACIAL DEMOCRACY IN MISSISSIPPI”
An academic panel discussion was held at Mississippi College’s Entergy Theatre with Al Dorsey, Missy Jones, Nicholas Lemann, and Heath Anderson, with DeeDee Baldwin moderating. The panel was co-sponsored by the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library.
I meant to record the entire panel, but my phone acted up during the recording. Here are a few clips:
Video clip: Al Dorsey
Video clip: Missy Jones
Video clip: Nicholas Lemann
SEPTEMBER 6 – MEMORIAL SERVICE
Mount Hood Missionary Baptist Church, which was founded and is still attended by descendants of Massacre survivors, hosted a memorial service for the victims, with Ezra Price as program guide. Descendants James Robinson and Deborah Bradford spoke about their ancestor, survivor Sally Lee. DeeDee Baldwin honored murdered legislators Charles Caldwell and James G. Patterson. Special music was provided by Janice McQuirter, who sang “Because of Who You Are.” Congressman Bennie Thompson delivered keynote remarks about protecting democracy in times of political violence. State Senator Hillman Frazier spoke about SR 120. Candles were lit for the known and unknown victims of the Massacre. NAACP President Derrick Johnson also offered remarks. Opening and closing prayers were offered by Rev. Jason Coker and Rev. Larry Thompson.
Watch the Mount Hood recording of the service here.
Watch DeeDee Baldwin’s recording of the service here.
News Coverage:
- Mississippi State University Press Release (Aug 29)
- Video: WAPT News coverage of gathering at historical marker (Sep 4)
- Video: WAPT News coverage of memorial service (Sep 6)
- Mississippi Today article (Sep 8)
- The Mississippi Link article (Sep 11)
