Via Assistant Professor Christopher Hunter, Ph.D.

The "African American Church Houses of Mississippi" exhibit introduces and examines the historical, socio-cultural, religious and architectural influence people and events had on the design and construction of early African American church buildings constructed between 1800 to the 1920s. 

The Civil Rights movement in Mississippi, like in many other southern states, found its home and heart in the black churches, chapels and worship spaces on historically black college and university campuses. 

These churches were more than a place to worship – they served as educational, political, economic and communal places. 

The institution of the black church, as well as the church houses, have always been the center of the African American community and life, while standing as the first real example of constructed material culture by and for African Americans.

Read more at msstate.edu.