Unita Blackwell

Before the Blues Festival last week I had a chance to visit with civil rights legend and pioneer Unita Blackwell in her home in tiny Mayersville, Mississippi. She was the first black woman to be elected in Mississippi. She founded the US-China People's Friendship Association. She was awarded the MacArthur Foundation's "Genius" grant. I photographed Ms. Blackwell in her childhood home, which stands a few yards behind her current house. The old home holds a wealth of civil rights memorabilia.

Ms. Blackwell has written a wonderful book about her life. Check it out. And don't forget, Christmas is just around the corner.