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.

Blues Festival, 2007

This is the 30th annual Mississippi Blues and Heritage Festival in Greenville, MS. I've been to Doe's Eat Place already, so the rest of the trip is bonus. Here are a few pictures from Greenville and the surrounding area. Pictures of the festival to come.