Mississippi has a complex and significant history when it comes to Black Americans. The state played a major role in the Civil Rights Movement, with numerous activists and leaders emerging from Mississippi, such as Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, and James Meredith.

One of the most infamous incidents in Mississippi's history is the murder of Emmett Till in 1955. Till, a 14-year-old African American boy, was brutally killed after being accused of whistling at a white woman. The acquittal of the men responsible for his murder highlighted the deep-seated racism and injustice prevalent in the state at that time.

Mississippi was also a battleground for desegregation and voting rights during the 1960s. Activists and organizations like the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP) fought against discriminatory laws and practices, leading to significant changes in the state and the country.

Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, Black Mississippians have made significant contributions to various fields, including music, literature, politics, and sports. Artists like B.B. King and Richard Wright, as well as political leaders like John R. Lynch and Robert G. Clark Jr., have left a lasting impact on Black history in Mississippi and beyond.