Senate Resolution 10

A RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE RECOGNITION OF THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE TO THE LEGACY AND COMMUNITY SERVICE OF THE 100 MEN HALL IN BAY SAINT LOUIS, MISSISSIPPI, AS THE RECIPIENT OF THE 2024 GOVERNOR'S ARTS AWARD FOR ARTS IN THE COMMUNITY.

WHEREAS, the Governor's Arts Awards Program has announced its 2024 recipients, which include the 100 Men Hall in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, as the 2024 recipient of the Arts in the Community Award; and

WHEREAS, established in 1988, Governor's Arts Awards are given to individuals and organizations to recognize outstanding work in the artistic disciplines, as well as arts-based community development and arts patronage in Mississippi. The awards are presented in partnership with the Governor's Office and signify the important relationship between government and the arts; and

WHEREAS, the 100 Men Hall was built by and for the African American community of Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi. In 1894, 12 civic-minded African American men in Bay Saint Louis came together to form a benevolent society to care for their community; and

WHEREAS, from the nonprofit organization grew a desire for a place to gather and celebrate all life events, and in 1922, the 100 Men Hall was built. The Hall became the epicenter of Black life and culture for the Mississippi Gulf Coast, allowing talented artists and musicians, excluded from other venues, an exhibition space while supporting cooperative economics; and

WHEREAS, over the decades, the Hall has attracted legendary musicians such as James Brown, Etta James and Ray Charles as a stop on the "Chitlin' Circuit." Significantly, it is one of the few physical landmarks still standing on the Mississippi Blues Trail, a rare African American landmark in the South, and today operates as a living museum and testament to its past, present and future; and

WHEREAS, Rachel Dangermond purchased the Hall in 2018 and resurrected the 1894 landmark as a 501c3 nonprofit and was inspired to continue the tradition of using art to tell stories by showcasing a variety of performances, such as spoken, visual and literary work while continuing the sacred act of presenting live music on its historic stage; and

WHEREAS, the Hall celebrates and elevates cultural diversity throughout the year with events like "A Soulful Christmas," "Juneteenth Jubilees," "Dia de los Muertos," "The Matzo Ball," "Drag Shows" and "Happy & Gay Hour." Every second Saturday, the 100 Men Hall transforms into a haven for writers: "The Writing Room." It is a unique assembly where writers convene to craft their tales within a place steeped in its own stories; and

WHEREAS, at the helm of this creative vessel is author-in-residence Ellen Morris Prewitt; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we pay tribute and express appreciation for the energy of a Mississippi landmark whose support of the arts has made Mississippi a better place and exemplifies the charitable and artistic/literary traditions of our great state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we hereby extend the recognition of the Mississippi Senate to the legacy and community service of the 100 Men Hall in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, as the recipient of the 2024 Governor's Arts Award for Arts in the Community and extend our congratulations to this outstanding arts support leader on this auspicious occasion.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the administrative staff of the 100 Men Hall and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.