Charlyne Oten, and Paul Bacon talk in front of an a photograph of Julius E. Thompson, during an evening of remembrance featuring Thompson Tuesday at The Museum of African-American History and Culture. Thompson was a respected poet, a professor, author and historian. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Dorothy Matthews talks with Felicia Irving in front of a photograph of Julius E. Thompson, during an evening of remembrance featuring Thompson Tuesday at The Museum of African-American History and Culture. Thompson was a respected poet, a professor, author and historian. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Darrell White welcomes everyone to The Museum of African-American History and Culture (NAPAC), Tuesday, to experience the Julius Thompson exhibit. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

(Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Julius Thompson high school alumni stand together at the opening of the Julius Thompson exhibit at The Museum of African-American History and Culture (NAPAC). They said he had a distinctive laugh and they remember him always going to the library. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

(Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Beverly Raines looks over a table featuring some of Julius Thompson’s writings and novels Tuesday during the opening of the Julius Thompson exhibit at The Museum of African-American History and Culture (NAPAC). The exhibit is on loan from the Margret Walker Alexander Center at Jackson State University. It will be at NAPAC for several months. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)