Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

NATCHEZ—On Wednesday, a professor of law and history from the UCLA School of Law will be in Natchez to listen to Natchez residents talk about their personal experiences of how Natchez has changed and imagine what change remains possible today.

The community is invited to attend and participate in the “Community Conversation with Dr. Ariela J. Gross, distinguished professor of law and history at UCLA School of Law.”

The event will take place on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at 1720 Gallery, 227 N. MLK St. It is being hosted in collaboration with BlackNatchez.org and its founder, Joseph Smith.

“I’m interested in hearing from local folks how they experienced change (or not) over their lifetimes in terms of segregation and integration in schools, businesses, and elsewhere; in terms of the stories about the past that live on in the present through monuments, Spring Pilgrimage and the tourist industry, and public discussion; and how those stories shape people’s experiences in the present,” Gross said.

Gross has been studying and researching Natchez for more than 30 years. The information shared during Wednesday’s conversation will support Dr. Gross’s upcoming book, “Erasing Slavery: How Stories of Slavery and Freedom Shape Battles Over The Constitution.”

“I’m excited about the opportunity to have our local community share their personal experiences. Initially, we thought we might just hand-pick a couple of people to share their experiences, but after more consideration, we figured, why not just open it to the public and see what kind of stories emerge? It’s been a few months since we’ve hosted a community conversation and I’m excited to get these going again,” said Smith, founder and executive director of BlackNatchez.org

As further enticement to attend, free dinner entrees are being covered by Dr Gross for all registered attendees.

To register, visit BlackNatchez.org.