723 Main St.
Hattiesburg, MS

Although it was funded by the taxes of all citizens, the Hattiesburg Public Library reflected the ideologies of a segregated society as it only allowed white citizens to check out books and use its services. Several attempts were made by African-American children to check out books during Freedom Summer 1964; however, they were denied. For this reason, Freedom Schools offered books and literature for those who wanted them.

The Italian Renaissance-style building now houses the Hattiesburg Cultural Center, which is home to the Hattiesburg Arts Council and Hattiesburg Area Historical Society. It is a Mississippi landmark structure.

+++

Umoja Kwanguvu was a Freedom Summer teacher who encountered problems when visiting the library. He recounts the story on the audio for this stop.

Narrator: Cameron Rackley

Historical Narration: Umoja Kwanguvu, provided by the University of Southern Mississippi Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage.

Listen to Audio

Return to Tour