“Beyond the Census” Project Awarded Grant to Reclaim Mississippi's Forgotten Narratives through the Delta Burial Corporation
It All Begins Here
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARKS, MS — The Quitman County Development Organization (QCDO), in partnership with Crimson Stories, is proud to announce the launch of “Beyond the Census: Reclaiming Mississippi's Forgotten Narratives through the Delta Burial Corporation.” This landmark public humanities project has been made possible by a $10,000 grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council, through support from the State of Mississippi.
The project is an official America250 Mississippi initiative dedicated to digitizing and preserving the historical records of the Delta Burial Corporation. As a pilot program, the effort will focus on digitizing the first 50 years of records, which include ledger entries and documents that pre-date or supplement existing census data. By transforming these fragile physical archives into a searchable digital format, the project aims to bridge historical gaps and provide families with a vital link to their ancestry.
“This work is about more than just scanning paper; it is about restoring identities and ensuring that the stories of our ancestors are not lost to time,” said Tommiea Jackson, Owner of Crimson Stories and Project Director. “For many families in the Delta, traditional records are incomplete. By looking ‘Beyond the Census,’ we are building a digital infrastructure that honors these legacies and provides a roadmap for future generations to find their way home.”
The Quitman County Development Organization, which serves as the fiscal recipient of the grant, sees this as a vital extension of their mission to strengthen the community through both economic and cultural investment.
“Preserving our history is a fundamental part of community development,” said Robert L. Jackson, CEO of the Quitman County Development Organization. “The Delta Burial Corporation records are a treasure trove of information that reflects the resilience and spirit of our people. QCDO is honored to support a project that so clearly aligns with our commitment to honoring the past while building a stronger future for Quitman County.”
The Delta Burial Corporation has been a cornerstone of the Marks community for a century, providing essential services and maintaining a continuous record of the region’s residents.
“We have held these records for 100 years, and we understand the weight of the history contained within them,” said Manuel Killebrew of the Delta Burial Corporation. “Partnering with Tommiea and QCDO allows us to share these stories with the world. It is a beautiful thing to see these archives being brought into the light so that families can finally connect the dots of their own history.”
This official America250 project was made possible by a grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council, through support from the State of Mississippi. Once digitized, these records will be accessible via a dedicated project website, creating a permanent resource for genealogists, historians, and the public.
For more information on the project or to learn how to support the matching funds initiative, please contact Tommiea Jackson.
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About Crimson Stories Crimson Stories is a strategic communications and research consultancy specializing in narrative architecture, genealogy, and digital preservation. Founded by Tommiea Jackson, APR, the firm focuses on uncovering and preserving the stories of the Mississippi Delta.
About Quitman County Development Organization (QCDO) QCDO is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents of Quitman County through economic development, housing assistance, and community-based historical preservation initiatives.
About Delta Burial Corporation A legacy institution in Marks, Mississippi, the Delta Burial Corporation has served the community for 100 years, maintaining an unparalleled funeral services.
Media Contact: Tommiea Jackson Project Director, Beyond the Census 662-609-0169 tjackson@crimsonstories.com.