The 23rd annual Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration, on Feb. 23-26, used the theme, “Legends, Lore, and Literature: Storytelling in the South.” With so many humanities scholars celebrating the richness of life in the South, many opportunities occurred for the audience to learn, to laugh, to be challenged to think, to just sit back and enjoy. Whether a speaker was defining “legends” and “tales” or reading from his or her literary works, participants had ample opportunities to deepen their appreciation of the humanities.

The entire program centered on storytelling — a celebration of both literature and history. The conference allowed an opportunity to enjoy fiction and non-fiction, poetry and prose, music and food. It moved from the serious — Frank X Walker’s “After Medgar: No More Fear” with very powerful poetry — to fun in Judge Michael Mills’ “Old Tombigbee Storytelling.” And again, it moved from the serious — in Curtis Wilkie’s “Traveling Through ‘Dixie’ With ‘Zeus’” — and back to fun in Marcelle Bienvenu’s “My Love Affair with Food.” The organizers are to be commended for their masterful arrangement of sessions and the balance offered by so many different humanities scholars.

The event was well attended, and the organizers achieved their goal of attracting a diverse audience. Humanities scholars were very effective in addressing the central “storytelling” theme, and they certainly helped the organizers reach another goal — that of encouraging critical thinking. Many speakers offered a question-and-answer time at the end of their presentations, allowing for even more audience participation.

The program was well designed for effective use of people and resources. Of particular interest was the presentation by Tricia Walker and Davis Raines, “Come and Listen to My Story — The Melodic Narrative in American Country Music.” Designed with PowerPoint slides to look back in history at people in country music, coupled with songs sung by Tricia or Davis, their presentation was both informative and entertaining. The organizers then used them to entertain participants at a nice lunch at the Carriage House. This same use of presenters in more than one way included the very interesting presentation by Marcelle Bienvenu, “My Love Affair with Food” and her inspiring the menu for the Carriage House luncheon — complete with a recipe for the dessert at each place setting.

Major strengths of the event were the large numbers of humanities scholars who participated throughout the four days — as well as the diversity of topics related to storytelling in the South. After 23 years of organizing this annual celebration, perhaps the sponsors have it to an art. The speakers chosen, the time allowed for each session, the variety of disciplines brought to the platform, and the physical accommodations were all very appropriate. An informal survey of participants confirms that many people who attend have done so for many years — further proof of a job well-done.

Benefits of the NLCC are many. One is the knowledge made available to the Mississippi Humanities Council. Attendees from all over Mississippi know people who have done a good job at the NLCC. This event could spur people to bring some of the scholars to their own communities. The Mississippi Humanities Council might also see the potential for bringing some presenters into the MHC Speakers’ Bureau.

The NLCC lived up to its stellar reputation in 2012. Congratulations!

Glenice Stone is the director of the Eula Dees Memorial Library, Northeast Mississippi Community College, Booneville. The annual MHC’s $5,000 grant to the NLCC required an official evaluation, which was provided by Stone.

 

Glenice Stone is the director of the Eula Dees Memorial Library, Northeast Mississippi Community College, Booneville. The annual MHC’s $5,000 grant to the NLCC required an official evaluation, which was provided by Stone.