Language
English (en)
Date of Award
Spring 5-12-2025
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts (A.B.)
Restricted/Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Abstract
This thesis examines the history of how Black Mississippians in the greater Madison County area have conceptualized land ownership since circa 1970 in order to understand how acquiring land has historically been seen as a significant source of financial, social, and mental security for Black folks in rural Madison County. By looking at oral history interviews from mostly the Garrett family and other Black Madison County citizens and archival materials, one will see how connection to land and place—despite the land being listed under heirs’ property— is the underpinning of familial affinity and association. To understand how heirs’ property is understood amongst scholars, one must delve into the most relevant literature surrounding the theme.
Mentor
Timothy Parsons
Additional Advisors
Jonathan Fenderson, Mungai Mutonya
Recommended Citation
Lott, Jermicah, "Sown in Soil: Black Mississippi Landowners, Heirs Property, and New South Neoliberalism" (2025). Senior Honors Papers / Undergraduate Theses. 69.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/undergrad_etd/69