Language

English (en)

Date of Award

Spring 5-12-2025

Author's School

College of Arts & Sciences

Author's Program

African and African American Studies

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

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