Page 122 - South Mississippi Living - October, 2024

LIVING HISTORY
CULTURAL
122 | October 2024
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
story by Lynn Lofton
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is a cultural melting pot. Few people would challenge that statement, especially
if they’ve lived or traveled in other parts of the state. The Coast’s many cultures and ethnic groups have created
a rich, cosmopolitan tapestry that makes a lively mix. It’s evident in names, food, art, celebrations, and much more.
Native tribes were here to welcome French explorers Bienville and D’Iberville, the first Europeans who landed in the area. Those first peoples left their mark in names of towns and rivers such as Biloxi,
Pascagoula and Tchoutacabouffa. Likewise for the first settlers who lent their names to towns including Bay St. Louis, Saucier, Gautier and D’Iberville.
A vital part of this gumbo has been the African American population who continue to lead and inspire. Angie Juzang, vice president of marketing
at Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, says that Black history is American history. “We were architects of the fabric of American building, raising crops, caring for babies, and helping to establish tourism here with cooking and cleaning
to make the Coast a tourist destination,” she said.
The disenfranchisement of African Americans led to blues music which
inspired other forms of music including Elvis’ rock and roll. “We’ve gone on to be influential in all areas of life including elected officials across the Coast,”
Juzang added.
Among the groups keeping their cultural identities alive are the Irish with the Hibernia
Marching Society, which was started in 1978 by John O’Keefe. His daughter-in-law, Celeste O’Keefe, says many Irish came to America during the potato famine in Ireland and spread