Mississippi Expat: Leroy Brown
"I feel rooted to Mississippi because I still listen to blues. I still announce where I am from. I still love the country nature."
What does it mean to call Mississippi home? Why do people choose to leave or live in this weird, wonderful, and sometimes infuriating place? Leroy Brown grew up in Natchez, Mississippi, then left when he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Throughout his service, he traveled all over the country and world, before settling in Northern Virginia where he now works as a full-time artist. On his website Leroy writes: “Coming from a less than middle class family economically, I was taught to appreciate things and to be enriched through Godly means. A lot of my art is a reflection of what I have already seen or felt, or what I want to feel.” Though Leroy hasn’t considered moving back to Mississippi, he still feels connected to his home state. In today’s interview, he tells us why.
Where are you from?
Natchez, Mississippi
When did you leave Mississippi and why?
I left Natchez, Mississippi for basic training in San Diego, California in 2000, where I began my Marine Corps journey. I retired in 2020 in Northern Virginia where I last served (Quantico, Virginia).
What does “home” mean to you? How does Mississippi fit into that definition?
The best I can explain home is basically where your parents raised you. Natchez, Mississippi, is my home. I have relocated to Virginia where I retired, which happens to be my home away from home.
I miss southern hospitality and good cooking. I miss how un-busy my hometown of Natchez was when I was coming up.
What do you miss most about Mississippi?
I miss southern hospitality and good cooking. I miss how un-busy my hometown of Natchez was when I was coming up.
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How have you cultivated community in Virginia? Do you still feel rooted to Mississippi?
I am a full time artist who actively interacts with the community in Stafford, Virginia. I feel rooted to Mississippi because I still listen to blues. I still announce where I am from. I still love the country nature.
I appreciate everything in life these days having come from a small place in this world.
What’s the weirdest question or assumption you’ve encountered about Mississippi (or about you as a Mississippian) by someone who’s never been there?
People always assume that Mississippi is the most racist place to be. I believe stories and different narratives may have caused this belief. They always assume that Mississippians have been living under rocks in the boonies.
How has being from Mississippi affected your identity and your life’s path?
I am well-mannered and I think I am humble. I come from humble beginnings, not having to go hungry but also not having a silver spoon. I appreciate everything in life these days having come from a small place in this world.
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What is something that you’ve come to understand about Mississippi by living elsewhere?
I understand why people don’t leave Mississippi for good. People feel connected to their families and traditions so they are inclined to refuse moving out of state.
Have you ever thought about moving back? What would need to happen in order for you to move back to Mississippi?
I have lived all over the world and out of country. I feel as though my career as an artist is better in more populated areas where people avidly shop and collect art. I have not ever given it any thought to move back to Mississippi.
I wish that the country in its totality didn’t see Mississippi as a racist place to live or visit.
What do you wish the rest of the country understood about Mississippi?
I wish that the country in its totality didn’t see Mississippi as a racist place to live or visit.
Do you have a favorite Mississippi writer, artist, or musician who you think everyone needs to know about?
Oprah Winfrey would be a Mississippian who successfully climbed the ladder to success and stardom through her contributions in the Arts Industry. Greg IIes will be a writer whom I respect wholeheartedly who lives and was raised in Natchez, Mississippi.
If you had one billion dollars to invest in Mississippi, how would you spend your money?
If I had one billion dollars I would surely have several brick and mortar art galleries in Mississippi as well as centers for our youth to learn to paint. In Natchez, I would likely put places where our youth could be active, like skating rings, Top Golf, Dave & Buster’s, and I would franchise a Color Me Mine there.
What or who do you want to shamelessly promote? (It can absolutely be a project you’re working on, or something you are involved in.)
I would like to promote myself and my business, Leroy Brown Art. I am an entrepreneur who has made it out of Mississippi to different corners of the globe. I am working continuously on my brand and I hope to inspire others to not give up on their dreams or themselves.
Glad he settled in Virginia! Our gain!