Mississippi Native: Al Wheat
"I can’t fault people who choose to leave Mississippi and there may come a day when I do the same, but it won’t change the fact that Mississippi makes me who I am."
What does it mean to call Mississippi home? Why do people choose to leave or live in this weird, wonderful, and sometimes infuriating place? Al Wheat has lived in Mississippi for most of his life, anchored by his friends and fellow University of Southern Mississippi alumni, and the community he has built as an educator and Mississippi History Day organizer. “What started as a program I did with my students has become a strong network of teachers, students, sponsors, and alumni that work together to help promote history education and student research,” he writes. Today, Al shares what keeps him rooted in his home state, including what he claims is Mississippi’s most underrated cuisine!
Where are you from?
I am originally from Poplarville, Mississippi.
How long have you lived in Mississippi?
I would say thirty of my thirty-seven years. We bounced around when I was younger, but from sixth grade on, I’ve lived in the state and almost primarily in the Jackson metro area or south. I didn’t experience anything north of Jackson until 2015 or so.
What does “home” mean to you? How does Mississippi fit into that definition?
I used to believe home is where you felt comfortable and could live life to its fullest. I’m not sure that’s accurate, though, as I don’t always feel comfortable or like I can live life like that in Mississippi. But I do love it here, thanks to my friends, my family, and the experiences I do get to have. So I guess home is where you are surrounded by your people, whoever they may be, and you make your “home” better, much like you would a physical home.
Specifically, South Mississippi is that for me. I’ve lived in the Jackson metro area since 2018, but home for me has always been Hattiesburg and, to a lesser extent, Poplarville. It sounds cliché, but when I pull into Hattiesburg, I feel tension leave my body. It’s the memories and nostalgia from college, no doubt, but it still holds a special place.
When I was still teaching, I cultivated a community with my students so that they knew they could feel safe in my classroom and be themselves. Many of those students are still in close contact and we check up on each other often.
How have you cultivated community in Mississippi? Who are the people who have made you feel rooted here?
The biggest community I have helped to cultivate is with my college friend group. We all went to Southern Miss and what started as two or three friends has become so many more. It’s more than just friends being friends; it’s a support system that provides workshopping for work stuff, therapy sessions when needed, and yes, ridiculousness and shenanigans.
Outside of that, I’ve helped cultivate community through my occupation. When I was still teaching, I cultivated a community with my students so that they knew they could feel safe in my classroom and be themselves. Many of those students are still in close contact and we check up on each other often. Some of them fall into the friend group category above. Along with that is the community I’ve helped cultivate with Mississippi History Day. What started as a program I did with my students has become a strong network of teachers, students, sponsors, and alumni that work together to help promote history education and student research.
What’s the weirdest question or assumption you’ve encountered about Mississippi (or about you as a Mississippian) by someone who’s never been here?
Oh man, where do I start? Probably questions about indoor plumbing or wearing shoes. There have also been assumptions about education levels, literacy, and the like. Just all of the overtly generalized beliefs and myths about Mississippi. It’s always fun to dispel those notions by talking to them or introducing them to some of the great people who show that we are not always the “worst state in the nation,” as we’re often portrayed nationally.
I can’t fault people who choose to leave Mississippi and there may come a day when I do the same, but it won’t change the fact that Mississippi makes me who I am.
How has living in Mississippi affected your identity and your life’s path?
It is such a part of my identity. Dr. Joe Paul, who is now the president of Southern Miss, wanted us to leave USM better than we found it and I’ve very much taken that approach to Mississippi as a whole. There is so, so much I love about this state and there is so much to love and enjoy. With that said, Mississippi has tons of issues as well that need to be addressed. While I’m not so delusional to think I can single handedly fix it, I want to be a part of the push to make Mississippi a better place. That has led me to stay here, even in the face of better opportunities elsewhere. I’m quick to condemn Mississippi when it needs it, but my friends and acquaintances know I’m also quick to defend the state, sometimes in the same breath. I can’t fault people who choose to leave Mississippi and there may come a day when I do the same, but it won’t change the fact that Mississippi makes me who I am.
What is something that you’ve learned about Mississippi only by living here? In what ways has Mississippi lived up to your expectations?
At the top of the list would be the cultural history and opportunities in the state. Just the rich writers, artists, musicians, and beyond that make Mississippi one of the most culturally rich states in the nation. You don’t get the Rolling Stones or Led Zeppelin without Robert Johnson! Diving into the history about what inspired those artists and musicians has been eye opening as well. Really uncovering the thoughts and feelings behind the blues, for example, helps you better feel and understand the music and the passion displayed within it.
Outside of that, the food! Mississippi’s food scene rarely disappoints and routinely meets or exceeds my expectations. The wide variety of food options is great; you can get top notch seafood, fresh grown vegetables, and more, that are all native to the state. I think Mississippi’s barbecue game is underrated too. It’s always Kansas City this, Texas that, but Mississippi’s take on Memphis-style BBQ is my favorite. It’s just a perfect combination of sweetness and heat.
Do you ever consider moving away someday? Does a sense of duty keep you rooted here? Do you have a “tipping point”?
I’ve contemplated it, but I don’t plan on it. Don’t get me wrong, the right job opportunity could come along that would lure me away. Or I could possibly relocate once I retire, as well, which is something I’ve considered. Honestly just to move somewhere cooler so I don’t die every May through September. But I do have a sense of duty to try to help improve Mississippi, and that’s kept me here this long.
Look beyond the multitude of low rankings and negative press to see the actual people here and the people that the state has generated.
What do you wish the rest of the country understood about Mississippi?
Just how diverse and great the state can actually be. Look beyond the multitude of low rankings and negative press to see the actual people here and the people that the state has generated. We’re more than undereducated, underfunded, and overweight; we are artists, musicians, educators, healthcare professionals, etc. We are people who are living through the same experiences as everyone else and just wanting to enjoy and have a good life and those very people have created many of the things you love and enjoy.
Do you have a favorite Mississippi writer, artist, or musician who you think everyone needs to know about?
Just one?! Probably RL Burnside. He’s a blues musician that isn’t a total unknown, but definitely doesn’t have the name recognition of BB King or Robert Johnson, for example. I really enjoy that he adds a harder, rock edge to his blues music that makes it really appealing for a rock/metal head like me. If I had to recommend a few songs, “Hard Time Killing Floor,” “Got Messed Up,” “Someday Baby,” and “Let My Baby Ride.”
If you had one billion dollars to invest in Mississippi, how would you spend your money?
I’d create an endowment at Southern Miss first and foremost. USM did so much for me and helped develop me into who I am today so I want to ensure that others have that same opportunity. I’d spend a good bit on helping improve education in Mississippi, because I think that alone would help solve a lot of the ills in the state, both in K-12 and higher education. It could look like programs to help teachers feel more appreciated or even monetary compensation of some variety to help encourage teachers to stay. Obviously healthcare is a huge need in the state and with leftover money, I would want to put it into that area in some form or fashion.
I think Mississippi’s barbecue game is underrated too. It’s always Kansas City this, Texas that, but Mississippi’s take on Memphis-style BBQ is my favorite. It’s just a perfect combination of sweetness and heat.
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.)
Mississippi History Day! I am passionate about this program. MHD is the Mississippi affiliate of National History Day. Students pick a topic around an annual theme and create a project that lets them be creative. Students can write a paper or create a website, documentary, performance, or exhibit. The program is eligible for students in grades 6-12, and students from any school can participate—public, private, charter, homeschool, etc. You also don’t have to participate through a school; if a dedicated parent or community member wants to sponsor a project or projects, they totally can! The program “season” kicks off every August and includes regional contests, a state contest, and if they finish in the top two at state, a national contest in College Park, Maryland, right outside of Washington, DC. So come join us!!!