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.

Leroy Brown lives in Stafford, Virginia.

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.

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.

Leroy’s painting of Mae Jemison, an engineer, astronaut, and the first African American woman to travel into space.

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.