Mississippi Native: 5th Child
"Living in Mississippi has given me a chip on my shoulder and made me very defensive of underestimated populations."
What does it mean to call Mississippi home? Why do people choose to leave or live in this weird, wonderful, and sometimes infuriating place? Today we hear from hip hop artist and founder of the Briarwood Arts Center, Stephen Brown aka 5th Child.
Where are you from?
Jackson, Mississippi
How long have you lived in Mississippi?
34 years. I was born in Redondo Beach, California, and my family moved to MS when I was 2 years old.
What does “home” mean to you? How does Mississippi fit into that definition?
Home means being free enough to express yourself without fear of being judged, but also having some responsibility to care for the space in which you exist as a perpetual work in progress.
Living in Mississippi has given me a chip on my shoulder and made me very defensive of underestimated populations.
How have you cultivated community in Mississippi? Who are the people who have made you feel rooted here?
I have cultivated community simply by doing the work. Attending music performances, art shows, community gatherings and educational experiences has helped me form some common ground with my fellow citizens. I’ve never really been the type of person to only exist within a bubble. I seek out unfamiliar cultural experiences to broaden my worldview. The arts and cultural community are the people that have made me feel rooted here.
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?
One of my best friends from college (Loyola University in New Orleans) was originally from Texas, and vowed to never visit Mississippi because she thought possums were literally everywhere and would crawl all over her if she ever crossed our state line.
How has living in Mississippi affected your identity and your life’s path?
Living in Mississippi has given me a chip on my shoulder and made me very defensive of underestimated populations. It’s made me embrace independent culture and grassroots efforts more than a corporate structure when it comes to most things.
There are such good people in Mississippi, especially in Jackson, and a lot of great experiences that I know will greatly benefit [my son]. However, the poor leadership and infrastructure have been an increasingly less appealing sacrifice that I’m not sure is worth it.
What is something that you’ve learned about Mississippi only by living here? In what ways has Mississippi lived up to your expectations?
I have learned that, in many ways, we are our own worst enemy. We have amazing potential but lack significant growth because of the people we put in place to lead us. Widespread corporate and political corruption and ineptitude undermines the genuine efforts of the citizens to make this a more enjoyable place to live.
Do you ever consider moving away someday? Does a sense of duty keep you rooted here? Do you have a “tipping point”?
I’ve definitely considered moving away someday, but it wouldn’t be for my own sake. Now that I have a son, I’m more mindful of how the landscape can negatively affect him. There are such good people in Mississippi, especially in Jackson, and a lot of great experiences that I know will greatly benefit him. However, the poor leadership and infrastructure have been an increasingly less appealing sacrifice that I’m not sure is worth it. As for now, I feel that my work here is not yet done, and for that, I remain vigilant.
What do you wish the rest of the country understood about Mississippi?
Mississippi has so much to offer and we are much more than negative press in the media. Mississippi is also a lot less segregated than many other states I’ve visited.
Do you have a favorite Mississippi writer, artist, or musician who you think everyone needs to know about?
Adrienne Domnick is one of my favorite visual artists. I own about 12-15 of her original pieces and have them hanging throughout my house.
If you had one billion dollars to invest in Mississippi, how would you spend your money?
I would spend a large majority of it on the public school system to make sure that they are well resourced and also partner with the local universities to ensure that individuals interested in higher education could graduate debt-free.
Mississippi has so much to offer and we are much more than negative press in the media.
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 recently opened an arts and community center in my neighborhood called Briarwood Arts Center. We have weekly programming that consists of everything from youth mentorship, arts workshops, financial literacy, health and general community organizing. I’m also releasing my 10th solo album soon.
I love the idea of the Briarwood Arts Center - may it flourish with your guidance!