Mississippi Native: Danielle Buckingham

"I cherish all the ways Mississippi shows up in how I talk, how I physically move through the world, and even how I love."

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 writer, journalist, and podcaster Danielle Buckingham.

Featured contributor Danielle Buckingham currently lives in Oxford, MS. Photo by Nadia Alexis.

Where are you from?

Louisville, MS

How long have you lived in Mississippi?

I was born in Chicago, and moved here when I was eight years old. So I’ve lived here for 22 years. 

What does “home” mean to you? How does Mississippi fit into that definition?

I always tell people home is anywhere my grandma lives (which is here), but that also sort of means wherever I feel the safest and cared for. And while that extends to some of my friends outside of Mississippi, I think what makes Mississippi specifically feel most like home is the people, who are often very community-oriented. So many people here have looked out for me, fed me, welcomed me into their homes when I didn’t have any other place to go. And I don’t know if I’ll ever experience that in the same way outside of this place. 

Danielle and her family in 2018 at her graduation from University of Mississippi with Master of Arts in sociology and Southern studies.

How have you cultivated community in Mississippi? Who are the people who have made you feel rooted here?

I think during my time in Jackson when I was attending college, I really began to understand the importance of community and what it should look and feel like. This is when I really began to cultivate a community with mostly Black Queer folks and Black women. These are the people who have lovingly expanded my view of myself, of Mississippi and of the world. Being in community with them has really saved my life in more ways than one, and I think that really keeps me rooted not just in Mississippi, but on the actual Earth as a whole. 

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?

I think the wildest assumptions I’ve encountered have been on social media, especially when Mississippi is in the news. I’ve seen people say: How could Black people live there? And why aren’t Black people voting these people out of office? And so there are really several different assumptions with statements like that. The first being that some people have a choice in the matter. I always want to ask people who tell us to leave if they are willing to fund our mass exodus from this place. Will you provide us with housing? Employment? Food?