Mississippi Native: Malcolm White
"Mississippi is what I know—the rhythm, the pace, the landscape, the people."
What does it mean to call Mississippi home? Why do people choose to leave or live in this weird, wonderful, and sometimes infuriating place? Malcolm White grew up in Perkinston and Booneville, Mississippi, but has called Jackson home for most of his adult life. A longtime supporter of the arts and artists, Malcolm founded the iconic Jackson establishment Hal & Mal’s with his late brother Hal White. In the 1980s, he and some friends got a permit to stroll down Capitol Street dressed like characters from Tennessee Williams plays. It was the beginning of what would become the phenomenon that is Hal’s St. Paddy’s Day Parade—a spring celebration full of music, outlandish costumes, and festivity. The 41st Hal’s St. Paddy’s Day Parade will be held on Saturday March 23rd. Below, Malcolm tells us what keeps him rooted in his home state.
Where are you from?
I was born in Hattiesburg, but we lived in Perkinston where my father worked for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, then known simply as Perk Jr. College. We moved to Booneville, Mississippi in the summer of 1965 when my father became president of Northeast Mississippi Community College. That’s where I went to high school and then I did two years at Northeast where I played football, participated in student government, and was in theater productions.
How long have you lived in Mississippi?
I’ve lived in Mississippi basically all my life, but I have spent some time living in California, New Orleans, and Florida.
We are a creative lot and I like to say we are 2.9 million storytellers strong.
What does “home” mean to you? How does Mississippi fit into that definition?
Home is where I sink my roots and feel connected. My home is Jackson and has been since 1978. I came here for a one year job and stayed. Funny how that works. Mississippi is what I know—the rhythm, the pace, the landscape, the people. We are a creative lot and I like to say we are 2.9 million storytellers strong. I am comfortable here and my family is here.
How have you cultivated community in Mississippi? Who are the people who have made you feel rooted here?
As I have said, my family is from Mississippi and my roots are planted here. My community is diverse. When I moved to Jackson, I adopted my best friend from high school Michael Rubenstein’s circle of friends and then built my own support group from there. Rube had lived here for several years and I liked the crowd he ran with—writers, musicians, actors, journalists, and old hippies.
My family and friends root me here. The remarkable cast of creative people who have come from Mississippi inspire me. I think of them daily.
Ms. Welty casts a daily shadow over me and my life. I live where she lived. I walk and shop and trudge the same paths she trudged. I once caroled to her at Christmas at her home.
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?
How can y’all be so cool and yet so country?
How has living in Mississippi affected your identity and your life’s path?
It has opened a multitude of doors that I struggled to unlock in other places. Here, I know somebody who knows somebody…
Being a decent sized fish in a small stream is helpful. Access to resources and people is important. Everyone is approachable and hospitable. We are neighborly and welcoming by nature.
What is something that you’ve learned about Mississippi only by living here? In what ways has Mississippi lived up to your expectations?
I didn’t have expectations. I knew what to expect from my people and my home. I’ve learned to go slow and take small miracles and victories as progress. We are a work in progress and I have to be tolerant and loving if I want to be happy and successful.
Do you (or did you) ever consider moving away someday? Does a sense of duty keep you rooted here? Do you have a “tipping point”?
Yes, of course I have. My tipping point changes. Today, it is my grandchildren, who live a few blocks from us, and my wife’s career. In the past, it was perhaps my career and my career goals. I do feel a certain responsibility to this place. It has given me great opportunity and support. My family is here and I want them to be successful and content. I am a recovering alcoholic and there is a solid and supportive community here. That means a lot to me.
What do you wish the rest of the country understood about Mississippi?
I wish the rest of the country understood that we are not much different from them. We want what they want and our past isn’t who we are now. We have a lot to overcome. We have a checkered past, but we are mostly good people trying to do the next right thing and take care of our families. I want them to know that we are great storytellers, very creative, eclectic folk.
How can y’all be so cool and yet so country?
Do you have a favorite Mississippi writer, artist, or musician who you think everyone needs to know about?
All of our creatives are my people and I cherish them all. I loved knowing and working with Mose Allison, because he was an early hero. Willie Morris was a great friend and mentor. Ms. Welty casts a daily shadow over me and my life. I live where she lived. I walk and shop and trudge the same paths she trudged. I once caroled to her at Christmas at her home. Everyone should check out Olu Dara and I adore Cassandra Wilson.
If you had one billion dollars to invest in Mississippi, how would you spend your money?
Providing healthcare for people who can’t afford healthcare, the arts, and public education. But rest assured my friends, there is zero chance of me ever seeing a billion dollars!
I’ve learned to go slow and take small miracles and victories as progress.
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.)
The Canopy School is a treasure here and doing such great work for kids with learning differences.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my longtime passion project, the Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival, named for my late brother Hal. I started it on a whim in 1983 and it has grown to be one of the state’s biggest events, drawing thousands and thousands of people downtown. Our proceeds benefit Children’s of Mississippi, the state’s only hospital for children and another absolute gem in our state.
"We are a work in progress and I have to be tolerant and loving if I want to be happy and successful." Yes, yes, YES! Thank you for all you've done for this city and state. You're a wonder!