Talking Mississippi with Marshall Ramsey
Rooted Magazine's Editor-in Chief Lauren Rhoades talks about starting a Substack that aims to correct misconceptions about Mississippi and the people who call this state home.
In lieu of a June editor’s note, I’m sharing an interview I did last week with brilliant editorial cartoonist and Mississippi Today Editor-at-Large Marshall Ramsey. I’ve been a big fan of Marshall’s since shortly after I moved to Jackson, about ten years ago. These days, it’s hard for me to imagine keeping up with Mississippi politics and news without one of Marshall’s incisive, witty, hilarious cartoons to mark the moment. His work embodies Mississippi in the best possible ways, which is why I was surprised to learn that Marshall Ramsey is not actually from here! Like me, Marshall is a Mississippi transplant. He moved to Jackson thinking he’d stay a couple years; 27 years later, his words and drawings are an inseparable part of the cultural fabric of this state.
I so enjoyed talking with Marshall Ramsey about Rooted Magazine and our shared passion for telling Mississippi stories. I hope you can take a listen.
And if you’re just joining us, be sure to catch up on all our June contributor issues!
Mississippi Transplant: Maria Zeringue
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 folklorist, arts lover, and emerging photographer Maria Zeringue. Where are you from? I am from Thibodaux, Louisia…
Mississippi Native: Jason McCarty
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 Executive Director of Capital City Pride and LGBTQ+ activist Jason McCarty. Where are you from?
Mississippi Expat: Katy Simpson Smith
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 novelist and historian Katy Simpson Smith, whose fourth novel The Weeds was published this spring.
Mississippi Native: 5th Child
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?
Wonderful interview!