Local Icons

Vicksburg must come together to support cherished local artist, H.C. Porter, as she perseveres through the devastating loss of her treasured art and livlihood to a fire. A beloved local artist who made her way from humble beginnings H.C. Porter, commonly known as “Chris”, is the beloved owner, artist, and master printmaker at the H.C.

Vicksburg has been home to a wide variety of artists, musicians and educators who have made waves on the world stage. Among such legends there is Jane Ellen McAllister. McAllister was the first African American woman to receive a Ph.D. in Education in the United States. Born on October 24, 1899. McAllister created a legacy

Mark Jones built a happy life and well-known name for himself doing radio. Most of Vicksburg and the surrounding area will recognize his distinctly warm voice from V105.5 F.M. He’s widely known for his on-air personality and various accomplishments, but there’s far more to this community-driven, music-loving man than meets the eye. Jones traveled all

In Vicksburg, Mississippi, Raymond Banks stands as a symbol of creativity, perseverance and success in the fashion industry. From a young dreamer to a celebrated designer, his journey highlights the transformative power of passion and dedication. For Banks, fashion is more than a profession—it’s a lifelong calling that defines his identity and fuels his career.

Vicksburg’s newest resident, Marcus Boyd, is a Grammy-nominated composer, producer, clothing designer, author, filmmaker, and autism activist. Above all, Marcus Boyd is an autism activist, dedicated to raising awareness and fostering a more inclusive society for individuals on the spectrum. In the world of autism advocacy, few names resonate as powerfully as Marcus Boyd. His

For the past 10 years, Martha Thomas has been a beacon of hope and generosity in Vicksburg. Through her initiative, Mama’s Hope, she has fed hundreds of residents each Thanksgiving. Inspired by her late mother, Helen Thomas—a nursing home dietitian who spent over three decades collecting canned goods for those in need—Thomas turned her grief

Vicksburg, MS: Elizabeth Pajerski (1916–2003) stands as a prominent figure in Mississippi’s artistic and civic history. Originally from Meridian, Pajerski settled in Vicksburg in 1938, where she made significant contributions to the local art community and various civic organizations. Pajerski mastered a variety of mediums, including oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, pen and ink, charcoal, mixed

Vicksburg, MS: From the streets of this Mississippi town to the global stage, Willie Dixon stands as a towering figure in the history of music, leaving an indelible mark on blues and rock ‘n’ roll. Born in Vicksburg on July 1, 1915, Dixon’s journey from a young boy with a love of rhythm and poetry