Historic Eureka School

07/25/2026

Today we enjoyed welcoming the Magee family to Eureka during their family reunion!

Danny Magee attended Eureka in elementary school and wanted to share with his family the place that made such a lasting impact on his childhood. It was a joy to see the smile on his face as he shared memories of his time here.

Thank you for making Eureka part of your family's journey. Safe travels, Magee family!

07/23/2026

We wrapped up the Charles J. Brown Youth Civic Engagement and Leadership Camp on Saturday with an Action Civics Community Showcase. A big thank you to our incredible youth for their hard work in researching, developing and presenting their Action Civics projects!

We are so proud of them for sharing their perspectives on issues that matter to them. This year's projects addressed
• Hunger
• Mental Health
• Homelessness
• The Removal of African American Stories from American History

Thank you to our parents, families, and community members for joining us to support our youth as they shared their voices and vision for positive change.

Special thanks to our camp sponsors, the African American Military History Museum Committee and Renasant Bank, for investing in the next generation of leaders. Together, we're empowering youth to make a difference!

07/21/2026

On Friday, campers in the Charles J. Brown Youth Civic Engagement and Leadership Camp visited Forrest County Youth Court, where the Honorable Carol Jones-Russell, Youth Court Judge, provided a lesson on the branches of government, with a special focus on the Judiciary Branch, local curfew laws, and Mississippi's new youth gun violence law.

Judge Jones-Russell also left campers with a powerful life lesson from her grandmother: “Life is about people, places, and things. Approach it with a rake and a shovel. Rake in the people, places, and things that are good and positive, and shovel out those that are bad and negative.”

Campers also learned about Youth Court resources, not only for youth involved in the justice system, but for all young people including the upcoming Resiliency Center, which will provide counseling and life skills classes for youth.

Thank you, Judge Jones-Russell, for investing in the next generation of civic leaders!

07/19/2026

Thank you to Logan Green—Hattiesburg High School Class of 2023 alumna, University of Mississippi law student, three-time National Speech and Debate Champion, and Poet Laureate for Georgetown Law Center for inspiring campers at the Charles J. Brown Youth Civic Engagement and Leadership Camp.

Logan shared how she has used poetry to speak out on issues that matter since the age of 15. She encouraged campers to find their own voice and never let society define who they are. Campers were especially moved as Logan recited her award-winning poem, Reclaiming Girlhood, a love letter to Black girls who had to grow up too soon.

Thank you, Logan, for sharing with campers the importance of advocacy and reminding them that it's never too early to become engaged in your community and to make a difference.

07/18/2026

A special thank you to our community partners for making the Action Civics Community Speed Round Table Session a success at the Charles J. Brown Youth Civic Engagement and Leadership Camp!
Campers learned about the services and resources available to address community issues and gained ideas for their Action Civics projects, which they will present at the Community Showcase on Saturday, July 18, at 11:30 a.m.
Thank you to HERE Housing: Economic Resources & Education, Edwards Street Fellowship Center, Mississippi Votes, Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources, Unfinished Empowerment Ministry and Organization, R3sm, City of Hattiesburg-Government Homelessness Outreach Team for inspiring our future leaders!

07/16/2026

The Charles J. Brown Youth Civic Engagement and Leadership Camp was honored to welcome Jerome and Jermaine Brown, the sons of Charles J. Brown, for an inspiring conversation with our campers about leadership, legacy, and civic responsibility.

During their session, campers explored what it means to be a hero and reflected on the people who have made a positive impact in their own lives. They were also encouraged to think about the legacy they want to leave for future generations.
Jerome and Jermaine shared three powerful lessons that reflected the values their father instilled in them:
* Giving Back & Service – True leadership begins with serving others and making a positive difference in your community.
* Voting Matters – Jermaine shared that when he and his brother turned 18, their father made it clear that registering to vote was not optional. He told them to register and bring back proof that they had done so—a lasting reminder that voting is both a right and a responsibility.
* Leaving a Legacy – Every action we take today helps shape the future. Campers were encouraged to consider how they can leave a legacy of service, leadership, and positive change.

Thank you, Jerome and Jermaine, for sharing your family's story and inspiring the next generation of leaders to serve, lead, and make their voices heard.

07/16/2026

What an inspiring day at the Charles J. Brown Youth Civic Engagement and Leadership Camp!

We were honored to welcome author Rochelle Shelly Dahmer as our guest speaker, where she shared the powerful story behind her book, If You Don’t Vote, You Don’t Count: Vernon Dahmer’s Fight for Equality. Through her heartfelt discussion, campers learned about the enduring legacy of Vernon Dahmer, Sr., the importance of civic engagement, equality and voting.

To continue their learning and reflection, every camper received a copy of the book to take home. We hope its message will inspire the next generation of leaders to make their voices heard and their votes count.

Thank you, Rochelle Dahmer, for sharing your family's story and empowering our youth to lead with courage, purpose, and a commitment to making a difference.

07/15/2026

Check out the WDAM news story about the Charles J. Brown Youth Civic Engagement and Leadership Camp.

Hattiesburg’s Sixth Street Museum District is hosting a summer camp, which helps young teens develop skills to make a difference in their community. ⬇️

07/14/2026

Thank you for supporting our youth!

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸

As we celebrate our nation’s independence, we also celebrate the generations who continue to shape America’s story.

This photo of young visitors standing before our illuminated Generations Strong monument is a reminder that history belongs to all of us—and that today’s children are the future stewards of our shared heritage.

May this Independence Day inspire us to reflect on the people whose courage, sacrifice, and contributions have strengthened our nation and to continue sharing their stories with future generations. This unique attraction is open from sunrise to 10 p.m. daily!