Jere Nash: Reconstruction in Mississippi

On this episode, host Grant Callen sits down with historian Jere Nash, a Greenville native, retired political consultant, and co-author of award-winning books. Jere’s latest work, Reconstruction in Mississippi, 1862-1877, offers a definitive look at a pivotal era. We discuss why Jere chose to explore Reconstruction, debunk common myths, and examine the era’s lasting impact on Mississippi’s racial and economic landscape. From the Emancipation Proclamation’s effects to the rise of the Black Codes, the Freedmen’s Bureau, and the 1868 Constitution, Jere unpacks the challenges faced by Black and white Mississippians in the post–Civil War era. Learn how Mississippi’s geography, demography, and economy shaped Reconstruction, why “40 acres and a mule” never materialized, and what lessons from this era apply to today’s racial dynamics. Tune in for a compelling conversation on history, policy, and Mississippi’s path to a brighter future.

“The Mississippi Legislature Changes the State Flag” by Jere Nash: https://www.mississippihistory.org/sites/default/files/admin/content/files/Nash%2C%20Jere_The%20Mississippi%20Legislature%20Changes%20the%20Flag_SpringSummer%202022.pdf

Reconstruction in Mississippi, 1862 -1877: https://www.upress.state.ms.us/Books/R/Reconstruction-in-Mississippi-1862-1877