Celebrating History and Legacy: Hiram Revels Birthday Bash at the Ida B. Wells-Barnett Museum

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, the Ida B. Wells-Barnett Museum in Holly Springs, Mississippi, hosted a special celebration for the birthday of U.S. Senator Hiram Revels. Known for being the first African American to serve in the U.S. Senate, Revels' historical impact continues to resonate, and this event honored his legacy.

The event, organized by the Children, Youth, and Young Adults of the Ida B. Wells-Barnett Museum, included a cake-cutting ceremony at 12:00 p.m., followed by lunch at 12:30 p.m. The birthday bash also recognized Dr. David L. Stratmon, a key figure in the continued education and preservation of African American history in the region.

The museum, named after the renowned civil rights advocate Ida B. Wells-Barnett, continues its mission to educate the public on the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history. The birthday bash for Senator Hiram Revels offered a chance for attendees to reflect on the strides made in racial justice and honor the significant milestones in history that led to the present day.

In addition to celebrating Senator Revels' legacy, the event also recognized several other important milestones in the history of Marshall County.

Some of the first African Americans to make significant contributions in the county include:

• First Black Road Supervisor: Bernice Echols Totten, District 4

• First Black Mayor of Holly Springs and Executive of Head Start: Mr. Eddie Lee Smith

• First Black Chancery Clerk: Nicole Phelps

• First Black Sheriff of Marshall County: Mr. Osborne Bell

• First Black Circuit Clerk: Monet Bell Autry

• First Black Superintendent: Mr. Lawrence H. Autry

• First Black Home Extension: 4 H Club

• First Black Female Mayor: Sharon D. Gipson

• First Black Educator: Ida Wiseman

• First Black United League Civil Rights Leader: Alfred "Skip" Robinson

• First Black Paralegal (North Mississippi Rural Legal Services): Henry Boyd

• First Black Attorney: James T. Wilson

• First Black President of Mississippi Industrial College: Bishop Elias Cottrell

• First Black Pharmacist: John Freeman

These individuals, through their remarkable achievements, have left a lasting impact on Marshall County and its legacy of African-American leadership and activism.