The mission of the Society is to preserve, protect, and proclaim the oral, cultural, and historical legacy of African Americans, especially through intergenerational storytelling, cultural education, and the commemoration of Juneteenth.

The Mary Spinks-Thigpen Scholarship was established by the Gulfport City-Wide Juneteenth Celebration Committee to honor the continued legacy of Mrs. Mary Spinks-Thigpen. We honor Mrs. Thigpen with the namesake of this Scholarship because she has and continues to be dedicated to educating and empowering the youth of our communities.

Vendor applications, volunteer sign-up links, scholarship applications, etc. will be uploaded here beginning February 25th.