Where You Can Honor Black History Month in Mississippi

There's no shortage of sites in the U.S. where visitors can relive pivotal moments in Civil Rights history. With the arrival of Black History Month, Americans are reflecting on the people and places that have played such important roles in the nation's journey toward civil justice.

From the time of the Civil War, where decisive battles were fought in cities like Vicksburg and Corinth, the state of Mississippi has held a prominent place in the unfolding of Black history in America.

Moving through the 20th century, the Magnolia State witnessed the unprecedented Great Migration of African Americans out of the South and into other areas of the country; participated in the evolution of Black culture and the seminal music genres to which it gave birth; and provided the stage for several incidents that incited or proved crucial to the 1950s-60s Civil Rights movement.

Today, there are numerous well-preserved historic sites, museums and cultural initiatives throughout the state of Mississippi dedicated to honoring the individuals who dedicated themselves to fighting for social equality. If you're keen this February to go out and learn more about the important figures and events that have shaped Black American history, here are some of the key spots where Mississippi commemorates its contributions.

Forming a portion of the United States Civil Rights Trail, the Mississippi Freedom Trail is comprised of 25 distinct sites that offer visitors an up-close perspective and a deeper understanding of the people, places and events that challenged the status quo and changed history.

A good starting point is the city of Jackson, where you'll find markers at the home of Medgar Evers, the Greyhound Bus Station, Mississippi State Capitol, Council of Federated Organizations Civil Rights Education Center, Tougaloo College, Jackson State University, the site of the 1963 sit-in at Woolworth's and others.

Trail highlights include: