In Loving Memory of Ms. Hilda Casin, Founder of McComb’s Black History Gallery
JANS – The family of Ms. Hilda Casin, along with the Board of the Black History Gallery, is deeply saddened to announce her passing. Ms. Casin was the visionary founder of the Black History Gallery, which serves as an invaluable cultural institution in the heart of McComb, Mississippi.
The Board states: “We are forever grateful for Ms. Casin’s visionary leadership and dedication to preserving the history shaping our community. Her contributions have created a lasting legacy that will continue to educate and inspire generations to come.”
Born on September 29, 1929, in McComb, Mississippi, Ms. Casin dedicated her life to education, community service, and the preservation of African American history. Over a remarkable 50-year career in education, she served 40 years with the McComb School District and 10 years with the Wilkinson School District. Her roles included classroom teacher, principal, assistant elementary supervisor, elementary supervisor, and central office administrator as Chapter I/Title I Director.
Arising from her passion for preserving and sharing the rich history of Black Americans, the Black History Gallery opened its doors in 2001. Under Ms. Casin’s leadership, the Gallery became the most comprehensive Black history collection in the region, featuring personal narratives, historical artifacts, and exhibitions celebrating the contributions of African Americans in McComb and Pike County, Mississippi.
For more than two decades, the Gallery has been a beacon of knowledge, education, and cultural pride for local residents and visitors alike. Through her tireless efforts, Ms. Casin’s work has left an indelible mark on the region, ensuring the stories of Black history are never forgotten.
Ms. Casin earned her Associate degree from Southern Christian Institute in 1950, a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Jackson State University, and a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Mississippi. She broke racial barriers as the first African American inducted into the University of Mississippi’s local chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society in education.
Beyond the classroom and Gallery, Ms. Casin was deeply involved in her community. She served on numerous boards and committees, including the McComb Public Library Board, the Railroad Depot Museum Board, the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, and the Burglund Beautification Committee. She was also an active member of the Pike County/McComb Jackson State University Alumni Association.
Her professional affiliations included the Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE), the National Education Association (NEA), the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), the Mississippi Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the International Reading Association, and the Mississippi State Reading Council, among others.
Following her retirement in 2000, Ms. Casin turned her attention to preserving Black history in her community. She transformed an abandoned house into Pike County’s first Black History Gallery, a rich repository of historical information and resources, ensuring that the stories and contributions of African Americans in the region would be preserved for generations to come.
Ms. Hilda Casin’s life and work stand as a testament to the power of education, leadership, and community commitment. Her enduring legacy continues to inspire educators, students, and citizens across Mississippi and beyond.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 3rd, at 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM at the Christ Temple Church of Christ, located at 219 Denwiddie Ave, McComb, MS 39648. Family, friends, and community members are invited to join in honoring Ms. Casin’s life and legacy.
