‘Ring Your Bell and Tell Your Tale’: A must-see documentary film
By Brinda F. Willis, Ph.D.
JA Contributing Writer
On October 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., “Ring Your Bell and Tell Your Tale” will be shown at Bean Path Technology Center, 451 N. Gallatin Street, in Jackson, MS. This special screening is presented by the MSU Central Mississippi Alumni Chapter in partnership with the Bean Path Technology Center.
In May 2026, this 27-minute film received a 2026 Southeast Emmy Award in the Historical/Cultural-Long Content category. The film is edited by Brett Thornburg, and co-produced by Thornburg and David Garraway. It documents the lived experiences of Black students integrating Mississippi State University (MSU) after Richard Holmes.
As the film opens, scrolling across the screen are the words: “In 1965, RICHARD HOLMES BECAME THE FIRST BLACK STUDENT TO ENROLL AT MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY. THIS IS THE STORY OF THE BLACK PIONEERS WHO FOLLOWED.”
The film includes interviews of these former MSU students. Their powerfully detailed and intimate stories provide unique insight into the challenges they and other Black students faced during a time when Mississippi and the nation were experiencing legally forced racial integration of institutions of higher education. Among the former students interviewed are: Johnny Barnes (class of 1968); Bessie Minor Brown (classes of 1971 and 1980); Robert Barnes (class of 1972); Harvest Collier, Ph.D. (classes of 1972, 1974, and 1977); and Coleman Wicks (class of 1974). Also featured are Calvin McGill (class of 1971) and Jerry Randolph (classes of 1972 and 1974).
During this special film screening on October 10, some of these former students will attend and share personal accounts of their experiences at MSU. A panel discussion and audience Q &A with them will be held. There also will be a musical performance. Food trucks will be onsite at the Bean Path.
This special film screening is free and open to the public. For additional information and to RSVP, please visit https//givebutter.com/ring-your-bell-tell your-tale-1848 or call 601-435-0906.
