The Freedom Summer Housing Project: A Service-Learning Collaboration for USM Students, Faculty, Staff, and the Residents of Palmers Crossing

The Freedom Summer Housing Project was a service project as part of the “Freedom Summer 1964–2014 Conference” held at The University of Southern Mississippi in late June 2014. This project entailed building a ramp and stairs for a family living in the Palmers Crossing area of Hattiesburg, an area of historical significance for African Americans seeking their civil rights, including the right to vote.

The Housing Project was done in partnership with the Center for Community and Civic Engagement (CCCE) and the Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity.

Student project participants:

• John Brown
  Brianna Crager
  Khafre Ghold
  Kalyn Johnson
  Helen Nix
  Lena Schexnayder
  Jarvis Walker

Project volunteers working on the handicap ramp, June 2014. Used by permission of the photographer, Christopher Ferrell.

Project volunteers working on the handicap ramp, June 2014. Used by permission of the photographer, Christopher Ferrell.

Project volunteers after completing the handicap ramp, June 2014. Pictured from left to right: Christopher Ferrell of the Center for Community and Civic Engagement, Brianna Crager, Helen Nix, Khafre Ghold, Mr. Ornie Adams (owner of the house), and Mike Pascarella of the Hattiesburg Habitat for Humanity. Unknown women and child in the back. Used by permission of the photographer, Christopher Ferrell.