Mississippi

Mississippi Governor Declares April Confederate Heritage Month

Published

9 months ago

April 21, 2025

Mississippi Governor Declares April Confederate Heritage Month

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves has declared April 2025 as Confederate Heritage Month in Mississippi, keeping alive a 32-year-old tradition that began in 1993.

A member of the Rankin Greys, a Sons of Confederate Veterans camp based in Florence, Mississippi, announced the proclamation in a post in the organization’s Facebook group on April 18.

The SCV annually asks governors to issue the Confederate Heritage Month proclamations.

“Whereas, as we honor all who lost their lives in this war, it is important for all Americans to reflect upon our nation’s past, to gain insight from our mistakes and successes, and to come to a full understanding that the lessons learned yesterday and today will carry us through tomorrow if we carefully and earnestly strive to understand and appreciate our heritage and our opportunities which lie before us,” says the governor’s proclamation, which is dated April 17.

“Now, therefore, I, Tate Reeves, Governor of the State of Mississippi, hereby proclaim the month of April 2025 as Confederate Heritage Month in the State of Mississippi.”

The SCV is a neo-Confederate organization that espouses “Lost Cause” ideology, which promotes a revisionist version of history that whitewashes the Confederacy’s racist past and downplays the role of slavery in the Civil War. SCV owns and operates Beauvoir, the museum and historic home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis; the organization annually receives $100,000 from the State of Mississippi for development and maintenance.

Starting in 2016, Donna Ladd, then the editor of the Jackson Free Press and now the executive editor of the Mississippi Free Press, first reported on then-Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant’s Confederate Heritage Month proclamations. The Mississippi Free Press has reported on each of Reeves’ annual proclamations, including in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Each year, the Confederate Heritage Month proclamations appear on SCV Facebook pages, but neither the governor nor any other state official publicizes the proclamations or posts them on any public-facing state websites or social-media pages.

Reeves defended issuing the proclamations in 2021.

“For the last 30 years, five Mississippi governors—Republicans and Democrats alike—have signed a proclamation recognizing the statutory state holiday and identifying April as Confederate Heritage Month,” the governor’s office said in a statement to WAPT at the time. “Gov. Reeves also signed the proclamation because he believes we can all learn from our history.”

The governor’s annual proclamation routinely notes that state law designates the last Monday in April as Confederate Memorial Day. However, state law does not require governors to issue Confederate Heritage Month proclamations.

‘Thoroughly Identified With the Institution of Slavery’

After Kirk Fordice became Mississippi’s first Republican governor in a century while courting the white supremacist Council of Conservative Citizens and criticizing efforts to atone for the state’s racist past, he issued the inaugural Confederate Heritage Month proclamation at the request of the Sons of Confederate Veterans in 1993.

Since then, one Democratic governor and three Republican governors have followed Fordice’s lead.

Despite issuing Confederate Heritage Month proclamations annually for his first seven years in office between 2011 and 2018, former Gov. Bryant did not issue one in 2019, his last year in office; he opted instead for a “Month of Unity” proclamation on behalf of a Christian religious organization.

The language in Reeves’ Confederate Heritage Month proclamations uses much of the same language as the one that former Democratic Gov. Ronnie Musgrove, who served from 2000 to 2004, issued in April 2000.

In 2023, Musgrove told the Mississippi Free Press that Confederate Heritage Month is “something that should not continue in today’s world.”

“I cannot say why the practice started, but it was one that should never have been started,” the former governor said. “It was one that I should not have signed, and it should have ended a long time ago.”

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Former Mississippi Gov. Ronnie Musgrove (left), Haley Barbour (second from right) and Phil Bryant (right) all issued Confederate Heritage Month proclamations. They are seen here at the groundbreaking for the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson, Miss., on Oct. 24, 2013, with civil rights leader Myrlie Evers (center) and former Gov. William Winter (second from left), who served before the Confederate Heritage Month tradition began. AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis

Former Republican Gov. Haley Barbour also signed Confederate Heritage Month proclamations every year between 2004 and 2016.

Though Confederate Heritage groups like SCV promote a whitewashed version of the South’s role in the Civil War that has often made its way into textbooks in the state and throughout the country, the historical record makes clear that slavery was the primary cause of the Union’s split and the subsequent Civil War.

“Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery—the greatest material interest of the world,” Mississippi’s 1861 Declaration of Secession said. “Its labor supplies the product which constitutes by far the largest and most important portions of commerce of the earth.”

Reeves’ ties to the SCV stretch back long before his time as governor. In 2013, he spoke to the SCV’s national gathering in Vicksburg, Mississippi, in front of a massive Confederate battle flag and in a room decorated with smaller Confederate flags and cotton plants. After then-Lt. Gov. Reeves congratulated the organization for “keeping history for our youth,” speakers defended the Confederate “cause” and compared “Yankees” to German “Nazis” in World War II.

Long before entering politics, Reeves was part of a Millsaps College fraternity known for Confederate-themed parties where members wore blackface and for lionizing Confederate General Robert E. Lee. When it became an issue in his 2019 campaign for governor, though, he said he never participated in blackface during his time in the fraternity.

Reeves’ Democratic opponent at the time, then-Attorney General Jim Hood, was also in a fraternity at the University of Mississippi, where members wore blackface; he similarly denied ever participating.

Reeves Denied Existence of ‘Systemic Racism’

In the decades after the Civil War ended, Confederate veterans, such as Mississippi State University inaugural President Stephen D. Lee, and groups like SCV began the work of remaking history in a way that shone a more favorable light on the South—muddying the waters over the cause of the war and falsely describing it as a “war of northern aggression.”

After the Civil War and the failure of Reconstruction, Mississippi’s white leaders worked to enshrine white supremacy in state law, adopting a Jim Crow state constitution in 1890 (including a racist felony voter-disenfranchisement provision that remains in state law and continues to disproportionately disenfranchise Black voters). White supremacist leaders in Mississippi renewed efforts to enshrine Confederate heritage in the 1950s and 1960s in reaction to the rise of the Civil Rights Movement.

Mississippi’s Confederate-themed 1894 state flag flew over state buildings until 2020, when state lawmakers voted to retire and replace it following decades of efforts by Black Mississippians and in the wake of young Black Mississippians leading protests after the murder of George Floyd. Despite his campaign pledge not to use his power to change the flag, Gov. Reeves signed the bill retiring the old flag, calling it “a law to turn a page in Mississippi today.”

“It is fashionable in some quarters to say our ancestors were all evil. I reject that notion. I also reject the elitist worldview that these United States are anything but the greatest nation in the history of mankind. I reject the mobs tearing down statues of our history—north and south, Union and Confederate, founding fathers and veterans,” the governor said in 2020, criticizing Black Lives Matter protesters from across the country even as he signed the bill. “I reject the chaos and lawlessness, and I am proud it has not happened in our state.”

Even though his state had only just removed the emblem of the Confederacy from atop the Capitol building, Reeves continued to deny the lasting effects of the state’s white supremacist history. In 2021, he told Fox News that “there is not systemic racism in America”—contradicting mountains of evidence, including the vestiges of Jim Crow that remain in force in Mississippi law like the state’s 1890 voter disenfranchisement law.

Then, in 2022, Reeves signed a so-called “critical race theory ban” into law, which is a misnomer because, despite its legislative title, the law neither mentions nor describes critical race theory. As he signed the bill, the governor claimed that “critical race theory is running amok,” despite the fact that the lawmakers who drafted it admitted that they did not know of any public K-12 schools where the academic theory is taught.

The Mississippi governor also painted critical race theory, which addresses systemic racial inequalities in the legal system and throughout society, as a tool of indoctrination that is used to “humiliate” white people.

“Children are dragged to the front of the classroom and are coerced to declare themselves as oppressors, that they should feel guilty because of their race, or that they are inherently a victim because of their race,” he said at the time.

Reeves is expected to sign a bill into law by a Thursday, April 24, 2025, deadline that will ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs in public schools and universities—curtailing efforts to ensure more hospitable learning environments for everyone regardless of characteristics like race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.

The governor has praised President Donald Trump’s anti-DEI policies.

“Small homegrown businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. And small business owners all across America are relieved that we have a new administration that is more focused on economic growth than DEI and pronouns,” he wrote in a Facebook post in January.

Mississippi will observe Confederate Memorial Day on April 28, with state and local offices closing to commemorate the men who died fighting in rebellion against the United States in order to preserve the institution of human slavery.

The Mississippi Free Press has reached out to Reeves’ office for comment on this story.

For more on the Sons of Confederate Veterans, “redemption” schemes, and the censorship campaign to romanticize and sanitize the Confederacy in southern and U.S. textbooks, read this in-depth piece about first Mississippi State University President Stephen D. Lee’s successful efforts to rewrite the Confederate narrative.

Disclosure: Former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove has donated to the Mississippi Free Press. This does not affect our coverage.

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How to watch Oklahoma Sooners: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | Dec. 29

Published

6 days ago

December 29, 2025

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How to watch Oklahoma Sooners: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | Dec. 29

The Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils (1-12) head into a road matchup with Tae Davis and the Oklahoma Sooners (9-3) at Lloyd Noble Center on Monday, beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

We provide more details below, and that includes how to watch this game on SEC Network+.

Here is everything you need to prepare for Monday’s college hoops game.

Oklahoma vs. Mississippi Valley State: How to watch on TV or live stream

Game day: Monday, December 29, 2025
Game time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Norman, Oklahoma
Arena: Lloyd Noble Center
TV Channel: SEC Network+
Live stream: Fubo – Watch NOW (Regional restrictions may apply)

Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

Oklahoma vs. Mississippi Valley State stats and trends

With 86.9 points per game on offense, Oklahoma is 46th in the nation. At the other end, it gives up 72.7 points per contest, which ranks 174th in college basketball.
The Sooners are grabbing 34.8 boards per game (111th-ranked in college basketball) this season, while allowing 30.5 rebounds per contest (156th-ranked).
Oklahoma is averaging 16.7 dimes per game, which ranks them 76th in college basketball in 2025-26.
The Sooners are forcing 11.6 turnovers per game this season (214th-ranked in college basketball), but they’ve averaged just 9.3 turnovers per contest (20th-best).
This season, Oklahoma is making 10.2 three-pointers per game (45th-ranked in college basketball) and is shooting 34.6% (143rd-ranked) from three-point land.
The Sooners are giving up 8.6 treys per game (281st-ranked in college basketball) this season, while allowing a 35.2% three-point percentage (285th-ranked).
Of the shots attempted by Oklahoma in 2025-26, 53.7% of them have been two-pointers (66.6% of the team’s made baskets) and 46.3% have been threes (33.4%).

Oklahoma vs. Mississippi Valley State Odds and Spread

Spread Favorite: Sooners (-44.5)
Total: 152.5 points

NCAA Basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Monday at 2:47 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

Follow the latest college sports coverage at College Sports Wire.

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Why Luke Kromenhoek’s availability solves bowl game concern for Mississippi State

Published

6 days ago

December 28, 2025

Press Room

Why Luke Kromenhoek’s availability solves bowl game concern for Mississippi State

The powers-that-be have put college football coaches and players in very awkward spots with the transfer portal.

For roughly 68-70 FBS teams, there’s a stretch of time between its regular season finale and bowl game where important decisions have to be made.

Coaches have to be fired and hired. Coaching staffs have to be adjusted or changed entirely. Players have to make decisions about staying or going, whether via the portal or NFL Draft.

It leads to awkward moments with players announcing plans to enter the transfer portal and opting out of their team’s bowl game. There are good arguments to be made for all sides, too.

For example, fans may hate it, but if a player knows they’re entering the transfer portal then it’s a smart business decision to not play in a bowl game. (Playoff games are different.)

But not all players planning to enter the transfer portal are opting out of their team’s bowl game. Just like not all coaches are keeping transferring players at home for bowl games.

In those instances, it’s a good display of coaches and players having good relationships.

That brings us to today’s news that Mississippi State quarterback Luke Kromenhoek is going to be with the Bulldogs for their Duke’s Mayo Bowl game against Wake Forest on Friday.

“He is with us and will be available,” Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby announced Sunday morning. “So, appreciative of him staying with us, going through this, being a great teammate, and excited for what he’s going to be able to go do next.”

Kromenhoek has already announced his intention to enter the transfer portal after one season in Starkville. He played in two games (earning a redshirt) and threw only four passes, but his availability is important.

Blake Shapen started 11 of 12 games for Mississippi State this season before true freshman Kamario Taylor was handed the starting job in the Egg Bowl. Shapen is no longer with the team, as Lebby confirmed earlier this month.

That left some question as to who the No. 2 quarterback in the bowl game would be. With Kromenhoek planning to enter the transfer portal, the only other quarterbacks were Taylor and fellow true freshman Parker Puckett.

Taking just Taylor and Puckett to Charlotte would be a big gamble that Taylor doesn’t miss any plays. But Kromenhoek will be available, easing those concerns.

More than 20 Mississippi State players have announced their intentions to enter the transfer portal when it opens January 2. But Kromenhoek is the only one that’ll be available for the bowl game.

“The situation is exactly what it is, and I totally understand where (Kromenhoek’s) coming from, and that’s college football these days,” Lebby said. “Luke’s got a chance to be a great player, really talented and really intelligent.

“I think for us, that’s really the only one that has said he’s going to go in that is going to be with us.”

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Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for Dec. 27, 2025

Published

7 days ago

December 28, 2025

Press Room

Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for Dec. 27, 2025

The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 27, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

03-04-10-14-16

Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 3 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

Midday: 5-6-7, FB: 0

Evening: 3-9-7, FB: 8

Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 4 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

Midday: 4-0-6-9, FB: 0

Evening: 8-0-6-3, FB: 8

Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

Midday: 12

Evening: 14

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Story continues below gallery.

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.

Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:

Mississippi Lottery Corporation

P.O. Box 321462

Flowood, MS

39232

If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.

Mississippi Lottery Headquarters

1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100

Flowood, MS

39232

Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.

When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?

Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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