By: Tommiea Jackson | April 2, 2026
MARKS, MS — The Quitman County Development Organization (QCDO), in partnership with Crimson Stories, announces the launch of “Beyond the Census: Reclaiming Mississippi’s Forgotten Narratives through the Delta Burial Corporation.”
The project is supported by a $10,000 grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council, with funding from the State of Mississippi.
An official America250 Mississippi initiative, Beyond the Census is a public humanities project focused on digitizing and preserving the historical records of the Delta Burial Corporation, a century-old institution in Marks. The initial phase will focus on records spanning approximately 1920 to 1970, including ledger entries and documents that pre-date or supplement existing census data.
By transforming fragile physical archives into a searchable digital collection, the project aims to bridge gaps in historical records and provide families across the Mississippi Delta and beyond with meaningful connections to their ancestry.
“This work is about more than just scanning paper; it is about restoring identities and ensuring that the stories of our ancestors are not lost to time,” said Tommiea Jackson, Owner of Crimson Stories and Project Director. “For many families in the Delta, traditional records are incomplete. By looking ‘Beyond the Census,’ we are building a digital infrastructure that honors these legacies and provides a roadmap for future generations to find their way home.”
The Quitman County Development Organization, which serves as the fiscal recipient of the grant, views the project as a vital extension of its mission to strengthen communities through both economic and cultural investment.
“Preserving our history is a fundamental part of community development,” said Robert L. Jackson, CEO of the Quitman County Development Organization. “The Delta Burial Corporation records are a rich source of information that reflect the resilience and spirit of our people. QCDO is honored to support a project that aligns with our commitment to honoring the past while building a stronger future for Quitman County.”
For more than 100 years, the Delta Burial Corporation has served families across the region while maintaining detailed records that document generations of community life.
“We have held these records for a century, and we understand the weight of the history they carry,” said Manuel Killebrew of the Delta Burial Corporation. “Partnering with QCDO and Crimson Stories allows us to share these stories in a new way. It is meaningful to see these archives brought into the light so families can begin to reconnect the pieces of their history.”
The project will also incorporate a thoughtful privacy and access strategy to ensure that sensitive family information is handled with care and respect.
Once digitized, the records will be made available through a dedicated project website, creating a lasting resource for genealogists, historians, educators, and families seeking to better understand their roots.
To learn more, support the project’s matching fund initiative, or explore partnership opportunities, contact the project team using the information below.
Media Contact:
Tommiea Jackson
Project Director, Beyond the Census
662-609-0169
tjackson@crimsonstories.com
About Crimson Stories
Crimson Stories is a strategic communications and research consultancy specializing in narrative development, genealogy, and digital preservation. Founded by Tommiea Jackson, APR, the firm is dedicated to uncovering and preserving the stories of the Mississippi Delta.
About Quitman County Development Organization (QCDO)
QCDO is a nonprofit organization committed to improving quality of life in Quitman County through economic development, housing initiatives, and community-based preservation efforts.
About Delta Burial Corporation
A legacy institution in Marks, Mississippi, the Delta Burial Corporation has served the community for more than 100 years, maintaining an unparalleled record of funeral service and community history.
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