The history of Lincoln County’s “Little Italy” will be explored Thursday during a special post-Black History Month program hosted by the Lincoln County Historical and Genealogical Society.

The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Hurst Review Services conference room, 127 S. Railroad Ave.

Pat Williams Tillman, of Williams Mortuary, is the featured speaker.

“I will be speaking about the community as it existed in the 1940s and ‘50s and how the black community existed during a segregated Mississippi,” Tillman said.

Tillman’s program will also include information on the activities that were part of the community in the business district and residential areas known as Little Italy, which is located around the 200 block of East Minnesota Street.

She will also speak on the relationships between the black community and the Italian people and businesses.

Tillman retired from Jackson State University after 37 years as an economics instructor. Now in her second career, she is an active partner in the family business, Williams Mortuary.

“I encourage everyone to attend this informative meeting,” said Tammie Brewer, president of the historical society. “Please, bring your Little Italy memorabilia and photographs for show-and-tell after the program.”

Following the discussion, refreshments will be served.

For more information about this program or to make program suggestions, contact Brewer at 601-850-1733 or email history39601@gmail.com. The program is free and open to the general public. Membership is not required to attend.