February 18, 2026 12:00 PM –1:00 PM
History Is Lunch: Kamel King in conversation with Dexter Allen, "Jacktown: The Sound of Soul, Grit, and Legacy"
At noon on Wednesday, February 18, author Kamel King and Mississippi blues musician Dexter Allen will present the deep musical roots of Jackson, Mississippi as part of the History Is Lunch series. Through stories of mentorship, reverence, and resilience, King and Allen will explore Jackson’s role as a vibrant hub of creativity, where small clubs and juke joints have nurtured talent that continues to shape music on a global scale. In his book, Jacktown USA: The Capital City of American Music, King highlights how emerging artists across pop, country, rock, and hip-hop genres honor the legends who paved the way. This program will take place in the Craig H. Neilsen Auditorium of the Two Mississippi Museums and will stream live on the MDAH Facebook page and YouTube channel. Copies of Jacktown USA will be available for purchase, and a book signing will follow.