I am concerned about the idea of my children one day attending Ole Miss, because diversity no longer exists. Today, politics has divided the student body, and you are either on the right or left politically and socially.
When thinking of where I wanted to go to college, I realized my sophomore year of high school that I wanted to be in the South. I would only look at schools at college fairs located in the South. I only toured schools below the Mason Dixon line, and only applied to those schools.
Since I was in high school, I have enjoyed having a job. There are many reasons why having a job can be beneficial for anyone, especially starting at a young age.
The most exciting new Star Wars prospect has to be “The Mandalorian,” a brand new entrant in the Star Wars universe released during the first day of Disney+ going live as a streaming service.
The Second Amendment is one of our fundamental rights, laying the groundwork for American government. It is under attack today when mass shootings appear to be becoming more common.
As a child, I always knew the importance of wearing a seatbelt, but was never in a situation where I truly understood why this was such a significant commandment. This all changed during my junior year of high school.
Growing up in a military household can negatively affect some people. But I wouldn’t be who I am today without it. Yet a lot of people don’t understand what children go through who have a parent in the military.
I had barely heard of Ole Miss, and the thought of living over 1,000 miles away from my family, friends, and the beach was scary. During my visit, my fears subsided, and I was comforted with a sense of warmth and belonging. The smiling faces and greetings from strangers excited me more with each moment in Oxford.
With the addition of a new mural on University Avenue and Oxford’s arts center, the Powerhouse, located there – this semester Oxford Stories is embarking on a small solutions journalism project. Our reporters are starting a community conversation about the possibility of a continued arts emphasis in the University Avenue area.
You get four years to figure out what it is that you want to do for the rest of your life. For the first 18 years of my life, everything had been decided for me. My whole life up until that point consisted of being told what I was supposed to do by my parents and teachers. I never had to make a decision so consequential before, and the thought terrified me.
University Avenue business owners who run fabric, antique, and home furnishing stores said a few small tweaks could improve the already successful area.
Oxford added its first outdoor mural last summer. Located on the back wall of Sneed’s Ace Hardware at 1400 University Avenue, it’s hard to miss if you’re driving in the area.
Established local businesses line University Avenue – an older, yet still thriving part of Oxford. Business owners on this side of town say it’s vital that local businesses remain in the area, and some believe an arts district could attract more.
Portland, Oregon is a city with a population of about 647,000 people compared to Oxford’s 23,000. With the slogan “Keep Portland Weird,” the city focuses heavily on the arts, with hundreds of galleries, theaters and murals.
University Avenue is in an area that is transitioning with new business developments, and the street has experienced new business growth, but some also view it as the older part of town. Opinions are mixed on whether an arts district, or area of arts emphasis, would be beneficial.
Art can be found in every corner of Oxford. Sculptures in Lamar Park, The Powerhouse Community Arts Center, and the upstairs space of Sugar Magnolia Antique Mall are just a few of examples of art-centric locations. But would an arts district be supported in Oxford?
Oxford, Mississippi is well known for its creative culture. Many renowned artists, writers, chefs, and other artistic people reside in the town. Travelers from all over visit. Some in the arts community envision an Oxford arts district with residential and studio artist spaces.
If you spend a lot of time on the west side of town, you may not have much of a reason to venture over to University Avenue for anything, which might lead you to believe business is declining in that area. However, according to two University Avenue business owners, business has been steady.
Arts, culture, and creativity can improve a community’s competitive edge, attract new visitors, and integrate the visions of both community and business leaders. That’s why some view public art as an investment.
Madison Mayfield, an Oxford citizen and artist, is from Portland, Oregon, a city known for arts inclusivity. While Portland has a well-known arts district, she isn’t sure a designated arts district would be a good fit for small town Oxford.
