The city of Hattiesburg has unveiled a new mural honoring the late Evelyn Gandy, who was the first woman elected to statewide office in Mississippi.
The “Glass Ceiling” mural was recently completed through a partnership between the Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art, the 19th Amendment Committee, and the 2024 Gandy Leadership Academy. While other professional artists were involved in the project, a group of local ninth graders who make up the Gandy Leadership Academy received the opportunity to paint components of the mural.
Led by state Rep. Missy McGee, the six-week academy meets twice a month to help foster a greater sense of self, community awareness, and civic engagement for high-school-aged female students. The program is anchored in Gandy’s pioneering through Mississippi politics as she served as state treasurer (1968-72), insurance commissioner (1972-76), and lieutenant governor (1976-80).
During an October session of the leadership academy, participants learned about Hattiesburg’s public art efforts and wielded a paintbrush to assist with the completion of “Glass Ceiling,” a nod to the metaphorical glass ceiling Gandy broke for other women looking to get involved in Mississippi politics.
“The Gandy Leadership Academy was thrilled to have the opportunity to make a permanent mark in our city in the form of Hattiesburg’s 58th mural celebrating women in leadership,” McGee said. “My hope is that it will serve as a reminder to all women that they can do anything they desire and inspire them to dream big.”
The project was monitored by Kym Garraway, a Hattiesburg artist who has long encouraged youth to unleash their creativity through art classes and workshops. Under Garraway’s mentorship, Alexis Graham and Emma Hodges helped design and execute the mural.
“At the core of HAPA’s mission, we want to support artists while growing the public art footprint of Hattiesburg. The project has accomplished this two-fold,” Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art CEO Marlo Dorsey said. “Empowering young artists to contribute creative, lasting designs in the community is crucial in shaping their journey. This mural has provided opportunities for young citizens to make a meaningful impact on their community as they find their unique voices and leave a mark that reflects their passing.”
The mural stands 14 feet tall and 17 feet wide and is located near the intersections of Batson, Mobile, and Main Streets.
