The Legacy of Expose: A Blueprint for Columbia’s Future

By Michael Mitchell 

Columbia, Mississippi, holds a hidden chapter of Black history—the Expose community. This settlement, documented in the 1914–1915 Negro Year Book by Tuskegee Institute, was named after Harry Solomon Expose, yet its true pioneers were William and Julia Burrell. These early Black landowners built a self-sufficient community during a time of severe racial and economic oppression. Their resilience, determination, and strategic planning offer valuable lessons for modern-day Columbians seeking sustainable prosperity.

Understanding history is vital—it teaches us how our ancestors thrived despite systemic barriers. The people of Expose built homes, businesses, and institutions without relying on crippling debt or inflation, a lesson relevant today. Their spirit should inspire modern efforts to establish Black-owned enterprises, community-driven education, and financial self-sufficiency. We must cultivate economic independence without succumbing to exploitative financial systems.

Beyond economic stability, Expose’s story urges us to reject division and stereotypes. Progress isn’t limited to one race or group; it requires unity, wisdom, and strategy. By working together—outside of violence, ignorance, and bias—we can create a thriving Columbia that stands as a beacon for Melanated America and beyond. Regardless of color, we must embody discipline, knowledge, and cooperation to uplift our communities.

The wisdom we apply today will shape the world we leave behind. By honoring Expose’s legacy, we can forge a future built on self-reliance, economic strength, and communal success, proving that true progress transcends race and is rooted in collective empowerment.

Works Cited

• Negro Year Book (1914–1915), Tuskegee Institute

• Suzassippi. “Expose: Black Towns in Mississippi After Emancipation.” Suzassippi’s Lottabusha County Chronicles, 2024, suzassippi.wordpress.com (https://suzassippi.wordpress.com/2024/07/16/expose-black-towns-in-mississippi-after-emancipation/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Bibliography

Tuskegee Institute. Negro Year Book: An Annual Encyclopedia of the Negro. Tuskegee Institute Press, 1914–1915.

Suzassippi. “Expose: Black Towns in Mississippi After Emancipation.” Suzassippi’

s Lottabusha County Chronicles, 2024.