Interviewer: Preetam Prakash and Kelly McLain

Affiliation: University of Arizona

Mr. James Crowell, III was referred to us by our community partner. We first met him at an event held by a local community organization, at which he was honored for his commitment and contributions to the community. After following up with him, we arranged an appointment to meet at the Biloxi NAACP Branch office. After retiring from his civil service career at Keesler Air Force Base, Mr. Crowell was able to dedicate more of his time to the NAACCP. He succeeded Dr. Gilbert Mason, Sr. as the President of the Biloxi NAACP Branch President. He is also the Treasurer of the NAACP State Conference and a member of the Board of Directors for the NAACP National conference. He was responsible for coordinating emergency supplies delivery to Biloxi after Hurricane Katrina.

Mr. James Crowell, III was born in Columbus, Lowndes County, Mississippi, in 1950. Following his graduation from Mississippi Industrial College in 1971, he relocated to Biloxi for a job teaching electronics at Keesler Air Force Base. He was the first African American GS-13 ranked employee in the training group. He retired in May 2005 and went from part-time work at the NAACP to full-time. Dr. Mason served as his mentor and hand selected Mr. Crowell for his replacement as President of the Biloxi NACCP Branch. Since Hurricane Katrina, he has worked with the city and other local community organizations to develop plans for the rebuilding of Biloxi’s communities and its economy.