Welcome
Capturing Moments and Crafting Stories
Exploring the threads of memory to weave the fabric of my heritage, I use stunning and memorable photographs and videos.
The Foundation of My Work
Being a Southern African American woman, I am deeply invested in the racial, socio-economic, and educational landscapes within the South. I want to use my academic knowledge and work experiences to tell untold stories and create awareness that leads to long-lasting and impactful change within the region. I am dedicated to capturing and preserving lived experiences and cultural histories through mixed media, photography, and video. Combining my gaze with personal and historical insights, I strive to highlight perspectives that enlighten, educate, and enrich others by telling stories using archival materials, like photos, letters, journals, mixed media art, photography, and film. My ultimate mission is to create compelling visual narratives that connect the past to the present, evoke emotions, and inspire personal reflection.
Fall 2024 Documentary Showcase
The inspiration for my project stems from participating in the 2024 Summer Staff Creative Residency and exploring a project to remember my grandmother. My grandmother enjoyed keeping journals, writing letters, and taking photos.
MFA STudies - Documentary Expression
Threads of memory woven through time
Each moment captured tells the stories we carry within us. This piece reflects on heritage, our ancestors' strength, and the power of remembrance and resilience. Every photograph is a doorway, every handwritten word a connection to those who came before us, reminding us that their struggles and triumphs are etched into the fabric of who we are today. In honor of those whose stories continue to guide us.
My Work and Inspiration
Echoes of Her Words is a visual tribute to familial legacy and memory, layering a photograph of an elder with handwritten letters to evoke the presence and wisdom of past generations.
About Me
Meet our Southern Studies Master of Fine Arts in Documentary Expression student Cassandra Hawkins, Ph.D. She earned her B.S. in psychology with a minor in political science, her M.A. in English, and her doctorate in public policy and administration, all from Jackson State University.
Describe yourself in three words: resilient, strategic, and creative
I'd win gold in the Olympics if: resilience could be a sport.
What is your favorite quote? “There is in this world no such force as the force of a person determined to rise.” Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois
What could you give a TED talk about with zero preparation, and why? I could give a talk on navigating life’s transitions with zero peroration. My life experiences have equipped me with valuable lessons in overcoming challenges, adapting to unexpected changes, and strategically navigating personal and professional environments.
What would be your intro song? "Motivation" by T. I.
What would be an important item for you take to a desert island? A Swiss Army knife
Why did you want to earn a degree in Southern Studies? I am deeply invested in the racial, socio-economic, and educational landscapes within the South. I want to use my experiences and knowledge to tell untold stories and ultimately create awareness that leads to impactful change within the region.
What are you most looking forward to about the program? I am looking forward to combining my creating and academic interests to understand the complexities of the South.”
Repost from the Center for the Study of Southern Culture Instagram account.
Contact Dr. Cassandra Hawkins
Questions or Comments
For inquiries into my work, please use the form to contact me. I thank you for your interest, and I will do my best to get back to you soon! - Dr. Cassandra Hawkins
Vivid Doc - Dr. Cassandra Hawkins
Oxford, Mississippi, United States
