In recognition of the 200th anniversary of Mississippi’s statehood the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics at Ole Miss will put special emphasis on Mississippi programs during the spring semester.

“The people and events in Mississippi’s past provide an interesting glimpse into our state’s future,” explained Charles Overby, chairman of the center, in announcing the line-up.

The first of six events — “How Deep is Mississippi’s Commitment to Education?” — will concentrate on one of the most controversial issues in the state. Rep. Jay Hughes, an Oxford Democrat who has been outspoken in his criticism of the administration and the legislature’s approach to education, will be joined by Bracey Harris, an education reporter for the Clarion-Ledger, in a conversation at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10.

Using a slogan “It ALL starts with education” for his frequent emails to constituents and other interested parties, the first-term legislator has closely tracked bills involving educational issues and sharply faulted a new formula devised by a New Jersey firm hired by the Republican leadership to determine levels of state aid for various school districts in the state.

“Jay Hughes has become one of the most urgent voices in the legislature,” said Overby Fellow Curtis Wilkie. “Our program is designed to give him an opportunity to expand on his thoughts — while offering members of our community a chance to question him during a Q & A session.”

The program — like all Overby Center events — is free and open to the public. Arrangements are being made to provide parking in a lot adjacent to the Overby auditorium. Following most of this spring’s programs a reception will provide an opportunity for members of the audience to mingle with special guests.

Other events on the Overby agenda this spring:

Friday, Feb. 17, at 1:30 p.m. — “Assault on the Media.” Four prominent Mississippi journalists will talk about a growing hostility toward the press. Overby Fellow Bill Rose will moderate a panel discussion that includes Jerry Mitchell, a prize-winning investigative reporter at the Clarion-Ledger; the newspaper’s popular cartoonist Marshall Ramsey; Ronnie Agnew, executive director of Mississippi Public Broadcasting; and Kate Royals, another award-winning education reporter for Mississippi Today.

Wednesday, March 8, at 6 p.m. — “Revisiting Jefferson Davis and J.Z. George: U.S. Capitol Relics?” William (Brother) Rodgers, director of programs at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History; Marvin King, an Ole Miss political science professor; and Charles Overby will consider the question of whether the subjects of Mississippi’s two statues in a capitol hall for all 50 states are appropriate today.

Monday, March 27, at 6 p.m. — “Mississippians Say the Strangest Things.” David Crews of Oxford has compiled a collection, “The Mississippi Book of Quotations,” and will talk with Overby about the new publication, his choices in it, and his long-time interest in memorable lines by people from the state.

On a date in April to be determined later — “The Free State of Jones.” Retired Federal Judge Charles Pickering, a native of historic and colorful Jones County, will join Overby and others in a discussion about the breakaway movement during the Civil War, a fascinating piece of Mississippi history that was recently celebrated in books and a movie.

Monday, April 24, at 6 p.m. — “Racial Politics in Memphis.” Otis Sanford, an Ole Miss journalism graduate who writes a column for the Commercial Appeal and teaches at the University of Memphis, will talk about his new book, “From Boss Crump to King Willie: How Race Changed Memphis Politics,” with Overby and Wilkie.