B. Brian Foster, Ph.D.
Mississippi Town: Tunica
My name is Brian Foster. I’m a writer and sociology professor at the University of Virginia. I was born and raised in Lee County, Mississippi; graduated from Shannon High School in 2007.
I study how towns change over time—especially when it comes to jobs, schools, and housing. I’m also interested in the role local governments and big industries play in shaping everyday life. My first book was about blues tourism in Clarksdale.
My new book is about the casino economy in Tunica. A lot of people have tried to tell the story of how the casinos came and why they did or didn't "work." I want to know the story that local people tell. If you’re open to sharing, we can talk by phone, meet for an interview, or just stay in touch in case something comes to mind later. And if you know someone who might want to talk, I’d be grateful if you passed along my info: Brian Foster (662-610-7783).
3 ways to Be a Part:
1. Do you know someone? If you know someone willing to share their experience of life in Tunica—before or after the casinos—please pass along my name and number.
2. "My 2 Cents" phone convo. If you’ve got a little time and want to share your thoughts about life in Tunica—what’s changed, what’s stayed the same—I’d love to talk. We can chat by phone or in person, whichever works best.
3. "My Story" interview. If you would be willing to sit down for a longer conversation about your life, your neighborhood, the schools, or the casinos, I’d be honored to hear your story. These interviews will last about an hour.
Need More info?
Know Somebody?
If you have a question about the project, want to set up a time to talk, or know someone I should reach out to, I’d love to hear from you.
Here is my information:
Brian Foster
662-610-7783
b.brian.foster@gmail.com
facebook.com/bbrianfoster
My 2 Cents
Phone Convo
The first thing I’ll ask is: What’s the main thing I need to know about Tunica County in order to get the story right? After that, I’ll ask a few questions about education, healthcare, and local neighborhoods. The full call should take about 20 minutes, and there's no pressure at all. You can skip anything you don't want to answer, and you're welcome to follow up later if something else comes to mind.
MY story
Interview
Everybody has a story to tell, and whatever your story is, I know it will help me better understand what people have gotten right and wrong about Tunica over the years. I might ask about things like work, school, neighborhoods, or the casinos, but mostly I just want to hear whatever you’re open to sharing. We’ll go at your pace, and you can skip anything you don’t want to talk about.
My first book was about the blues economy in Clarksdale. The name of it is I Don’t Like the Blues. That project explored how local residents respondents to the town's push to use blues tourism as a tool for economic development. I also looked at how that strategy affected local perceptions of the town's past and future. I spent five years listening closely—trying to understand not just what changed, but how people adapted and carved out space for themselves along the way.
One big thing I learned: people want to have a say in what happens in their towns. This new project begins with the same lesson.
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