Following the Civil War, African Americans sought a variety of benevolent organizations in order to collectively increase their social, economic, and political power. Built in 1922, by the “One Hundred Members Debating Benevolent Association,” the hall has acted as a center of social life and entertainment for the African-American community in southern Mississippi. When it opened, the 100 Men Hall’s mission was to “assist its members when sick, bury its dead in a respectable manner and knit friendship.” And it continues to thrive today.

In addition to its original mission, the Hall has played host to a plethora of significant Blues performers over nearly a century: Big Joe Turner, Etta James and Guitar Slim, to James Booker, Professor Longhair and Deacon John.

After being sold and re-purposed as a bingo hall during the 1980‘s, the 100 Men Hall is currently revived as a musical, cultural center, and event rental venue after near demolition as a result of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Thanks to a grant from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, the Hall has been restored.