Vicksburg to rename part of Mulberry Street for Dr. Briggs Hopson Jr.

Oct. 4, at the Vicksburg Convention Center (1600 Mulberry St.), the city will honor a Vicksburg ground breaker when part of Mulberry Street from Veto to Depot streets will be renamed Dr. Briggs Hopson Boulevard.

The street dedication ceremony starts at 11 a.m.

“I’m proud to know that we’re going to be able to honor him every time we write out our address for the building,” said VCC director Annette Kirklin. “He’s such a key figure—not only in Vicksburg but in the state.”

Dr. Hopson’s legacy in the state stands as an example for all to follow. Hopson is credited with developing a statewide trauma network. During his 50-year career as a surgeon, Hopson served as president of the Mississippi State Medical Association, medical control director of Mississippi Emergency Medical Services, associate professor of surgery at the University of Mississippi Medical School, medical director and vice president for medical affairs at River Region Medical Center, and much more. He retired in 2017.

Next Friday’s ceremony will include speakers who will speak to Dr. Hopson’s lifetime of helping people. Among them will be Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr. and two of Hopson’s sons, state Sen. Briggs Hopson III and Jay Hopson, head football coach for the University of Southern Mississippi.

Kirklin believes that having the plaque out for everyone to view will show just how much Dr. Hopson meant to the city of Vicksburg.

“That way, when people aren’t familiar with the area, they can see what type of person he was and everything he did for the community,” she said.

For more information on this event, contact Annette Kirklin at 601-630-2929.