Science Caf on the Coast to present Pellagra: Its Historical and Cultural Connections to the South Oct. 30

The Science Café on the Coast series will feature “Pellagra: Its Historical and Cultural Connections to the South” Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. in the Barry L. Mellinger Student Center at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College's (MGCCC) Perkinston campus.

Dr. Deanne Stephens, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of history at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach, will discuss Pellagra, a debilitating skin disease that became an epidemic in the rural South during the 19^th century. Pellagra is caused by low levels of niacin, also known as vitamin B-3. It's marked by dementia, diarrhea, and dermatitis, and if left untreated can be fatal.

In conjunction with the presentation, the MGCCC Learning Resource Center is hosting the exhibit “Pellagra and the South” throughout October.

Science Café offers those with minimal background in science the chance to meet and discuss issues in a relaxed social setting, and is a collaboration between The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Libraries, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Harrison County Library System, Long Beach Public Library, and the Hancock County Library System.

For directions to campus, visit https://mgccc.edu/campus/perkinston-campus/. For more information about Science Café and the exhibit, contact pklibrary@mgccc.edu or 601.928.6286.