Famous Drew Natives
Roebuck "Pops" Staples
Roebuck "Pops" Staples was born in 1915 on a plantation outside Drew, Mississippi. He became interested in the blues at an early age when he met legendary blues man Charley Patton, who inspired him to learn the guitar and greatly influenced his sound. Once Pops determined that they were ready, the family began performing in local churches. They began recording a few years later, and finally broke through in 1956 with the gospel classic "Uncloudy Day." The Staple Singers have been performing their blend of gospel, folk and Delta blues music since 1935. From the streets of Harlem to the arenas of Africa to the corridors of the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame, their call of peace and compassion has remained steadfast through America 's most turbulent times. No matter where their travels took them, the family has always embraced the values of their Chicago home.
Mae Bertha Carter
Mae Bertha Carter was a sharecropper and mother of 13 who promised herself that her children would not pick cotton, but get the education she was denied. The Civil Rights Movement of 1964 called for the desegregation of all public schools which enabled the Carters to be the first to integrate the Drew County Schools. After enrolling their children, they were startled by gunshots in the middle of the night. Their decision also led to the loss of jobs and their home. Undettered, they all graduated and went on to get college degreees. Mae Bertha Carter was an active NAACP member and leader in the Head Start program.
Archie Manning
Elisha Archibald “Archie” Manning, III was born on May 19, 1949, in Drew, Mississippi, where he grew up. He excelled in all sports at Drew High School and was awarded an athletic scholarship at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), where he was an All-American quarterback and had his number retired. Manning was named the quarterback of the Southeastern Conference 25 Year Team from 1950 to 1975 and the All South Team from 1940 to 1990. In 1971, he was the second player picked in the NFL Draft, selected by the New Orleans Saints. Manning was also drafted four times by major league baseball (Atlanta, Chicago White Sox (twice) and Kansas City).
