1. Hurricane Katrina Made Landfall (2005): On August 31, 2005, Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast, making landfall in Mississippi. The storm caused widespread destruction and claimed the lives of over 200 people in the state. The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina resulted in one of the costliest and deadliest natural disasters in U.S. history.

2. Civil Rights Icon Fannie Lou Hamer Died (1977): Fannie Lou Hamer, a civil rights activist and leader, passed away on August 31, 1977. Hamer was known for her efforts to register black voters in the deep South, and her passionate speeches and advocacy helped push the civil rights movement forward.

3. First Recorded Lynching in Mississippi Occurred (1835): August 31, 1835, marks the date of the first recorded lynching in Mississippi. Lynching was a common practice in the state during the Jim Crow era, and many black people were killed on false accusations or without proper trial or evidence.

4. Elvis Presley Visits Tupelo (1956): Elvis Presley returned to his hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi, on August 31, 1956, for a concert at the local fairgrounds. The event was the subject of a documentary film, "Elvis: Return to Tupelo," which chronicles his return to the city and his impact on the local community.

5. Mississippians Elected First African American U.S. Senator (1870): On August 31, 1870, Mississippians elected Hiram Revels as the first African American U.S. Senator. Revels' election was a historic moment for civil rights in America, and he served as a vocal advocate for racial equality during his time in the Senate.