I was born in MS, and am at least 1/32 Cherokee, and unknown parts Choctaw and Chickasaw. Those three tribes originated from MS. My great-great-great grandfather was pure Cherokee and a Confederate sergeant.
Pretty much everyone from south MS is part native in some way. Most people have brown eyes, tan skin, muscular build, etc. Probably the most famous one would be Brett Favre.
When I moved away, it was odd to see so many people with red hair, pale skin, and skinny builds.
I know what you mean. My family is from central Mississippi, around Kosciusko on the Natchez Trace. Many Choctaw in that area. My father’s side of the family is Irish who came over on the late 1800’s. Most were farmers...not planataion owners. LOL. Go to central Mississippi and start asking some of the original inhabitants how they feel about ‘reparations’!!!