CLARKSDALE, MISS. – Tyler Yarbrough makes it clear.

Sinners and the cultural fest that followed may have thrust Clarksdale into the national spotlight, but this moment represents the culmination of years of hard-fought progress.

In as little as three weeks, community members, more than a dozen sponsors, and partners planned and executed Clarksdale Culture Capital’s Sinners fest on May 29-31. It wouldn’t have happened if residents weren’t already recharged and already rebuilding.

A diverse and intergenerational mix of people lined up on East Second Street hours before the doors opened to enjoy screenings and fellowship at the Clarksdale Civic Auditorium. Despite an overcast sky, thousands packed the Civic Auditorium to see two free screenings and hear directly from the cast and crew — and the mood was electric.

The auditorium erupted with applause when Yarbrough walked to the front of the room.

A wave of pride, joy, and celebration washed over him as he peered back into the crowd. At the moment, he saw what he always believed: Clarksdale has the power to work together to achieve greatness.

High school students volunteered as ushers. Youth worked at the concession stand. The Iota Omicron chapter of Omega Psi Phi helped clean in between screenings. Restaurants like the Matchbox and Levon’s had Sinners-inspired drinks on their menu. Community members like Yasmine Malone stopped by the screening with her nephew, then moderated the panel discussion “Coffee with Kinfolk: Our Vision For The Future.” Natives like Jaleesa Collins — one of the organizers who first sparked the idea of a screening — drove from Florida during a rainstorm to ensure the event was a success.

The excitement continued over the next two days, as people packed out Meraki Roasting Co., the Crossroads Cultural Art Center, and the Delta Blues Museum to participate in important conversations. They talked about the legacy of Black farmers, the steps to building a blues economy that benefits Black creators, how Mississippi can build infrastructure to attract blockbuster films, and the Choctaw and Chinese Americans’ rich cultural diversity within the region.

On Friday morning, folks gathered over coffee and pastries prior to a panel discussion at Meraki, which teaches youth entrepreneurial skills and career readiness. Attendees hugged and caught up on local happenings. Others discussed the film and the future of Clarksdale, which perfectly aligned with the “Coffee with Kinfolk” panel.

During the panel, Yarbrough shared the sacrifices he and others continue to make to do the work to make Clarksdale better. He mentioned the yearlong effort to revitalize J’s Grocery, the only Black supermarket in the town, and its reopening last month. Collins, who was also a panelist, is helping to host the first-ever Clarksdale Day over Labor Day weekend to celebrate local culture through activities such as a parade, car show, award ceremony, and barbecue competition. 

There’s also Griot Arts, a youth nonprofit that is rebuilding the historic Paramount Theater in downtown Clarksdale, and Higher Purpose Hub, which received a $2.2 million grant to build a regional hub to improve “intergenerational economic opportunity” across the Delta.

In addition to the collaboration showcased last weekend, the conversation also explored how it is often a challenge for organizations — and even local people — to believe in and support those who are doing the work on the ground. 

Often, international tourists appreciate the beauty of Clarksdale’s culture, art, and architecture, while locals may not fully embrace it, said Edna Nicole Luckett, known as Edna Nicole, a local artist and musician. Now is the time for Clarksdale to champion its city, and for Black people to take ownership of a culture that they have created while allowing the art to heal and preserve our history, she said.

“Clarksdale has always been a big deal, not just when it comes to music — when it comes to sports, when it comes to culture, when it comes to agriculture,” she said. “But we don’t sell it to our own people, and we don’t believe that anymore. … The blues is more than the four streets that make up downtown. It’s the neighborhoods, it’s the rural areas, and we need those areas to come out and support because we want to represent our people the right way.”

Read More: Clarksdale Pushed for a Screening of ‘Sinners’. They’re Getting One This Week.

Part of the onus is on the community to shift the narrative and create change, said Tim Lampkin, founder and executive director of Higher Purpose Hub.

“We have to take a different type of stance in talking about the place that we love, and that goes for the folks that are not believing in our own local leaders. How can you expect it to be changed when you’re the main one talking negative about the work that’s happening?” Lampkin said.

He added: “We have to get beyond this moment and stop pointing the finger at each other and come together and work to build the unthinkable. There are too many people outside of the culture that already don’t believe in this. So, how do we change that? It starts with us, individually, collectively, building every single day.”

Lampkin’s remarks were met with laughter from the audience, as he noted he’s not a preacher, so he’s going to leave the preaching to them.

These recent events and the momentum from Sinners have inspired Clarksdale residents and natives to continue rebuilding their city.

A Southern renaissance

Like many pivotal movements in U.S. history, this historic moment in Clarksdale has been shaped by young people driving change. They’re reclaiming it as their Southern renaissance. On the last day of the festival, changemakers from Clarksdale; Jackson, the state’s capital; and neighboring Memphis, Tennessee, shared their perspectives on the importance of youth involvement in making lasting change happen. 

As people poured into the Crossroads Cultural Art Center, many shared laughs, conversations, and vibed over music prior to the main discussion.

Jasmine Williams of ‘Sipp Talk Media, who moderated the conversation, described what this moment of renaissance meant for her.

“We all are the products of multiple movements. One thing I really care about showing people is that Mississippi — the South, Memphis — we never stopped, even though people stopped looking,” Williams said. “We can deem this a renaissance because we are in this moment, and we know what we’re doing, and we’re building on the work of people who did it for generations.”

Read More: ‘Sinners’ Honored Juke Joints. Today, They’re Fighting to Stay Open.

Jermeria Skillom, coordinator of Mississippi Delta Programs for Partnership for a Healthier America, said organizers and creators have sparked a sense of purpose, and for folks to know they can “live, thrive, and create a sense of belonging” in the place that raised them.

“The next generation [should] never feel like leaving Mississippi is an option. You may have an opportunity to leave, but it’s not an option,” Skillom said. “That Mississippi pride is the Southern pride. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, and that freed me.”

For progress to continue, Clarksdale resident, preacher, and event organizer Mark Webb says, healing must take place.

“The Scripture tells us to reach the least of these. When the least of these begins to rise, guess what? The community will begin to soar. I want to be a part of healing to bring our community together,” he said. “One of the things that I really am inspired by … is that despite the obstacles, those who are willing, we can lock arms and we can get some things done.”