CULTURE HUB

Delta Commons Group, headquartered in Clarksdale, Mississippi, is a collaborative that promotes and facilitates the development of expanded opportunities for residents and others throughout the Delta region of Mississippi and Arkansas. DCG works to offer affordable high-quality places to live, work and create, in order to preserve and enjoy the rich heritage of the region. The Delta Commons Group includes artists, cultural workers, policymakers, advocates, developers, trainers and organizers who collectively engage in building and maintaining an inclusive local economy rooted in productive and sustainable community ownership. DCG strives to help people meet their needs, elevate the quality of life in community and make meaning together. For more information, visit deltacommons.org.

ARTIST

JJ Johnson (aka Jylan Johnson) was born and raised in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and tells stories through music, recording as OG Letta J. Johnson. He has always wanted to use his passion to uplift his community and help it grow. He uses complex rhyme schemes and lyrics that are by turns deep and simple to provide clarity or comfort to listeners. Johnson’s hope is that everyone, not only in his community but around the world, seeks art as part of their life, as Johnson believes that art helps people understand life and can inspire them to express themselves.

SOCIAL IMPACT INITIATIVE

Griot Arts Inc. is a non-profit in Clarksdale, MS whose mission is to see the community flourish by providing access to arts, education, and employment. They see these three areas as avenues to healing, growth, and the social well-being of their students, encouraging them to realize their God-given brilliance.