SouthTalks: Rootswell & SOIL: Reimagining Community through Food, Art, and Stories of the Mississippi Delta

“Rootswell & SOIL: Reimagining Community through Food, Art, and Stories of the Mississippi Delta”

Tyler Yarbrough and Justin Hardiman

Rootswell is a growing movement in the Mississippi Delta, uniting farmers, chefs, corner stores, farmers’ markets, and creatives to transform the region’s food landscape. In this SouthTalk, we will hear from the organizers revitalizing a Clarksdale neighborhood through initiatives like a reimagined corner store, community murals, and programs that connect families to fresh produce. Experience SOIL, a photo exhibit by Justin Hardiman and produced by Sipptalk Media, which celebrates the lives of Black farmers and their significant role in the Delta’s agricultural heritage.

Tyler Yarbrough, a Delta native, returned home with a Public Policy Leadership degree from the University of Mississippi to focus on economic and community development. He has led advocacy campaigns at both the state and national levels and is currently improving community health through economic development as the director of Mississippi Delta programs at Partnership for a Healthier America.

Justin Hardiman, a self-taught photographer and visual artist from Jackson, Mississippi, blends minimalist and documentary styles inspired by his home state. His work highlights overlooked aspects of his community, showcasing Mississippi’s potential and celebrating the Black southern experience.

SouthTalks is a series of events, including lectures, performances, film screenings and panel discussions, exploring the interdisciplinary nature of Southern Studies, sponsored by the Center for the Study of Southern Culture. All events are free and open to the public.