The close-knit town of Drew is once again stepping into the national spotlight, this time for its leadership in commemorating the Mississippi Delta’s rich Civil Rights history.
In April 2024, Drew was selected as one of just 10 communities nationwide to participate in the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s (RWJF) Culture of Health Prize Alumni Storytelling Cohort. This recognition comes with a $150,000 grant awarded to We2gether Creating Change, a Drew-based organization dedicated to uplifting Civil Rights stories while transforming the lives of residents.
With this generous grant, We2gether Creating Change, in partnership with the city of Drew, will launch a transformative storytelling project that will place the Mississippi Delta at the forefront of Civil Rights history preservation. The project includes the installation of seven Freedom Markers throughout Drew, placing the town on a journey to becoming a member of the National Register of Historic Places, and ensuring the region’s history is not only remembered but celebrated on a national scale.
This initiative isn’t just about honoring the past—it’s about using history to build a brighter future. By anchoring Drew’s Civil Rights legacy through these markers, the project will attract both national and international attention, sparking tourism, jobs, and economic development in the Mississippi Delta. As the birthplace of so many pivotal moments in the Civil Rights Movement, Drew is reclaiming its legacy while offering residents new opportunities for growth and healing.
Gloria Dickerson, founder and CEO of We2gether Creating Change, emphasized the importance of this project in connecting the town’s history with its future. “This project links several of our pillars, including youth ucation, racial healing, collaboration, and historical preservation. It allows us to fulfill our dream of moving Drew from a place of despair to one of strength, healing, and empowerment,” said Dickerson. “By reigniting the spirit of the Civil Rights era, we will create lasting opportunities that benefit our community for generations to come.”
The project also seeks to educate Drew’s residents about their collective history, encouraging civic engagement and inspiring positive change within the community. By preserving the stories of Drew’s history, We2gether Creating Change is empowering residents to take pride in their town and step forward as leaders who advocate for equity, justice, and a better future for all families in the region.
Becoming part of the National Register of Historic Places opens the door to even more opportunities for Drew. The increased visibility and funding eligibility will further fuel We2gether’s mission of promoting resilience, economic growth, and community pride. “This project will empower residents to be agents of change,” said Dickerson. “We are building a stronger Drew—one marker, one story, one step at a time.”
