The Mississippi Delta was described as "the deepest South" by sociologist Rupert Vance in the 1930s because it was "cotton fixated and Negro obsessed."
Richard Ford, a journalist, referred to the Delta as "the South's South" 50 years later.
James Cobb, a historian, referred to it as the "most southern spot on earth" in the 1990s.
There aren't many other areas of the American South that have assumed the overtones of representing that larger section the way the Delta has, but throughout history, the meanings that have been attached to the Delta have changed as a result of environmental factors, the dynamics of an evolving biracial society, and the Delta's connections to larger Southern, American, and global forces.
There are many ways to describe the Mississippi Delta. However, I speak of the Mississippi Delta more sensibly, I’d say. It’s a place of family, togetherness, and a place thriving despite poverty. When it comes to American culture, the Mississippi Delta is like no other place in the country in all capacities. This includes the food, the flat land around here, and other things like church, family time, and sports.
Before moving to the Delta from Michigan, I had the impression I would encounter ridiculous insects, snakes and other animals I hoped I never saw.
I thought I was going to endure racism and hard-core country life, which would consist of me wearing coveralls and riding horses (I enjoy horseback riding) and even having to fetch my food straight from the backyard.
However, I was young, leaving fifth grade and learning about racism in my elementary social studies class.
Yes, I blame the educational curriculum I had to undergo during that time for my impression of the Delta. I’ve been in love with my way of life here in the Mississippi Delta since my transition in 2016. I’ve found my calling and passion, created history, changed and impacted lives and understood how life should be lived in this world.
There have been numerous descriptions of the Mississippi Delta over time, but to truly experience the hot, rich, thick air, flat land, and "most country" part of the state, you'll need to visit and stay a while.
I firmly believe, over time, the State of Mississippi, and especially the Delta, will improve for the better in all capacities across the board.
It’s the only option we have, which is why I plan to help make that change and I hope you’re prepared to help me do that.
THERE’S NOTHING LIKE THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA.
