DELTA HERITAGE CENTER SHOWCASES BLACK FARMING HISTORY
William Barken of Haywood County stands in front of his semi-truck used to haul soybeans. Barken is a third-generation farmer and a first-generation farm owner.
Howard Bond is a third-generation farmer whose land has been in his family since the late 1800s. Pictured here standing beside his 1466 International Harvester, Bond grows vegetables and cotton.
"We are happy to premiere this exhibition during Black History Month,” said Sonia Outlaw-Clark, Center director. “The contributions of the Black farmer to our community and region are an incredible testament to perseverance and determination.”
"The Black Farm Experience" traces the journey of African American farmers from the era of slavery through sharecropping and into land ownership, showcasing the immense challenges they faced and their enduring connection to the land. The exhibit aims to portray the trials, truths, and triumphs of Black individuals in the agriculture industry.
Visitors will encounter oral histories from current farmers, sharing stories of multi-generational farming families alongside narratives of first-time farmers. The exhibition will illustrate the diverse realities of Black farmers, from those who balance farming with other employment to those who rely solely on the land for their livelihoods. From cultivating row crops and truck patches to raising livestock, the exhibit demonstrates how these individuals have utilized their farming experiences to steward and cultivate the land.
Despite facing discrimination and unfair practices, many Black farmers have persevered, driven by their deep love and connection to the land. The exhibit also explores how the lessons learned and experiences gained on West Tennessee farms have shaped the lives of children raised in these communities, often propelling them to positions of influence and empowering them to effect positive changes in the world.
"The Black Farm Experience" will be on display at the Delta Heritage Center, Brownsville TN, through April 30, 2025. The exhibition is made possible through a USDA Rural Development grant.
For more information and hours, call the Center at 731-779-9000.
About the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center
The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, in Brownsville, is a music heritage destination that offers a refreshing Southern experience showcasing the history and culture of rural West Tennessee. Inside visitors can learn about the history of cotton, explore the scenic and “wild” Hatchie River and get to know the legendary musicians who call West Tennessee home. Also located on the grounds is the Tina Turner Museum at Flagg Grove School, the childhood school of Tina Turner, and the last home of Blues pioneer Sleepy John Estes. The Delta Heritage Center is also a featured stop along the Americana Music Triangle connecting Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans and an official Tennessee Music Pathways location. To learn more about the Center, visit www.westtnheritage.com or call 731-779-9000.
Sonia Outlaw-Clark
West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center / Tina Turner Museum
+1 731-779-9000
email us here
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