In Clarksdale, Mississippi, a town with a rich history but often burdened by economic hardship, a new vision for empowerment is beginning. The Higher Purpose Hub, led by Tim Lampkin and funded by a $2.2 million federal grant from the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) and the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), is focused on being a source of regional economic development. Located in a historic building, the Hub will house a wide range of services aimed at transforming the Mississippi Delta’s financial, physical, and cultural landscape.
In recent years, efforts to revitalize rural communities have gained momentum, but challenges such as poverty, limited access to fresh food, and insufficient economic resources persist. The Higher Purpose Hub, with roots in the community, aims to address these issues by creating a central resource for residents, particularly those from Black and Brown communities, to access education, fresh food, financial resources, and cultural programming.
“We are honored to receive this significant grant,” shared Lampkin, a graduate of historically Black Mississippi Valley State University. “This funding will advance our mission of improving economic opportunity in Mississippi. The vibrant renovation of the Higher Purpose Hub will provide essential services and business resources, create jobs, increase access to fresh food, and elevate arts and culture programming. We are excited to continue our purpose-driven work, and this grant is a major step in making our collective vision a reality.”
According to Trina George, the State Director for Mississippi for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Rural Mississippi faces many challenges, including lack of access to healthcare, educational opportunities, and digital connectivity, which all hinder economic development. These issues are compounded by a higher poverty rate compared to urban areas, making it difficult for many residents to access essential services and opportunities.”
The Hub’s core mission is deeply rooted in equity and inclusivity. “Our primary goal is to enhance economic opportunities within Black communities in Mississippi, but the Higher Purpose Hub is a place for everyone,” Lampkin stated. He added, “This focus on inclusivity is not just a part of the Hub’s vision; it is the heart of it. We believe that when Black and Brown communities experience economic improvement, the entire state thrives. This inclusivity is critical to our vision, which seeks to empower individuals and strengthen the entire region by fostering economic mobility.”
The Higher Purpose Food program will be pivotal among the Hub’s many services. By supporting regenerative agriculture farmers and food entrepreneurs with education, capital, and community resources, the Hub aims to address food insecurity while creating jobs. A food hall will allow local vendors to serve fresh meals, while a marketplace will provide farmers with a clean, safe space to sell produce directly to residents. This initiative also connects to broader efforts across the South to combat food deserts and increase access to healthy, local foods.
The Hub’s impact will extend beyond food. Through a Business Academy, a free educational program, and a Funding Network, which offers grants to nonprofits, farmers, and artists, the Hub is committed to providing critical support to entrepreneurs and community members who face systemic barriers to success. According to Lampkin, “Our competitive advantage lies in tailoring these events to the specific needs of our attendees, ensuring they are relevant and engaging. We aim to equip businesses with education, funding, and a supportive community.” The Hub will also recruit entrepreneurs and apprentices from Mississippi’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), further strengthening its commitment to elevating Black-owned businesses.
The project is part of a broader trend of leveraging regional partnerships to stimulate economic growth in historically marginalized communities. The success of such initiatives, however, raises important questions about the sustainability of these efforts. The Higher Purpose Hub plans to measure its impact and success over time through performance indicators such as job creation, business growth, and community engagement.
As the Delta Region seeks to rebuild, the Higher Purpose Hub has the potential to create a pathway for communities facing similar challenges across the South and beyond.