Introduction

Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York, Humans of the Delta seeks to spotlight local community members in the Mississippi Delta today, from blues musicians to farmers, physicians to politicians. The individuals profiled in this digital collection come from towns across the Delta, including Clarksdale, Mound Bayou, Glen Allan, Cleveland, Rosedale, and Greenwood.

These are their stories.

Trailer

Humans of the Delta was created by Tanya Wan and Simon Vizithum, Community Storytelling and Preservation interns at the Delta Center for Culture and Learning at Delta State University in the summer of 2025.

We are profoundly indebted to Ms. Lee Aylward and Dr. Mandy Truman at the Delta Center for their kindness and guidance throughout the process, and to Professor William R. Ferris for sharing with us his hard-earned wisdom and experience from the Delta. We are grateful to the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program for the opportunity to live, listen, and learn here in the Mississippi Delta.

The deepest of thanks to every individual who, with true Southern hospitality, graciously welcomed us into their home and shared their story of love and service in the Delta.

Text by Tanya Wan. Trailer and photography by Simon Vizithum.

People