Stories of color paint a vibrant picture in Clarksdale, Mississippi
CLARKSDALE, MISSISSIPPI–FEBRUARY 2026–For more than 150 years, Coahoma County has been home to vibrant Black communities that have been central to the development of the Delta. They played key roles in the farms that were the engine for region’s the economy, in transforming the music that created Clarksdale’s lore as “ground zero” for the Blues and in the Civil Rights Movement that changed America.
Clarksdale, Mississippi, is in Coahoma County, 70 miles south of Memphis, near the northwest border with Arkansas. This is where U.S. Highway 61 and U.S. Highway 49 intersect and for generations it’s been where cultures meld and traditions are formed.
With a well-documented history of its difficult race relations, Clarksdale’s stories mirror those found throughout the Delta. But what was once a segregated community changed due to local heroes’ efforts to win equality and justice so many years ago. Many leaders in the Civil Rights Movement here were only teens when they stood up for equality. Others were business owners who could not be fired for their activism and used their position to help so many others have a voice.
There are dozens of sites here, some home to thriving businesses, educational venues or gathering places, some noted merely by a marker, that tell the stories of important moments in the Civil Rights Movement. Others celebrate the region’s culture and music, both such integral parts of African American history in this region.
Civil Rights
The site of Vera Mae Pigee’s Beauty Salon (407 Ashton Street, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614), which burned down several years ago, holds an important place in Civil Rights history here. This was a successful business as well as a safe space for Civil Rights activities, organizing, and shelter, and is where members of SNCC and NAACP met and taught literacy classes in an effort to increase African American voter registration.
The 4th Street Drug Store (213 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614) was owned by prominent NAACP leader Dr. Aaron Henry. He conducted voter registration activities and led boycotts of downtown merchants in the early 1960s. He was arrested and his home and pharmacy were firebombed. Today, the site is also home to a Mississippi Freedom Trail marker for Dr. Aaron Henry.
The Woolworth’s building (Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614) is a National Register of Historic Places site were a 27-stool lunch counter was the site of anti-segregation demonstrations in the 1960s.
Culture
Since its opening in 1944 the Riverside Hotel (615 Sunflower Avenue, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614; 662-627-3794) was known as a safe haven for African Americans. On the hotel grounds, 2025 saw the grand opening of the Riverside Hotel Interpretive Center–the Living Blues and Civil Rights Museum, which tells the many stories of the hotel’s role for 27 years as the Clarksdale Colored Hospital. It was also known as a safe place for traveling Black musicians to stay, when it opened as a hotel. The Riverside Hotel was the only Clarksdale hotel ever listed in “The Green Book,” a travel guide for African American motorists, published from 1936 to 1966. In 2023 it was added to the African American Civil Rights Network because of its role during segregation. It is now one of only 70 sites in the country with that designation. Some of the most famous musicians in history, such as Sonny Boy Williamson II, Ike Turner, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters and Sam Cooke frequented the hotel as they toured, performing in juke joints throughout the South.
The Delta Blues Museum (#1 Blues Alley, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614; 662-627-6820) is internationally acclaimed as a showcase of the history and significance of the Blues in this region. It is filled with memorabilia, photographs, recordings and more, telling the stories of Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Charlie Musselwhite and other legends.
Crossroads Cultural Arts Center (332 Delta Avenue, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614; 662-483-1294) is designed as a space for learning about local history, storytelling through music and the visual arts. Its walls are covered with original work from local artists and intimate seating spaces allow visitors to enjoy the music performed on its small stage.
Music
Black churches have long been home to worship through song. They still represent a thriving part of the spiritual community here. There were many congregations throughout the county that hosted meetings, programs and Civil Rights events, including visits from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and they are still open for worship today, with gospel music filling their halls.
The Blues, both traditional tunes and modern interpretations by creative new artists, can be heard most any night of the week here.
Red’s Blues Club (398 Sunflower Avenue, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614; 662-627-3166) is located in the former LaVene Music Center building and is internationally celebrated as one of the oldest juke joints still in operation. It has a decades-old history of booking Black musicians that dates back to the Chitlin’ Circuit and beyond.
Ground Zero Blues Club (387 Delta Avenue, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614; 662-621-9009) carries the name synonymous with Clarksdale’s place in the Blues world and carries on its rich traditions. Local and regional acts take to the stage every week.
If you go
Clarksdale is home to one-of-a-kind lodging options that will add to any Delta experience. Boutique downtown hotels, historic motels and rural farm shacks are all options here. And of course, the food of Coahoma County is legendary. The aromas, tastes and traditions found in area restaurants are clear signs that the influence of the Black communities of the Delta is still a part of the fabric of life here. Try these Coahoma County favorites:
Abe’s Bar-B-Q (616 North State Street, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614; 662-624-9947) is famous for its location as well as its food. It sits at the intersection of Highways 61 and 49, the legendary crossroads, and serves up legendary barbecue and hot tamales.
Our Grandma’s House of Pancakes (115 Third Street Clarksdale Mississippi 38614; 662-592-5290) is a local favorite for its breakfast specialties as well as juicy burgers and Southern favorites.
Blu Cotton Bake Shop (301 Issaquena Avenue, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614; 662-483-1637) serves up breakfast and lunch and is no ordinary bakery. It is also a popular art and music gallery.
At Josie’s (220 Yazoo Avenue, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614), a popular bar and grill, the catfish is a favorite but there are plenty more tasty dishes from which to choose.
Outside of town, Kenoy’s (4125 Friars Point Road, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614; 662-624-9030) is a legendary burger joint, famous for a two-fisted burger and fried pork chop sandwich. (They also offer banner and t-shirt printing.) And another Delta favorite, The Matchbox (311 Delta Avenue, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614; 662-624-7036) is known as a lively music venue with great food and good vibes.