CLARKSDALE, Mississippi — On a summer Saturday in the Mississippi Delta, Australia “Honey Bee” Jones sat calm and reserved in a chair on the MLK Park Stage in downtown Clarksdale. The weather was mild. A light wind blew, but the sun shone brightly, making it feel hotter than the actual temperature of 90 degrees. It was […]
Aallyah Wright
Aallyah Wright is the rural issues reporter for Capital B. From farmers to land fights to health care and jobs, her reporting explores the issues that matter most while celebrating culture and joy.
Follow her on Bluesky @aallyahpatrice.bsky.social and Instagram @journalistaallyah.
Posted inCulture
After ‘Sinners,’ Clarksdale Locals Used the Spotlight to Build Unity
CLARKSDALE, Mississippi — Dave Houston still can’t believe what he helped bring to life in his hometown of Clarksdale, Mississippi. For three days last week, he, along with a small committee, hosted the first ever Clarksdale Day Festival to unify the city and celebrate the culture, history, and traditions of the people who live in […]
Posted inElections, Politics & Policy
Black Alabama Mayor Once Blocked by White Town Leaders Wins Reelection
NEWBERN, Ala. — On a quiet, sunny morning, Gabrielle Cook and her 20-year-old son Mark Cabil walked into their town hall to cast their ballots in an election that would decide the future of their rural Alabama town. For the first time in Newbern’s history, the citizens of this majority-Black town got to participate directly […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, Voting
Black Voters ‘Finally’ Get Win After Federal Judge Strikes Down Mississippi Map
In Dyamone White’s rural Mississippi town, churches long served as the gathering spot for community events. As a millennial, she recognized the need to bring those events elsewhere as a way to increase civic engagement and host important community discussions. Over the years, she’s seen the participation grow in Edwards and Bolton, towns near her […]
Posted inHealth, Politics & Policy, Rural Issues
Medicaid Cuts Endanger Life-Saving Care for Black Families in Rural America
Over the past few months, Marcia Dinkins’ eldest child has been hospitalized frequently. A serious infection swept through her daughter’s body, affecting her pancreas, spleen, and gallbladder. Fortunately, Dinkins’ daughter, Marshale Malone, was able to afford and receive life-saving surgery, thanks to Medicaid. But without it, Dinkins said, the health emergency could have meant either […]
Posted inBlack Businesses, Black Farmers, Economy, Politics & Policy
Black-Owned Businesses Confront Rising Costs Amid Trump’s Tariffs
Sweeping tariffs took effect Thursday, and while President Donald Trump has said the tariffs would lead to factories and jobs moving back to the United States, for Black Americans and small-business owners, it is not that simple. Prices are expected to dramatically rise for clothing and shoes; electronics like cellphones and computers; cars and auto […]
Posted inAgriculture, Black Farmers, Economic Development, Food Access
USDA Cuts Food Business Centers Supporting Black Farmers
Over the past seven months, Kenneth Sparks lost at least five federal grants as a result of cancellations and funding freezes. The grants would have supported his four-year-old farm, where he grows vegetables, and sells seeds and eggs. Now, the Southern California farmer is about to lose out again. For the past two years, he […]
Posted inAgriculture, Black Farmers, Rural Issues
USDA Ends Key Support for Black Farmers Amid Trump Anti-DEI Orders
Capital B is a nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering Black-focused, independent, fact-based journalism that informs, inspires, and empowers our community. We work hard to bring you the stories that often go untold—stories that matter. We believe in keeping our journalism accessible and free for everyone, and as a nonprofit, your tax-deductible contribution makes all […]
Posted inAgriculture, Black Farmers, Rural Issues
In the Mississippi Delta, Black Farmers Are Rebuilding the Legacy of Land Ownership
JONESTOWN, Miss. — As Pastor Bennie Brown sat in the bright red pews of St. James Missionary Baptist, just a few feet away from the podium where he preaches every Sunday, the 71-year-old farmer recalled feeling the spiritual presence of the ancestors. The church is located in Jonestown, an all-Black rural town in the Mississippi […]
Posted inCulture, History
Despite Corporate Pullback, Black Americans Keep Juneteenth Traditions Alive
This story was originally published in 2022 and has been updated. Nearly four years ago, a year after the death of George Floyd, corporate sponsors and business poured money and support into celebrating the Juneteenth holiday. They’ve since scaled back its efforts, as the political climate has changed in some parts of the country, and […]