Beyond ‘Sinners’: The Stories
of Clarksdale, Mississippi
When Ryan Coogler’s Sinners hit the media waves during its opening weekend, Capital B reporter Aallyah Wright took to social media immediately. She questioned why her hometown of Clarksdale — the film’s setting — was left out of the press tour, especially since her hometown had no movie theater. Local organizers penned an open letter calling for screenings of the film — and for Warner Bros., Coogler, and cast to come to the town. Aallyah covered the movement, and the story went viral.
The result: Clarksdale Culture Capital Festival, a three-day weekend event featuring six screenings and a special Q&A, where Aallyah interviewed Coogler, the cast, and the crew. We follow the Clarksdale community through a year-long project that highlights how Black residents are reclaiming power and ownership in a town where Blues tourism and development have long excluded them.
Mississippi Festival Puts Black Blues Elders in Spotlight
CLARKSDALE, Mississippi — On a summer Saturday in the Mississippi Delta, Australia “Honey Bee” Jones sat calm and reserved in a chair on the MLK…
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,…
‘Sinners’ Shows Clarksdale’s Past. What’s Next for the Birthplace of the Blues?
CLARKSDALE, MISS. – Tyler Yarbrough makes it clear. Sinners and the cultural fest that followed may have thrust Clarksdale into the national spotlight, but this…
Clarksdale Pushed for a Screening of ‘Sinners’. They’re Getting One This Week.
When Jaleesa Collins discovered that Sinners was set in her hometown, she saw it as a great opportunity to organize a public screening. The military…
‘Sinners’ Is Set in Clarksdale, Where There’s No Theater. Locals Are Asking for a Screening.
Tyler Yarbrough didn’t see Sinners once, but twice. The film, which has made more than $200 million at the box office, is authentically Mississippi Delta…
What to Read, Watch, and Visit Next If ‘Sinners’ Left You Wanting More
Most may recall hearing their grandparents playing the blues at fish fries, family gatherings, or during weekend cleaning days. Clarksdale, Mississippi, native Yasmine Malone, 26,…
‘Sinners’ Honored Juke Joints. Today, They’re Fighting to Stay Open.
The blues runs deep through Orlando Paden’s veins. As a child, he danced for nickels and quarters by the jukebox. He cleaned, crushed cans, and…
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