Mississippi Public Broadcasting TV CLARKSDALE – Students and teachers who participated in an arts-driven after-school and job-training program in downtown Clarksdale will be sharing their stories in a documentary that will air on Mississippi Public Broadcasting TV next month. “Griot Grit” is a documentary about a group of “dedicated teachers and students who spread Hope in the Mississippi Delta through cultivating the arts, and a sense community.” It’s produced by Griot Arts, Inc., which is a non-profit dedicated to encouraging engagement with the arts. Lee Quinby, a New York City-based filmmaker and retired teacher who co-founded the True Delta Project, a multimedia project celebrating the cultural assets in the Mississippi Delta. The film was also directed by Erickson “EB” Blakney, a filmmaker, award-winning writer, and cofounder of True Delta Project. Ji Hoon Heo was a journalist and multimedia instructor at University of Mississippi. He also served as the director of cinematography. Blakney, whose grandparents hail from southeast Mississippi, has been visiting the Mississippi Delta since the 1990s. Blakney wanted to see Mississippi when he left New York to visit Mississippi. He was always keen to visit other parts the state, including the Mississippi Delta. This region is ravaged by poverty and overshadowed economically. Blakney said that the region is often overlooked for the many achievements and strides made by local leaders and residents to improve their communities. I’ve seen many documentaries and news stories that show poverty. Photographic books depict hopelessness and despair, and that’s not Mississippi I know. Blakney said that desperation can also be expressed in other parts. “… Washington has the White House. New York has the New York Times. But if you go to Chicago or the Mississippi Delta, there’s always a shack, or a shoeless child in the dirt. That’s why Blakney, Quinby and their multimedia and film company wanted to tell these stories. “Mississippi is known for its terrible reputation, and some of that reputation is well-earned. Blakney said that there is incredible work being done in the Delta, and amazing people doing it. The William J. Shaw Family Foundation provided a $5,000 starter grant to make the project possible. Griot Arts will be featured in the documentary. It premieres on March 22nd at 9:30 pm on MPB television. The documentary will be aired again on March 24, at 2 p.m., and March 26, at 10 p.m. After the premiere, the film will be available online. Griot Arts Inc. was founded in 2014 by Cali Norland, an Ole Miss graduate, who wanted to give back her community. It focuses on helping young people gain the skills they need to be productive citizens and to provide financial support. These opportunities can be found through job training and after-school programs. Don’t be afraid of dreaming. Noland stated that God provides inspiration and ideas, and that he wants us all to believe in him and walk in faith each day. She also spoke out about the importance of pursuing a dream and creating a nonprofit. Blakney and Quinby decided to start “Griot Grit” when Blakney visited Meraki Roasting Company, an arts-based coffee shop and community space that trains youth in Griot Arts to roast coffee, learn job skills, and sell local products. Blakney was moved by the story of Griot Arts’ “salvation” Zytavious McLendon, a young man who worked at the space on that day. Blakney spoke to Mississippi Today by phone. Quinby stated, “I knew immediately that something special was happening in Clarksdale. It was a story worth telling.” Quinby said that his story is one about struggle and getting his life together. Quinby was moved by the fact that Quinby spent nearly a year to film footage and finish the documentary. Quinby said, “I believe the main takeaway for me is to show these kids that they have dreams and hopes and there’s a place they can consolidate their hopes and make desires for what they want when they graduate.” This organization provides a pathway to the opportunities they desire in their lives. Cali Noland, and all the staff at that organization… are heroes. They’re patient. They are kind and patient. It’s a great story to tell.” But, the goal is not for people to simply see the film. The filmmakers stated that the film is meant to inspire action and engagement, as well as showcase the great stories of Mississippi. Mississippians should be excited about all the good things that are happening. Locally, I’d love people to see the good happening in their area and send their children (donate…volunteer) to Griot and Spring Initiative. “Do what you can to help these organizations create a stronger and more cohesive community.” This documentary is not the first that the True Delta Project has made. It has been featured on MPB. Other films include “Enriching Destiny,” which is a tribute to Sister Teresea’s service at Jonestown Family Center, Jonestown, Miss. The second is “From the Crossroads To the White House,” which documents the journey of five students from Clarksdale to the White House to perform for Michelle Obama. These documentaries are available on PBS.org.