The Mississippi Delta Is Where the Story Begins

The story of American food, freedom, and resilience cannot be told without the Mississippi Delta.

In August 2026, SOIL, the traveling photography exhibition by Mississippi-based artist Justin Hardiman, will begin a new chapter—moving across the state to bring the stories of Delta farmers, land stewards, and food advocates into new communities. Presented by Rootswell in partnership with Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA), SOIL honors the people whose labor, creativity, and persistence have shaped not only Mississippi, but the nation.

SOIL places farmers where they belong—at the center of our cultural narrative—standing alongside the civil rights leaders, musicians, and organizers who define the Delta’s legacy. These images challenge narrow ideas of who farmers are and what rural Black communities represent, offering a fuller, more powerful story rooted in dignity, pride, and possibility.

From Clarksdale to the World

SOIL was first unveiled in Clarksdale, Mississippi, at the historic Travelers Hotel, where it drew international attention and welcomed more than 175 community members at its opening reception. Over the course of the exhibition, more than 250 K–12 students participated in school tours and farm excursions—engaging directly with agriculture, history, and storytelling.

The exhibit’s impact extended far beyond Clarksdale. A closing reception in January 2025 brought together farmers and advocates from across Mississippi—from the Gulf Coast to the Choctaw Indian Reservation—underscoring SOIL’s power to connect people, place, and purpose.

In 2025, SOIL entered global human rights conversations. Images from the exhibition were featured during the United Nations Pre-Sessions for the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva, Switzerland, and shared with European Union delegates, international NGOs, and philanthropy leaders advancing the right to food worldwide. The work was also highlighted during the As Goes the South documentary screening in Washington, D.C.

What began as a local exhibition became a living story with global resonance.

A Statewide Tour, Rooted in Community

Beginning in August 2026, SOIL will travel to five Mississippi communities, with each stop hosting the exhibition for 30-45 days. Each location will include opening receptions, community dialogues, and optional student tours designed to spark reflection, conversation, and pride.

Proposed host communities include:

• Starkville, MS

• Lorman, MS

• Oxford, MS

• Jackson, MS

• Cleveland, MS

By bringing SOIL statewide, Rootswell aims to engage thousands of Mississippians—students, families, farmers, and local leaders—with images that reframe how Delta farmers are seen and remembered. This tour amplifies community voices, confronts historical erasure, and affirms that the future of food, agriculture, and economic empowerment is being written now.

More Than an Exhibit

SOIL is not a static display—it is a tool for connection.

As part of the Rootswell movement, the exhibition advances three core goals:

• Grow Food Culture – Celebrating the Delta’s deep traditions of farming, cooking, and creativity

• Expand Local Access – Strengthening pathways for communities to engage with and invest in local food systems

• Tell the Story – Centering the voices of those building a Good Food Future in the Mississippi Delta

Through photography, dialogue, and education, SOIL links past to present—helping communities imagine healthier, more prosperous futures grounded in respect for the land and the people who steward it.

Curatorial Statement 

‘SOIL' explores the overlooked narratives of Black farmers. Embedded within the fertile soil of North Mississippi lies a rich history of stories that are often overshadowed. Hardiman pays tribute to their contributions, through photographs that depict not only the physical landscapes of Black farming but also the complexities of identity, heritage, and resilience. The photographs serve as a portal, offering glimpses into daily life on the farm, the challenges faced, and the unwavering commitment to preserving legacy and community. As curator, my goal is to create a space where these stories can be honored, celebrated, and inspire a greater appreciation for the perseverance of Black farmers. 

Adrienne Domnick, Curator

Adrienne Domnick, a Mississippi artist and curator, celebrates black culture and community through her work. Her creative path weaves narratives that honor the resilience and creativity of Black heroes, aiming to inspire and deepen society’s understanding of their impact. As a curator, Domnick focuses on community bonds, the collective voice, and cultural heritage in her exhibitions. Through her work, she sheds light on untold stories, amplifies the voiceless, and encourages viewers to envision a more inclusive future. 

About the Artist

Justin Hardiman is a self-taught photographer and visual artist from Jackson, Mississippi. His minimalist, documentary-inspired style is deeply shaped by his environment and his commitment to portraying overlooked communities with care and intention.

Justin describes his work as an act of preservation:

“As photographers, we bear the responsibility of preserving the stories of our families, cultures, and communities. Often, our narratives are told by individuals who don’t share our experiences. Photography isn’t just a visual art; it’s my way of time-traveling, storytelling, and celebrating the Black experience in the South.”

His work has been exhibited globally, with Mississippi serving as both inspiration and foundation.

Join the Journey

The SOIL traveling exhibition is made possible through collaboration, partnership, and shared belief in the power of storytelling. As the tour approaches, Rootswell will share updates on host sites, public programming, and opportunities to engage.

We invite you to follow along, support the work, and experience SOIL as it continues to move—connecting local stories to national milestones and global movements for dignity, justice, and food sovereignty.

SOIL is presented by Rootswell in partnership with Partnership for a Healthier America.