Photo: Mound Bayou, Mississippi, a Black-founded town with a Black-owned cotton gin, planned home to a museum and interpretative center to Cottonfield workers of the American South.
www.cottonpickersunite.org
Step into the heart and soul of history as we celebrate the unsung heroes of the cotton fields – "grandmama'nem" – and their enduring contributions to make Cotton the “fabric of our lives.”
Serving as the inaugural Honorary Chair, Dr. Maya Angelou, and Dr. B.B. King entrusted Khafre, Inc., a Mississippi Delta based 501c3 organization, to construct a monumental historic site that honors the legacy and tireless work of Cotton Pickers in the American South and the resulting cotton industry around the world. This initiative is unparalleled, representing the first of its kind.
Our vision includes the establishment of a historical trail, featuring a remarkable30-foot statue/monument designed by Ed Dwight, a research/interpretive center to be housed on a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) campus, and a historical trail with informative historical markers spanning the trajectory of the “triangular trade route,” e.g., Mississippi Delta—America, Manchester—England, and Ghana—West Africa. The central hub will be on a HBCU campus in Mississippi and in the City of Mound Bayou, one of the oldest all-Black townships in America.
A Call to Action!
The Cotton Pickers International Unite Movement, a subsidiary of Khafre, Inc, invites you to join us on a journey through time, by erecting a global historic site that weaves a Cotton Trail connecting the Cotton Kingdom, originally known as Choctaw, Chickasaw, Natchez, et al in the Mississippi Delta, to the cotton capital, Manchester, England, and to the roots of cotton … in West Africa!
Movement Objectives:
Grandmama'nem Tribute: Pay homage to the indomitable spirit of Grandmama'nem, the backbone of cotton-picking communities, through storytelling, testimonials, and artistic expressions. Establish a dedicated section within the historical site to commemorate the vital role of elders and ancestors in the cotton industry.
Cotton Heritage Preservation:
Develop and promote a Cotton Trail that traces the footsteps of cotton from West Africa to the Mississippi Delta, to Manchester, England acknowledging the historical significance of each location along the way. Preserve and share the stories of Grandmama'nem through interactive exhibits along the trail.
Educational Outreach:
Collaborate with schools and community organizations to develop educational programs that highlight the history and cultural impact of Grandmama'nem and the cotton industry. Conduct workshops and seminars to empower younger generations with the knowledge of their heritage.
CAMPAIGNGOALS
Grandmama'nem Storytelling Series:
Launch a multimedia storytelling series showcasing the resilience, wisdom, and warmth of Grandmama'nem. Encourage communities to share their own Grandmama'nem stories through social media using Cotton Pickers Unite Movement website!
Documentary Film:
Produce a documentary film capturing the journey of cotton from West Africa to Manchester, with a focus on the role of Grandmama'nem. Screen the documentary in local communities, schools, and international platforms.
Global Engagement:
Establish connections with organizations and communities in West Africa and Manchester to foster global collaboration and understanding. Encourage the participation of international artists, historians, and cultural ambassadors in the campaign.
This Movement, initiated in 2009, by Khafre, Inc., is established to support the creation of a Historic Cotton Trail that includes a monument designed by Ed Dwight, an interpretive center/museum and historical markers that connect West Africa to the Mississippi Delta (Cotton Kingdom), and Manchester, England(Cotton Capital). This in an effort to honor the hands that have sown the threads of unity and the industrial revolution throughout the world. Please support the construction of the monument and the preservation of the Cotton Trail, connecting West Africa, to the Mississippi Delta, and Manchester England in a tapestry of cultural unity.
Let's Cultivate the ‘Roots of Honor’ in Our Shared Cotton Heritage ... It is time!
