Tibbee Strong

In this climate of tension on a number of levels, I look for strength and clarity from my community. I grew up in a small community in North Mississippi in the center of the Golden Triangle between the cities of Starkville, West Point, and Columbus.

The Tibbee Community exists pretty much independent of the larger cities and is one of many mainly retirement aged minority citizens. The community has endured many challenges as it relates to racial tension. In the early 60s Tibbee’s citizens had to mount community watch efforts to protect against intimidation from outsiders with different political and social views.

Fast forward sixty years, and we are again faced with a political climate and social climate that challenges the rights of minority citizens. Knowing its historical performance in the past, I am sure that Tibbee and other communities like it will rise to the occasion. Its influence is only compounded by the activity of its children who have migrated to many locations, but still carry and embody the Tibbee Strong spirit.