Mound Bayou: A Testament to Black Excellence and Self-Determination

Mamie Till-Mobley, portrayed in the film Till (2022), found refuge in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, during the trial for her son Emmett Till’s killers. The town provided safety and support as she sought justice. Photo courtesy of Till (2022)

Mound Bayou, Mississippi, isn’t just a town—it’s a powerful symbol of Black self-reliance, innovation, and resilience.

Founded in 1887 by former slaves Isaiah T. Montgomery and Benjamin Green, it grew into a thriving community that defied the systemic racism of its time. This extraordinary town, once 100% Black and a hub of education, entrepreneurship, and healthcare innovation, continues to inspire as a beacon of what Black Americans can achieve.

A Legacy of Freedom and Education

“Mound Bayou was built on the principles of freedom and education,” said Reverend Daryl Johnson, co-founder of the Mound Bayou Museum of African-American Culture and History. “It’s a place where God and learning could thrive together—and that legacy is needed now more than ever.”

The town’s founders, deeply committed to self-education, understood that knowledge was the key to empowerment. Isaiah Montgomery, largely self-taught, learned from his father Benjamin Montgomery, who accessed the plantation’s law library while enslaved. This tradition of self-education created leaders, entrepreneurs, and civil rights pioneers like Dr. T.R.M. Howard and Medgar Evers.

Achievements That Shaped a Community

• 840 acres of swampy wilderness transformed into a thriving town.

• 37,000 acres of additional land purchased to expand the community.

• First HMO in America, pioneered by Black healthcare innovators in Mound Bayou.

A Sanctuary During Turbulent Times

Mound Bayou wasn’t just a town; it was a sanctuary. In 1955, Mamie Till-Mobley found refuge there during the trial of her son Emmett Till’s killers. The community’s self-sufficiency, including its own telephone exchange, allowed secure communication during the Civil Rights Movement.

“Mound Bayou was sacred ground,” said Reverend Johnson. “It was a safe harbor when the rest of the South wasn’t safe for us.”

Reviving the Legacy

Today, the Johnson family leads efforts to reignite Mound Bayou’s legacy as a cultural and educational hub. At the forefront is Hermon Johnson Sr., a 95-year-old former vice mayor and lifelong advocate for education and economic development.

“Mound Bayou isn’t just history—it’s a lesson for the future,” said Johnson.

The family envisions the town as a blueprint for Black success, blending its historic achievements with opportunities for tourism, cultural preservation, and economic growth.

“This isn’t just about history,” said Hermon Johnson Jr. “It’s about creating a future where Mound Bayou is the blueprint for Black success and self-determination.”

Why Mound Bayou Matters Today

In a time when Black history and educational equity face increasing threats, Mound Bayou’s story serves as a rallying cry. It reminds us of the transformative power of education, self-reliance, and community.

“They tried to erase us,” said Hermon Johnson Sr. “But we’re still here. As long as we keep educating ourselves and each other, no one can stop us.”

The Bottom Line

Mound Bayou stands as a living testament to the resilience, innovation, and excellence of Black Americans. Its legacy of education and empowerment must be celebrated, protected, and used as a roadmap for future generations.

As the first story in Roots Rediscovered: Black Forgotten Towns, Mound Bayou exemplifies the enduring power of Black determination and the importance of preserving our shared history.

What's next for Mound Bayou

• Support the Mound Bayou Museum of African-American Culture and History by visiting moundbayoumuseum.org.

• Purchase books, merchandise, or memberships to fund revitalization efforts.

• Invest in the community’s future through tourism or economic development projects.