Allison “Chucky” Allen, Author

On Sunday, March 30, Sipp Culture welcomed the National Black Food and Justice Alliance and friends to the Main Street Cultural Center in Utica. 

The National Black Food and Justice Alliance represents hundreds of Black urban and rural farmers, organizers and land stewards based nationwide working together. They are designing, building and protecting the nourishing, safe and liberatory spaces our communities need and absolutely deserve. 

After traveling from Jackson, the troop of farmers and activists concluded their time in Southern Mississippi by visiting the Main Street Cultural Center, touring the Sipp Culture house on White Oak Street, and engaging with the community farm in Utica, before embarking on their trek to Waterford’s Foxfire Ranch. Hosted by Carlton and Brandi Turner, the founders of Mississippi Center of Cultural Production (Sipp Culture), setting the tone for our very first official event held in the newly renovated space on Main Street.

It was deeply moving to hear everyone speak so highly of Brandi and Carlton, expressing their pride. Hearing others say this cultural center embodies their future dreams for their communities was inspiring. Witnessing such a diverse group gather in a space envisioned, dreamed, and built by Brandi and Carlton, inspiring others to thrive, was remarkable. It’s truly a blessing to see how God is moving within this union, and I wish them nothing but total greatness. I deeply admire them and hope to follow in their footsteps one day. To me, this image is true joy.

Chef Phillip Brown prepared an exceptional meal at the Main Street Cultural Center. Chef Phillip is a traveling culinary professional specializing in family reunions, festivals, weddings, receptions, and corporate banquets. The food was as beautiful as it was delicious. 

The menu for the cultural center’s soft opening included Creole sautéed collard greens, fresh herb rice pilaf, grilled redfish, and shrimp with roasted bell pepper and herb butter sauce served separately in a round chafer. We were served grilled sweet potatoes with cinnamon and brown sugar, a grilled vegetable medley, marinated grilled portobello mushroom caps, signature smoked chicken salad presented in lettuce cups with grilled marinated vegetables, and Southern fried chicken drizzled with bourbon honey. There was a colorful fruit display, his renowned shrimp and grits, assorted rolls, and Parmesan-crusted cornbread with lemonade and sweet tea. 

Bon appétit!

James Kithuka, pictured above, is the Facilities Manager of the Main Street Cultural Center and a native of Kenya in East Africa. Kenya Crumel, the Black Land and Power Director. Their shared name and Kenyan origin sparked a joyful interaction. Crumel then took a photograph with Kithuka. I’m proud to have documented this moment for Sipp Culture.

The Main Street Cultural Center is celebrating its grand opening the first weekend in May. We hope you will join us in celebrating our community and culture.