Caravan of Hope is a documentary currently in development that tells the extraordinary and often overlooked story of what happens when hope meets history, and when a community refuses to be forgotten. This film explores the powerful solidarity between Mound Bayou, Mississippi—a town founded by formerly enslaved people as a thriving beacon of Black independence—and WDIA, the first Black-programmed radio station in the United States.

Once known as a safe haven and economic powerhouse for Black residents in the Jim Crow South, Mound Bayou was more than a town. It was a symbol of self-determination, community, and Black excellence. But by the early 1980s, years of disinvestment and structural neglect had brought the town to the brink of financial collapse, threatening its charter and existence. At this critical moment, it was the voices on the airwaves that answered the call. WDIA, a Memphis-based station that had long served as a cultural and civic lifeline for Black communities across the South, launched a bold campaign to save the town. Through its powerful reach and beloved personalities, WDIA mobilized listeners and donors, culminating in a historic caravan of cars filled with people bringing money, support, and a renewed sense of purpose to the struggling town.

This documentary interweaves interviews with Mound Bayou residents, WDIA personalities, and historians. It traces the town’s origins as a radical founding in Black sovereignty, its economic rise and near-collapse, and the remarkable grassroots media campaign that helped it survive. Caravan of Hope is not only about a story of a past victory. It’s a meditation on how Black media and community care intersect to preserve what matters. In an era where many historic Black towns face extinction, this film offers a powerful reminder that when we remember our stories, we can rally our people—and when we rally our people, we can change the future.

You can support the development of Caravan of Hope by contributing through Zeffy to help bring this powerful story to life. Every contribution makes a difference in preserving and amplifying this important history.