Tim Lampkin, CEO of Higher Purpose Co., announced the organization acquired a new facility at 238 Issaquena Ave. during its first awards ceremony Saturday night.
Higher Purpose Co., a non-profit organization to help African-American entrepreneurs build their businesses, is currently located at 130 DeSoto Ave. in Suite 10. Delta Furniture was previously in the new building, which is 13,000 square feet.
“Our plan is to be in the building towards the end of 2021,” Lampkin said.
Lampkin made the announcement after showing a short video of the facility at the Higher Purpose Awards ceremony in the Bank Building in downtown Clarksdale. He said the new headquarters will have co-working space, business offices, food hall marketplace, multipurpose theater, community event space and a museum and gift shop.
“We need your support and we need your help, so if you can and you will, I hope you donate to our organization,” Lampkin said. “We are launching our capital campaign tonight with the goal of raising $2.5 million. I’m excited to share with you we’ve already raised $75,000.
“Get ready. We’re making a lot of major moves here in Clarksdale, Miss., so, hopefully, you’ll be on that journey with us.”
Mrs. Freddie White Johnson, Founder of the Fannie Lou Hamer Cancer Foundation, Thad Fairley, Field Representative for Congressman Bennie Thompson, Mario Watkins, Owner of W8 Lounge in Itta Bena and Snap Fitness Indianola, Keyah Williams, Founder and CEO of Mama Nature’s Juice Bar, Charlestien Harris, Credit and Housing Counselor, Dr. Sondra Collins, and Southern Bancorp Community Partners and Bishop Zedric Clayton, Pastor of The City of Truth, were recognized for their achievements and contributions at the Higher Purpose Co. awards ceremony. Monica Coleman was also recognized with an award for being the first monthly donor.
Terry “Big T” Williams and the Family Band provided live music and entertainment throughout the night.
The ceremony kicked off Black History Month. A goal at the ceremony was to raise $20,000 to use for expansion work across the state.
Jarquita Brown, Communications and Development Coordinator for Higher Purpose Co., spoke about celebrating black excellence and entrepreneurship across Mississippi.
“Harlem Nights, inspired by the 1920s Harlem Renaissance, was a time in history that shifted our culture to what it is today,” she said. “It was a time that created a powerful shift in the minds of black folks to come together in creating an ecosystem of resources for black people for generations to come.”
The resources include black ownership, doctors offices, grocery stores and news outlets.
