Submitted by Dr. Carol Prejean Zippert  

The 51st annual Black Belt Folk Roots Festival, held August 22-23, 2026 in Eutaw, AL, embraced the challenge of community celebrating community. The 2025 Festival marked the 50th anniversary but instead of signaling a conclusion to this mainstay event, the call was loud and clear: The Festival Must Continue. The Society of Folk Arts & Culture answered the call. 

Dr. Carol P. Zippert, Director of the Society and the longtime volunteer coordinator of the annual Festival, enlisted the creative help of two young women who know the culture of the Black Belt Region and could infuse new energy and inspiration for a transitioning leadership. Barbara Amerson Hunter, who assisted Zippert with the festival for many years, and Teresa Atkins, an experienced event planner, entrepreneur and educator assumed the front-line production of the 51st annual Black Belt Folk Roots Festival. Three hearts and heads working together.

Hunter and Atkins reviewed records of the components leading to the production of the annual Festival. This included considering participating artists (blues and gospel singers, dancers, storytellers, food ways and craft vendors, and artists mentoring children); contacting all participants, technicians, and on-site workers; securing tents, tables, chairs and shop fans, ordering souvenir t-shirts and securing additional funding as costs rose.

To the delight of all attendees, the Festival featured several artists who are longtime participants, including bluesmen Clarence Davis, Jock Webb, Nigel Speights, Terry ‘Harmonica’ Bean, The Fingerprint Band, Russell Gulley, Mississippi Blues Boys; gospel artists included Eddie Mae Brown, New Generation Men of Promise, The Melody Kings, the Mississippi Traveling Stars, the Golden Gates, Greene County Mass Choir, and St. John Baptist Church Choir.

Local artist, Maya Steele again guided the children (under the Kids Tent) in expressing their creative gifts using simplistic materials. Maya is committed to helping our youth know that they have a place at the Festival.

The special treat for all at the Festival were the young artists sharing music, spoken word and variety of crafts and food. Their presence extended the hope that even as traditions evolve and cultural expressions change, our history must continue to be lifted as our powerful story. The gifts we share at the Festival reflect how we live together, how we care for each other and how we build community. 

Featured Image: Jock Webb and Clarence Davis performing an ol’ timey blues set