Mississippi Native: Monica L. Coleman

"My sense of duty to the community here, especially in the Delta, transcends a physical address."

What does it mean to call Mississippi home? Why do people choose to leave or live in this weird, wonderful, and sometimes infuriating place? Today we hear from data-driven advocate and entrepreneur Monica L. Coleman.

Featured contributor Monica L. Coleman.

Where are you from?

Tunica, Mississippi

How long have you lived in Mississippi?

I have lived in Mississippi for a total of 27 years. I lived in Texas for 13 years and in the East Coast for a brief stint after high school but came back home nine years ago.

What does “home” mean to you? How does Mississippi fit into that definition?

Home is the place where you have a sense of belonging, where you know and love the people and the people know and love you. Mississippi fits into that definition for me because it is the place where I came to know and love myself and others; I always have this mutual feeling of being known and loved among the people here throughout the state. 

How have you cultivated community in Mississippi? Who are the people who have made you feel rooted here?

I cultivate community by serving others. I believe community is about being connected, and there is no better way to connect with others than by serving. The people who make me feel rooted are my family members, friends, and fellow entrepreneurs and advocates; we all value serving others.

A mural dedicated to blues history and its legends in Clarksdale, Mississippi.