Caravan of Hope: How WDIA and a One-Mile Miracle Saved Mound Bayou

Caravan of Hope is a feature-length documentary currently in development, telling the extraordinary story of how the historic Black town of Mound Bayou, Mississippi, and WDIA, the first Black-operated radio station in the United States, united in a remarkable act of solidarity and resilience. When Mound Bayou faced a financial crisis in the mid-20th century that threatened its survival, WDIA used its powerful platform to rally communities across the South. This effort culminated in a stunning one-mile-long caravan of Stingray cars, a powerful symbol of unity and collective action.

The film explores the rich history of Mound Bayou, founded in 1887 by formerly enslaved individuals as a beacon of Black self-determination, and WDIA’s groundbreaking role as a cultural and social force for African Americans. Through personal reflections and expert commentary from scholars and community leaders, Caravan of Hope weaves together stories of resilience, media activism, and the enduring power of Black communities to create change.

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.