Turkey Creek

About the Project

When the historic African American cemetery of Turkey Creek, Mississippi, is bulldozed for commercial development, prodigal son Derrick Evans returns home to help his community fight for its life. Settled by emancipated slaves in the 19th century, Turkey Creek today is surrounded by an airport, a Walmart, two highways and an industrial canal that threaten the once-isolated, rural community and its fragile wetland. A David and Goliath story of empowerment, Turkey Creek will speak to diverse audiences about democracy and the value of cultural and environmental preservation.

Filmed in an intimate verite style over eight years by Derrick’s longtime friend, award-winning filmmaker Leah Mahan, Turkey Creek chronicles the dramatic emergence of a grassroots movement for environmental justice and self-determination. The one-hour documentary unfolds with the power of narrative film, capturing the emotional ups-and-downs, confrontations and personal revelations of Derrick, his family, neighbors and allies. They defeat the mayor who called them “dumb bastards” for standing in the way of developers, only to see their hard-earned victory unravel after Hurricane Katrina’s devastation. But this time, the community is empowered to take the fight into a larger arena. Derrick testifies before Congress and travels cross-country in a FEMA trailer to advocate for their cause. Turkey Creek captures the attention of the national media. Ultimately the community persuades the federal government to protect Turkey Creek and its wetland from further encroachment by establishing a pioneering conservation project.

In partnership with the Gulf Coast Fund for Community Renewal and Ecological Health, Turkey Creek Film Project is developing The Bridge Project, an outreach initiative working to bridge the digital divide for Gulf Coast community organizations by providing technical assistance, media mentorship, a digital storytelling Web venue and mapping tools.

The Fledgling Fund Impact

The Fledgling Fund is pleased to support Turkey Creek. The Gulf Region continues to be a source of great suffering and injustice through both man-made and natural disasters. We believe that this project shows a source of real hope through personal triumph and dedication.