Recap: The First Delta Magic Hour Highlights Delta Circles' Impact in the Arkansas Delta

The first Delta Magic Hour meeting brought together community members and organizations for an insightful and inspiring discussion, spotlighting Delta Circles, a nonprofit committed to advancing economic equity in the Arkansas Delta. Hosted by Joseph Whitfield, Executive Director of Delta Magic, the monthly gathering serves as an opportunity for residents and local organizations to stay updated, connect, and collaborate on projects that are driving positive change in the region.

January’s spotlight was on Patricia Ashanti, the founder and CEO of Delta Circles, who shared the organization’s mission, achievements, and vision for the future of the Helena/Phillips County area. Here’s a recap of the key highlights from the meeting.

A Mission to End Poverty and Advance Economic Equity

Patricia Ashanti kicked off the meeting by discussing Delta Circles’ primary focus: supporting families to break the cycle of poverty and advance economic equity, particularly for Black women and their children in the Arkansas Delta region. Since its founding in 2009, Delta Circles has been dedicated to creating opportunities for residents to thrive, and Ashanti emphasized how the organization’s work is designed to provide sustainable, long-term outcomes for the community.

As Ashanti shared, Delta Circles runs various programs aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, education, and economic development. Some of these include a monthly entrepreneurship networking event, a youth coding league, and a farmers’ market that encourages local vendors to showcase their products. These initiatives are helping individuals and families develop skills, build businesses, and contribute to a more vibrant, self-sustaining community.

Introducing the Eliza Miller Opportunity Hub

One of the most exciting developments shared during the meeting was Delta Circles’ Eliza Miller Opportunity Hub. This community space will house a range of resources, including a gaming room and a 3D printing lab, creating a hub for creativity, innovation, and education in the area.

Ashanti explained that the Opportunity Hub will serve as a space for individuals of all ages to access the tools they need to succeed, whether it's learning new technologies, developing business ideas, or simply connecting with others who share similar goals. The space is designed to inspire and provide opportunities for both youth and adults to envision and work toward a brighter future.

Supporting Local Farmers

Delta Circles has also been instrumental in supporting local agriculture through the establishment of the Phillips County Black Farmers Association, the first of its kind in the area. Ashanti highlighted how the organization is helping local Black farmers access the resources and networks they need to succeed, which in turn strengthens the overall economic stability of the region.

This initiative aligns with Delta Circles’ broader goal of fostering economic equity and supporting all sectors of the community, from entrepreneurs to farmers. Ashanti noted that supporting local farmers is an essential part of creating a self-sufficient and resilient community.

Building a Destination, Not Just a Place

A recurring theme throughout Ashanti’s discussion was the vision for Helena and Phillips County to become more than just a place people pass through—it should be a destination people actively seek out. Ashanti’s vision for the future is clear: “I believe for me, the vision is that Helena West, Phillips County is not a place that you accidentally go to; it will be a place where you want to go.”

By focusing on technology, entrepreneurship, and community-building, Delta Circles aims to transform the area into a place of opportunity, drawing people in with its innovative programs, resources, and inclusive spirit. The Eliza Miller Opportunity Hub is just one of the steps in this process, offering a glimpse into a future where the community thrives and attracts new visitors and businesses.

Fostering Collaboration and Networking

The Delta Magic Hour meeting also provided a valuable opportunity for community members to connect and collaborate. These gatherings are designed not only to spotlight important local organizations like Delta Circles but also to create a space for people to learn about new opportunities, share resources, and build partnerships. The informal yet informative setting encourages conversation, ideas, and collaborations that will further enrich the community.

Ashanti’s participation in the meeting highlighted the importance of collaboration between local organizations, businesses, and residents. The conversation sparked new ideas for how the community can continue working together to build a stronger, more prosperous future.

Looking Ahead: Delta Circles’ Future Plans

As the meeting wrapped up, Ashanti reflected on the progress Delta Circles has made and the work still ahead. With the Eliza Miller Opportunity Hub and continued efforts to support local farmers, entrepreneurs, and youth, the future looks bright for Helena and Phillips County.

Delta Circles is not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for long-term change. The organization’s focus on technology, innovation, and economic equity will help ensure that the community is well-positioned to thrive in the years to come.

Conclusion

The most recent Delta Magic Hour meeting provided an inside look into the incredible work of Delta Circles and its continued impact on the Arkansas Delta. By spotlighting Delta Circles, the meeting underscored the importance of community-driven initiatives in building a more inclusive and prosperous region. With programs that support entrepreneurship, education, and local agriculture, Delta Circles is helping to transform the Arkansas Delta into a place of opportunity and growth.

As always, Delta Magic Hour continues to serve as an essential platform for fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and empowering residents and organizations to collaborate and create a better future for all. 

Join us at the next meeting, February 27th at 5:30pm!