The Resurrection of Friars Point, Mississippi

Hi, I am Melvin a resident and founder of Friars Point DA

The Economic Development Association (EDA) of Friars Point, Mississippi, under the direction of MBJ Enterprises, invites you to help us resurrect our city into the infamous “Mississippi River City” of American history. Friars Point has many unoccupied, severely damaged historical buildings that require extensive repair. It is the mission of the EDA to restore Friars Point to the city that Tennessee Williams and William Faulkner wrote about. It is the goal of the EDA to create an infrastructure that will encourage and attract national business chains to take advantage of the resources that Friars Point has to offer. Our historic port town remains the only place in Coahoma County with public access to the banks of the Mississippi River. Friars Point is ready to reclaim its rightful place in history.

The EDA has completed the upgrade to the historic Minie Ball House which was built in 1850 and is on the Mississippi Historical Registry. The Minnie Ball House briefly served as headquarters for Union General Napoleon Bonaparte Buford. The EDA led the charge in clearing properties damaged by the ice storm that battered Friars Point the week of February 14, 2023. We are proud to be citizens of Friars Point.

The objective of the Economic Development Association is to revitalize Friars Point into the music venue that is home to country music star Conway Twitty. The EDA endeavors to return Friars Point into the gateway that led blues singer Robert Nighthawk from the plantation in Friars Point to the Blues Hall of Fame. Nighthawk sang his hit “Friars Point Blues” throughout his career. Blues legend Robert Johnson performed in front of a Friars Point drugstore and referred to Friars Point in the song “Traveling Riverside Blues.” The EDA will continue our efforts to restore Friars Point so that our current favorite sons will be elated to showcase their hometown. Jaye Hammer currently sings the blues about “I Ain't Leaving Mississippi” and mentions Friars Point. Blues singer Christone “Kingfish” Ingram lived in Friars Point during his formative years and currently calls the Mississippi Delta home. These artists have made Friars Point famous through their talents. The citizens of Friars Point want to restore Friars Point to the hometown that these artists are so proud to tell the world about.

The EDA is soliciting financial assistance from our friends, neighbors, organizations, foundations and sister cities across this great United States to help us reach our goal of making Friars Point “The Mississippi River City” it once was.

Thank you for whatever donation you can provide. Thank you for appreciating our initiatives. Friars Point will be resurrected with your support