About Mound Bayou R.I.S.E. Foundation
Rooted in Mound Bayou, we are a community nonprofit dedicated to uplifting our historic home. Through youth mentorship, senior care, and health programs, we continue the legacy of service started by our founder, Arnetha L. Hickman-Davis, to empower every resident.
Meet Our Founder
I was born and raised in Mound Bayou, Mississippi. This is home, and it is the community that helped shape who I am. As I grew older, I knew I wanted to give back to the place that gave so much to me.
I didn’t start the Mound Bayou R.I.S.E. Foundation because I thought our community was without hope. I started it because I believe there is so much more we can do for our children, single mothers, seniors, families, and adults. My vision is to help create a community center in Mound Bayou where children can receive tutoring and mentoring, families can receive support, seniors can gather safely, and residents can access education, technology, job training, health initiatives, meals, and community activities. To me, R.I.S.E. means Restoring hope, Inspiring possibilities, Supporting people through their challenges, and Empowering individuals and families to create brighter futures. I started Mound Bayou R.I.S.E. Foundation because I love my community, I believe in its people, and I believe our best days can still be ahead of us.