HBCU alum (Howard 2006, 2010) Joseph A.C. Smith is dedicated to thanking his hometown, Natchez, Mississippi, one creative economic development at a time. So far, the enterprises he’s initiated have a common theme of community and hospitality with impact. There appears to be an entire ecosystem that is centered in empowerment.
This October Smith was inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers & Scholars. As part of the 2025 Class of Inductees, Smith now holds the distinction of being a member of Morehouse’s 40th class of the College of Ministers and Laity. The honor is bestowed upon women and men across the country, who are practicing the social gospel tradition of servant-leadership.
The three endeavors below are an example of Smith’s dedication to teaching people to fish, providing fish, clothing and housing people and promoting peace as he empowers the people.
Howard Alum Joseph Smith’s Hospitality Enterprises are
Creatively Restoring Black Natchez’s Business Corridor
The Guest House x ELLAN
401 Franklin Street, Natchez, Mississippi 39120
(601) 445-6000 | Facebook Link | Instagram Link | Website
The Guest House Natchez x ELLAN (The “AN “in ELLAN is taken from Mama’s name-Anita The “EL” and “LA” are for Mike and Tiffany’s moms : Elaina and Laverne) is the crown jewel of a joint partnership with Tiffany and Michael Clinton. Located in the heart of Natchez, the website description states, “The Guest House in Natchez, MS offers a collection of romantic rooms that embody charm, elegance, and a touch of nostalgia.” It is the largest antebellum mansion in the country owned by African- Americans. The ambitious endeavor includes a restaurant that services the guests and anyone in Natchez seeking a beautiful atmosphere, a diverse menu that offers American, Creole-Cajun and Mediterranean cuisines as well as the regional and seasonal flavors Natchez is known for, and there’s close proximity to downtown shopping and events.
On an Instagram post, co-owner Joseph A.C. Smith wrote, “I can’t fully convey all that this moment means for Natchez, for Mississippi, for America that we-the descendants of slaves-bought “the big house” AND the slaves quarters AND the restaurant AND all 16 beautifully outfitted luxury suites AND the bragging rights of being the top rated hotel in Southwest, Mississippi. We bought it all.”
Each room is named for notable Natchezians. The decor hearkens history but with modern amenities to make for a cozy and comfortable experience. The partners brought in a bevy of historical architecture and interior design professionals to keep the structural and historical integrity of the property. There was an added investment in the details including antique furnishings and decor, some fixtures are original to the building.
1720 Gallery & Gift Shop
227 North Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, Natchez Mississippi, 39120
(601) 807-2707 | Facebook Link | Instagram Link
Open Daily, Serving Breakfast Buffet Style from 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
The 1720 Gallery and Gift Shop is a restaurant that features Black art on the walls and a gift shop that sells “601” swag in honor of the city’s area code and more. One of its greatest features is the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet that ends when all of the food is gone. No food waste. An extension of the daily buffet is the Sunday brunch. Smith created the space for comfort but also for conversation with seating stations that are traditional tables and chairs as well as sofas and easy chairs in various parts of the gallery. “We imagine our space as a place where friendships are formed, ideas are birthed and memories are made.” Some of those memories include karaoke and line-dancing to Southern Soul with a group of friends and strangers. Or playing some of the games that are available in the family-friendly space.
Black Natchez
From the BlackNatchez.org website, the organization states that it “is committed to promoting and uplifting African-American culture in Southwest, Mississippi. We promote love, collaboration, and understanding of all people, with a specific emphasis on Black achievement, Black history, & black empowerment. We believe fundamentally that when black people thrive, the entire community rises.”
Black Natchez is both a cheerleader and mirror held up to reflect the wealth found in the city’s Black community. They are proponents of voter registration, education (for all age groups), and multi-generational conversations that teach and reach. They even facilitate community clean-ups. They host town halls as well as showcase unsung stars of the community. A more recent and ongoing endeavor is building a Black business directory in its continued promotion of Black-owned businesses in the Miss-Lou region. It is highly recommended to follow their Facebook page for developments and upcoming events in Natchez.
If you are ever in Natchez, please keep in mind that when you are lodging and eating in elegance at The Guest House, hanging out for a casual breakfast and some chatter among locals at 1720, and attending an event sponsored by Black Natchez, you are assisting to sustain a people, a culture and their community.
Robin Caldwell
Robin Caldwell is the blogger behind freshandfriedhard.com and academic researcher focusing on Black history, heritage and culture. Public historian primarily in Black American historical foodways: antebellum and regional.
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Robin Caldwell is the blogger behind freshandfriedhard.com and academic researcher focusing on Black history, heritage and culture. Public historian primarily in Black American historical foodways: antebellum and regional.
