Howard Boutte,
President and CEO

119 S. Theobald Street
Greenville, MS 38701

Phone: (662) 335-3523
Fax: (662) 334-2939

mace03@bellsouth.net
Website

Counties Served: Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Madison, Panola, Quitman, Sharkey, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Washington

Incorporated: 1967

Founded in 1967 by veterans of the civil rights movement and the war on poverty, Mississippi Action for Community Education (MACE) has dedicated itself to helping residents of the Delta region strengthen their communities. Not only does MACE help people to break the cycle of poverty, they also help celebrate the rich artistic heritage of the region.

Since 1977, MACE has sponsored The Mississippi Delta Blues Festival, the second oldest Blues festival in the nation. The festival illustrates the artistic ingenuity of the area, while simultaneously giving philanthropic and nonprofit leaders a place to gather, socialize, and share ideas. Moreover, it is a consistent economic boon to the community, generating nearly five million dollars a year.

Of course, MACE’s influence extends beyond just the Blues festival. They also provide training and technical assistance to entire communities. Since 1979, MACE has channeled almost a million dollars in seed grants to emerging comminuty-based organizations in the Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas. MACE has also helped develop over 400 units of affordable housing in the Delta.