From Sugar Ditch to Song: Dennis Turner’s Tribute to a Civil Rights Icon
Dennis Turner, a gospel singer, educator and author, is honoring Reverend Jesse Jackson with a new song, “Iconic to Me.” Turner’s journey from a childhood marked by poverty in Tunica, Mississippi, to a life of achievement is deeply intertwined with the impact Jackson had on him as a young boy.
A 1985 Visit That Changed a Life
In 1985, CBS’s “60 Minutes” exposed the extreme poverty in Tunica, Mississippi, specifically in an area known as Sugar Ditch. Morley Safer described Tunica as “the poorest county in the poorest state in the United States.” It was in this environment that a 12-year-old Dennis Turner grew up. Shortly after the broadcast, Reverend Jackson and the Rainbow Push Coalition visited Tunica.
Turner recalls the profound effect Jackson had on him. Growing up without a father, he found a mentor and role model in Jackson’s powerful presence and message of hope. “When you see someone like him, the eloquent way he speaks…it made me understand that I can be more than what I see,” Turner explained in an interview with WBTV.
From Education to Gospel Music and Beyond
Inspired by Jackson, Turner pursued education, earning a bachelor’s degree from Oakwood University and a master’s degree in education from Alabama A&M University. He then became an educator himself, before turning to his passion for gospel music.
Turner formed the group Dennis Turner and Turtle Creek Nation, touring the world as a singer and motivational speaker. He also authored “The Boy From the Ditch,” a memoir detailing his experiences growing up in poverty and the influence of Reverend Jackson.
“Iconic to Me” – A Song of Gratitude
Turner’s latest project, the song “Iconic to Me,” is a direct tribute to Jackson. The lyrics reflect the awe and inspiration Turner felt as a child witnessing Jackson’s charisma and commitment to social justice. The song is now available on all major digital platforms.
Turner hopes to present the song to Jackson’s family as a gesture of gratitude. “It would mean the world,” he said. “It would mean that they felt my heart.”
The Enduring Legacy of Mentorship and Hope
Turner’s story highlights the lasting impact of mentorship and the power of believing in a brighter future. His journey from the challenging circumstances of Sugar Ditch to a successful career demonstrates the transformative potential of education, faith, and a strong role model.
Did you know?
Reverend Jesse Jackson referred to Tunica, Mississippi, as “America’s Ethiopia” due to the extreme poverty and hardship faced by its residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Dennis Turner? Dennis Turner is a gospel singer, author, educator, and motivational speaker who grew up in Tunica, Mississippi.
- What is “Iconic to Me”? “Iconic to Me” is a song by Dennis Turner and Turtle Nation, written as a tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson.
- What was Sugar Ditch? Sugar Ditch was a neighborhood in Tunica, Mississippi, highlighted in a 1985 “60 Minutes” report as one of the poorest places in the United States.
- Where did Dennis Turner go to college? Dennis Turner attended Oakwood University and Alabama A&M University.
Explore more inspiring stories and uplifting music here. Consider supporting artists like Dennis Turner who are using their platforms to make a difference.
