Greenwood Soul Mates – Liz Liddell
For us, “soul” represents that unique essence each person contributes to their community, weaving a colorful tapestry of stories, talents, cultural experiences, and more. In Greenwood, this tapestry is formed by numerous unique individuals whose captivating stories and deep connections to the region’s food, music and history define our identity as a town and make Greenwood such an extraordinary place to visit. These remarkable individuals are our “Soul Mates.”
Greenwood is a town rich in history, culture and community. For this featured Soul Mate, Liz Liddell, Executive Director of Main Street Greenwood, it is much more than just a hometown—it’s a lifelong love affair and a place where roots grow deep. In her words, “Greenwood is where I feel best, most needed and most connected.”
Born and raised in Greenwood, Liz’s story is a testament to the power of place and purpose. After leaving briefly for college at Ole Miss where she earned a degree in Education with an emphasis in English and professional writing, she returned with the intent of staying just a year.
“One year turned into five,” Liz said with a chuckle. “Now, here I am several years later firmly planted in Greenwood dedicating my life to preserving its soul and foster its growth.”
Initially, her career began in education. She taught English at Greenwood High School, bringing passion and dedication to her role.
“In teaching my first year, I knew I needed to be in Greenwood. My work was here,” she reflected. “Teaching became more than a job; it was a way to pour into the next generation of Greenwood residents. I love the students, and it’s great when they go off and come back. It’s awesome to bring people back home and share my love for Greenwood.”
Her path changed when she stepped away from teaching to take on a new challenge as Executive Director of Main Street Greenwood, an organization dedicated to revitalizing and promoting the town. It was a leap of faith, but one rooted in a deep love for her hometown.
“If a person can teach, they can do anything,” she said, recalling the moment she decided to apply. “I felt inspired to give back to the town that shaped me.”
As Executive Director of Main Street Greenwood, her mission is multifaceted, focusing on economic vitality, tourism and promotion.
“One of our biggest needs is restaurants,” she said when she explained her vision to preserve Greenwood’s historic charm and legendary spots while creating spaces for new memories.
“Part of Main Street’s economic vitality is to always bring in new business, but in Greenwood, it’s just as important to preserve its past,” she said. “Walking through downtown, there’s a story in every brick, every corner.”
She also emphasizes the role of tourism in Greenwood’s economy, pointing to the Mississippi Blues Trail, cultural landmarks and events that draw visitors.
“Tourism drives revenue by supporting local businesses,” she said. “People come for our rich history, civil rights landmarks and, of course, the music. Greenwood is an unfiltered experience of the Mississippi Delta.”
Events like Que on the Yazoo, a large two-day barbecue festival, are critical to her work.
“Planning the event was hard but rewarding,” she said. “My friends, family and community rallied behind me, and when the event came and I saw everyone enjoy themselves, that’s what made it all worthwhile. We are already working on the next one.”
While Liz’s role demands immense dedication, she’s learned the importance of balance.
“I tend to get hyper-focused on work,” she admitted. “Teaching taught me to set boundaries, and now I make time to recharge. I love to work in my garden or spend my downtime baking. I love nurturing—whether it’s my plants, my family or my community.”
Her love for Greenwood is a constant source of inspiration and drives her every day.
“I try to inspire others to move here by highlighting our unique blend of culture and community spirit,” Liz said. “There’s an exceptional quality of life here that’s undeniable.”
When asked to describe Greenwood in one word, her response was simple yet profound.
“Authentic,” she said. “Greenwood is a real place with a strong sense of community. It’s unfiltered, rich in history and full of soul.”
To further emphasize her thoughts on the essence of Greenwood, Liz quoted from blues legend Muddy Waters: “That Mississippi sound, that Delta sound, is in them old records; you can hear it all the way through.”
“Soul is found in the stories passed down through generations, in the music that shaped the Delta and beyond and in the resilience of our community,” she said. “Greenwood is more than just a town—it’s a place that gives me a sense of belonging.”
Liz doesn’t hesitate for a second in calling herself a “daddy’s girl.” Her father’s stories serve as guiding principles in her leadership journey, specifically one story about their dogs.
“He told me about our male Rottweilers, Chopper and Slugger, and how they wouldn’t let our other dog, Sally, eat,” she said. “They would always stand in front of her feeding bowl and bark at her. One day, Sally decided to just go for it, ignoring the barking. Over time, the boys moved out of her way. That taught me as a leader, you have to focus on the work, block out the noise and stay persistent.”
As she advocates for Greenwood’s growth, her hope is to inspire young people to return after college and build their lives in the town that shaped them.
“We want people to plant their roots here, to pour back into the community that gave so much to them.”
For her, Greenwood is more than a place, it’s a calling.
“I’ve always loved Greenwood,” she said. “It’s home. And I’m here to do the work, to preserve its soul and to ensure its future.”
“When I think about the Heart and Soul of Greenwood, I’m reminded of the cultural heritage that fills every corner of our town,” she continued. “There’s some sort of history everywhere you go, whether it’s downtown, Howard Street, Johnson Street or Broad Street, something very monumental has happened everywhere, and that’s what makes Greenwood the Heart and Soul of the Delta. It’s in our blues music. It’s in our historic venues. And it’s mostly in our community members who work so tirelessly to keep our traditions alive.”
Through Liz’s eyes, Greenwood is a tapestry of history, culture and heart. It’s a place that lives and breathes its authenticity — a town that invites others to feel its warmth and soul, just as she has for her entire life.
Looking for exciting things to do around Greenwood? Check out a day in Liz’s life.
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