Mississippi in the deep south of the USA has the lowest per capita income among all US states. In 2009 it ranked last among all states in the domains of poverty, access to healthcare, education, and expectancy of life. One in five inhabitants lives below the national poverty line, in some counties almost every other. Often called “The Lost South”, Mississippi looks back on a rather controversial history – also affected by racism and ongoing prejudices – proving that populating the same soil does not necessarily lead to a mutual homeland. Yet there are shared niches, common ground, where the different population groups find together.

“Common ground” shows photographs from the Mississippi Delta, a fascinating area of conflict, full of blues, diversity, decline – and hope.