By: Tom Williams | October 16, 2025
Clarksdale, Miss. – The historic Riverside Hotel and Civil Rights Museum has officially reopened its doors, marking a new chapter in its remarkable legacy as one of Clarksdale’s most treasured landmarks.
Owner Selena Ratliff, along with her two sons, Darius Gates and Justin Gates, proudly represent the fourth generation of family ownership, continuing a tradition that has preserved the hotel’s deep cultural and historical roots for more than eight decades.
Originally opened on July 12, 1916, the building first served as the Clarksdale Public Hospital before becoming a hospital for African Americans during segregation. For 27 years, it stood as a critical refuge for Black patients, equipped with a state-of-the-art surgery room and compassionate care at a time when options were few.
The building later transformed into the Riverside Hotel, a haven for traveling Black musicians, civil rights leaders, and visitors who were often denied lodging elsewhere. Legends such as Ike Turner and Muddy Waters not only stayed at the hotel but also performed within its historic walls.
The site’s enduring legacy continues to gain recognition. In 2023, the Riverside Hotel was featured on the African American Heritage Network, highlighting its national significance. During the grand reopening, Michelle McAdoo, special projects manager, unveiled the new sign commemorating the hotel’s dual role as both a cultural and civil rights landmark.
The reopening celebration also included tributes from city officials. Mayor Chuck Espy Paden and the Clarksdale Board of Commissioners presented the hotel with an official city resolution, honoring its invaluable contributions to local and national history.
Restoration efforts have been ongoing since February, with a commitment to preserving the authenticity of the site. Many of the original beds remain, as generations of musicians, activists, and travelers once rested in them.
Now, after 81 years in the Ratliff family, the Riverside Hotel and Civil Rights Museum stands proudly once again—a testament to Clarksdale’s musical heritage, its resilience, and its unbroken connection to African American history.
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