Southern mayors tackle poverty, test MLK vision of guaranteed income
Welcome back to The American South
In this issue, we look at mayors who are working to bring Dr. King's dream of guaranteed income to life. We also celebrate ways to support small businesses in our Southern towns and talk about tacos with a Southern twist. Get to know us there. Also, a few words on books, fall treats and a ballet composed with child-like delight.
Can Guaranteed income combat poverty?
Decades after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. declared that "the curse of poverty has no justification in our age," Five Black Southern mayors including, Keisha Lance Bottoms in Atlanta and Steve Benjamin in Columbia, S.C., have joined a coalition to test guaranteed income in their cities.
“So often elected officials are so afraid of doing the wrong thing, that they don’t do anything. When it comes to poverty in America, we can be guilty as a country of admiring the problem. Sometimes you have to think bigger, try harder and see what results you can get for your people,” Steve Benjamin, Mayor of Columbia, S.C.
WHAT'S THE SOUTH TALKING ABOUT? Don't miss our top reads from across the region. You can find those here! Also, debate highlights and how to vote.
Do home shows bring you joy?
Lately, I've been enjoying re-runs of Home Town. As part of The American South series, "Hometown Favorites," we asked HGTV stars Ben and Erin Napier what they enjoy doing in Laurel, Miss. when they aren't renovating beautiful historic homes. Read more about the small businesses they love to support. New show details, here.
More Southerners share their favorite places to support including: fashion designer, Billy Reid and music group, Tank and the Bangas.
(Note : These were reported prior to shelter-in-place but many businesses are now open with limited seating/curbside)
Sur-Mex, not Tex Mex
- In the South, local and Mexican food have combined to create Sur-Mex, says author of cookbook "American Tacos: A History and Guide." For some, adding fried chicken or collard greens on a taco might make for the perfect dish. Learn more about the new combo cuisine in our Q&A with José R. Ralat.
Let's talk books
I'm an avid reader. I've been that way since childhood and grew up in a home surrounded by books. Are you reading much lately? I love this illustration on books as self care. Earlier this year, we spoke to booksellers in Athens, Ga., New Orleans, La., Oxford Miss., and a few other cities to ask them, what popular books are selling across the South? If you're especially interested in books on race or the Black experience this is a good list. It includes a few of my favorites.
While I'm on the subject, here are 100 black novelists you should know.
SPOTLIGHT : A new group is aiming to get more Latino stories to young readers. According to this story, only 5% of books published for young people are by or for Latino people. The story is full of recommendations in case you need one!
Festive fall things
The Apple Barn & Cider Mill in Tennessee gave Knox News an inside look into how they prepare for fall. Who wants caramel apples and apple cider?
We promise, this will warm your heart
Maximus Turner didn’t let another military move cancel his plans to dance. Instead he choreographed a ballet recital for himself and his sister.
Thank you for reading!
Have a thought? I would love to hear from you at: theamericansouth@gannett.com
Ashley Hopkinson
Editor, The American South