Parishioners of torched Black churches on justice, forgiveness
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This week, I've been thinking a lot about memories. Not particularly the kind you laugh about in a conversation with an old friend. More so, the pivotal marker of something that happened to a person, place or community and re-visiting where they are now.
- In August, that memory for The American South landed on Mississippi and one of the largest single day ICE raids in the country's history. We wondered, how are those families doing, especially the children, and what happened to those companies, one year later? In this week's "Get to know us," you can read those archive stories by reporters, Maria Clark and Alyssa Zhu, here.
This month, we thought about the pastors and church members of three historically Black baptist churches that were burned to ashes last year. Now, as we approach the federal sentencing of Holden Matthews (Oct.16), the arsonist behind the south Louisiana church fires, we are wondering, what does justice look like? What members say may surprise you. A story on the tightrope of faith and forgiveness.
We also talk about travel, why it's good and why it's fraught. Celebrate a Nashville teenager who is making waves as one of the first female Eagle Scouts. We share a delicious recipe from Whitney Otawka, the Bravo series “Top Chef.” And as promised, there will always be a story to warm your heart. If that's what you need today, you'll find it at the end of the newsletter.
Parishioners of torched historically Black churches weigh justice and forgiveness
None of the churches have been rebuilt. However, Mount Pleasant has started to erect a new building, and an outpouring of donations means Rev. Toussaint will be able to build long-anticipated additions such as a carport and an expanded worship center.
Parishioners share from the heart:
- “The memories we made in the church, to us the building was a sacred place. But when you come to realize that the sacred place is in your heart, that can’t be taken away. It can’t be burned away,” Debra Mallet.
- “I’m not going to say we escaped unscathed, because the little church that was there, it was symbolic of our faith and our togetherness,” Sandra Smith.
You can read the full story here.
Southern cities and tourism
Southern cities rely on tourism. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March, it became clear how deeply these cities’ economies were entangled with tourism. In Asheville, dozens of bars and restaurants have closed for good. Some New Orleans musicians have left town after being unable to pay rent. In Charleston, S.C., one long-time resident had never seen so many vacancies among the shops on King Street. The cities need tourism, but some question the wisdom of welcoming visitors who might also bring more cases of COVID-19. It begs the question: are you traveling much?
What's the South talking about?
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MORE HIGHLIGHTS: Indigenous Peoples' Day celebration in Montgomery, Alabama. Huge turnout and long lines on first day of Georgia's early voting. A rare corpse flower is on display at Nashville Zoo. Federal judge overturns Tennessee abortion waiting period law.
Fish, Shrimp, and Grits, Oh My!
Whitney Otawka grew up in California, but she fell in love with Southern food in Athens, Georgia. Now she lives on Georgia's remote Cumberland Island, where she is the chef at the luxurious Greyfield Inn. Her take on a classic!
Eagle Scout status and Girl Power
Anna-Christina Laporte of Nashville, Tennessee, is one of the first girls in the U.S. to become an Eagle Scout after the program opened for both boys and girls in 2019.
We promise, this will warm your heart
London, who was born with spina bifida, first defied the odds by walking on her own. Now she's running, dancing and more!
Thank you for reading!
Have a thought? I would love to hear from you at: theamericansouth@gannett.com
Ashley Hopkinson
Editor, The American South