Moving forward in 2021 : Vaccination rates, House Floats in New Orleans and more
Happy New Year!
Thank you for subscribing to The American South newsletter. We are so happy you're a part of our community! Today actually marks the one year anniversary of our launch. We are committed to staying the course with stories that expose the wrongs and reflect the rights in our region.
But in the spirit of ushering in new things, I would love to hear more from you and about you. Next Thursday, I'll share a short survey. But in the meantime, I have two quick questions. You can share your reply directly with me at ahopkinson@gannett.com or theamericansouth@gannett.com.
- How did you hear about The American South?
- What stories would you like to see from us in 2021?
Please feel free to elaborate if you have more to say!
Take good care,
Ashley Hopkinson
House Floats!
Mardi Gras parades are canceled in New Orleans due to COVID, so thousands of houses are being decorated as floats including our writers' homes : Hi, Maria Clark! You can view the full gallery here and read the full story here.
Alabama students document folk artists
A University of Alabama professor, Christopher Jordan, wanted his photography students to get some real world experience. So last summer, he took them into the Black Belt to document the region's artisans. What started as a service learning project turned into a way to unite generations. Read the full story here.
Community leaders will still need to win over skeptics as vaccine becomes available
Health experts say trusted sources will play a key role in reducing misinformation about the vaccine among hard hit and hard to reach populations in the rural South. Dr. Tabia Akintobi with the Morehouse School of Medicine said something that stayed with me.
- “When the messenger and the message is culturally relevant and responsive, the hesitancy is not there. But when people are ready to engage with the message we have to make sure that we as a system are ready for the demand."
And speaking of being ready for demand, if you're curious about how many people have been vaccinated in your state, this tracker is helpful.
What's the South talking about?
CAPITOL RIOTS : An Asheville, North Carolina man arrested ahead of U.S. Capitol insurrection, remains in DC jail. As D.C. investigation continues, federal agents seized items from Lonnie Coffman, the Alabamian charged with possession of weapons and Molotov cocktails near the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riots.
BEAR NECESSITY : Bears in Mississipi, the inspiration for the "Teddy Bear," could be shot on sight if a bill introduced by a state senator passes.
Elvis Presley fans can now visit Graceland from the comfort of their homes. Follow the blue suede footsteps and get more details here.
We promise, this will warm your heart
AGAINST ALL ODDS : Ava Reyes was born with spina bifida and doctors told her parents she'd never walk. Now, as a toddler, she can't sit still. It's a beautifully inspiring story about what it means to advocate for those you love.