Can the beauty of the South's landscape compel us to change?
Welcome to The American South!
If you're new here, thank you for subscribing and becoming a part of our community where we focus on producing revelatory journalism about the South.
This week we have stories that touch on everything from the environment and women in barbecue to puppy love and what's happening with "pandemic pets" that are returned to the pound.
Also, is it as scorching hot where you live as it is in New Orleans right now?
Stay cool, stay safe and stay hydrated!
Thanks for reading!
Ashley Hopkinson (The American South)
What's the South talking about?
- Mississippi Association of Educators calls for mask mandate
- KKK leader statue removed from Tennessee Capitol
- The true meaning of rodeo for these South Carolina high school athletes
Louisiana photographer aims to portray climate change without the disaster
Meet Virginia Hanusik, a New Orleans-based photographer who has worked for years to portray the climate struggles of South Louisiana in a way that emphasizes the beauty of the environment.
Hanusik's photography seeks to answer a complex question: Can the urgency of climate matters be conveyed in a way that reveres the state's beauty instead of reflecting on its constant losses? 🌎
In our Q&A with Virginia you can learn more about her breathtaking photos and unique approach to addressing climate change in the South.
Lead image in newsletter : Virginia Hanusik.
In the Southern barbecue world, female pitmasters are rising to the top
The ladies of barbecue have arrived! 🔥In a world where smoked meat is often spun as macho and men far outnumber women, these Southern female pitmasters are hovering over the pits, competing, winning and owning their own businesses.
“I had people come in, men pretty much, and say can’t no woman do this job. But I done proved everybody wrong,” says Helen Turner, owner of Helen's Bar-B-Q in West Tennessee. “It makes me feel proud to be a woman pitmaster. Everybody says, 'you’re the queen.'”
Our story features: Helen Turner, Desiree Robinson, Brooke Lewis, Jiyeon Lee and Melissa Cookston.
As pandemic eases, once-loved pets being dumped at shelter in 'disheartening' numbers
Excerpt
Montgomery Humane Society Executive Director Steven Tears said they are asking pet owners to hold on just a few more weeks to reduce the overwhelm at the city's shelter.
“It’s disheartening. It’s the animal that got them through their tough time. I’ve been here 16 years. You’d think I’d expect that, but it kind of took me aback. It’s tough to watch. A dog that stuck by your side for 18 months… was your buddy, and now all of the sudden you have to go back to work and he or she is disposable again,” Tears said.