Southern Legacies: From Civil Rights to Racing in April
In a notable exploration of history, the University of South Alabama is featuring "Unwritten: Archaeology & Oral History of Jim Crow Mobile," an exhibit that delves into the experiences of African American families during the era of segregation. The showcase at the Museum of American History focuses on the Lewis, Owens, and Griffin families, aiming to shed light on this critical period in American history.
The historical examination extends to Lexington's African Cemetery No. 2, which serves as the final resting place for several notable African American figures, including Oliver Lewis, the jockey on the inaugural Derby winner Aristides. Over 7,500 documented African Americans are buried here, among them other distinguished jockeys and trainers from the horse racing world. Plans are in motion to develop the site further, enhancing its historical significance.
In related discussions of Southern heritage, there's a call to move beyond the glorification of the Confederacy and instead recognize contributions to justice and culture that all Southerners can take pride in. These include the cultural impact of blues musician Muddy Waters and the civil rights efforts of A. Philip Randolph. This reframing of heritage also touches on the turbulent history of labor struggles and the fight against racial discrimination.
In a different sphere, the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team is making headlines with their significant progress, as former UA assistant Coach and player Antoine Pettway reflects on the team's success and historical achievements. Meanwhile, discussions around the possibility of another American Civil War have surfaced, with current political tensions drawing parallels to the past and recent polls indicating that a segment of the population believes such a conflict could be imminent.
