Podcasts about winston county

The key to pursuing happiness is living an intentional life. What do I want to achieve? What do I oppose?Steve is an adjunct professor at Emory University and the Founding Director of the Alabama Civil Liberties Union. His new memoir, out today, is What's In a Family Name: A Southern Family History Becomes a Gothic Mystery. Here's the description:When Steve Suitts undertakes a family research project he uncovers a real-life, true crime, southern Gothic mystery. Ambition, sex, lies, and betrayal. And it all takes place in the Free State of Winston in north Alabama.And here is the book trailer I put together for Steve:You can buy the book here at Bookshop.org and here on Amazon. Steve's website is here.In this conversation Steve and I talk:* The moment Steve realized he had a book* Giving a speech opposing the Ku Klux Klan as a high school student* Reclaiming history* The story of James Monroe Blackwell, Steve's great-great-grandfather, who opposed the Confederacy during the Civil War* His research and writing processHere is an AI generated transcript. Don't come for me.Here is the cleaned and corrected transcript. I have fixed the formatting, corrected the phonetic misinterpretations (like “Free State” instead of “three state” and “progeny” instead of “GY”), and smoothed out the stuttering for readability.Transcript: Interview with Steve SuittsBEN: So Steve, your memoir, What's in a Family Name? A Southern Family History Becomes a Gothic Mystery, comes out today, Tuesday, January 27th. How are you feeling?STEVE: I'm feeling like someone who's waiting to hear what their neighbor's baby is gonna be called.BEN: At what point did you realize this story would make a good book?STEVE: I think the inkling of it was when I discovered that not only was my grandmother's version of my family history on my father's side a fiction, but that it didn't even begin to tell the story. And that point was when I discovered that the person I thought was my grandfather could not biologically be my grandfather, since my father was born at least a year and a half after his death.BEN: The evidence strongly suggests your biological grandfather was actually B.H. Drake, a prominent, wealthy merchant in Winston County. That's right. Why do you think the Drake family and the community worked so hard to erase Anna, your grandmother, and her son, your father, from the official record after B.H. married Anna?STEVE: This is all speculation, but I think there were probably two reasons. The first was simply a matter of embarrassment. Here was a man who was a representative of the local Baptist church at the State Baptist Convention. He gave the land on which the local Baptist church was built. His family was very deeply involved in the Baptist Church, and I think the evidence is that he probably began his affair with my grandmother before he was actually divorced from his first wife. So I think there was a real embarrassment about that in a small-town community.The second is, of course, that he died, and as a wealthy man. By law, she should have been one of the heirs of his estate, because at the time of his death, all evidence points to the fact that they were still married—although they may have, by that time, returned to his first wife's estate. So I think that there was this financial interest, that they would want to keep it quiet.I don't think there was a great deal of complicity on the part of the broader community, but it was just something that happened. And in the community, I think like most small towns, these things did happen and most small towns knew about it, but simply let it play out on its own terms.BEN: You devote part of the book to your great-great-grandfather, James Monroe Blackwell, who was a “scalawag,” or Southerner loyal to the Union. You mentioned that he was threatened with hanging for supporting Lincoln. He named his son after President Lincoln, and this is during the time of the Civil War. Why does his story resonate so much with you?STEVE: When I was in high school in Florence, Alabama, on the Tennessee River, I was a member of the student council, got elected, and I was asked at various times to give speeches at assemblies of the school. One of the speeches I gave was during 1964 or ‘65, and it was essentially an attack on the Klan—the Ku Klux Klan.I don't remember the entire speech, but I do remember saying that the Klan had to understand that Halloween came only once a year, and even then, when you wore a mask, you were not allowed to harm people anonymously. And that the Klan was a group who masqueraded without any courage of showing themselves to the public.I also remember that my teachers on that day kept me late at school. For some reason I did not understand until later in life, one of them drove me home that day rather than letting me walk by myself.So I came to those views for a variety of reasons. But when I discovered that I had an ancestor who not only supported the Union during the war over slavery, but who also supported the reconstruction of the South on the terms that the Congress established in the aftermath of the Civil War... I realized that I wasn't the first in my family to believe in the kind of equal treatment under the law that I was espousing as a high school student.And later, going on to work with the American Civil Liberties Union affiliate in Alabama—where we did more litigation relating to equal treatment under the law as we did the First Amendment—it was a moment in which I realized that whatever bloodlines do in this world for families, I wasn't the first. And Lord have mercy, I hope I'm not the last.BEN: When you were young, did you hear stories about James Monroe Blackwell, or did you only discover this history later?STEVE: I discovered this history later. No one talked about it. My great uncle—my grandmother's brother—Uncle Wesley, used to talk about why we were Republicans in the family, but he never talked about James Monroe Blackwell. No one did. Not even my grandmother, who I think probably had mixed up fact and fiction so much by the time she told me the story about our family history that she might have put him on the wrong side of the Civil War, after all.BEN: At the end of the book, you write about the idea of reclaiming history—both with Blackwell and with your grandmother and the Drake family, your great-grandmother, and the decisions that she made to protect her family. Can you talk about that motivation of reclaiming history and what that means to you?STEVE: Yeah. I think we all are trying to find our place in the world, but the Faulkner concept that the past is not really the past essentially means that, in finding our place in the world, we also have to know who we were in our past, where our family fit in, where we came from. It's a very Southern notion, but I think it's a universal one as well.Reclaiming the history, I think, means that we're trying to understand where we came from and, by that measure, where we're going in our lives. One of the things the book jacket says is that this is a story that no family wanted to remember, and a family too proud of its history would always want to forget.And I think for me, reclaiming history is a matter of not trying to reconstruct it or trying to hide it. It's trying to simply say: this is where my family has been, this is who we have been. And it doesn't predict who I'm going to be and what I'm going to be, but it gives me a way in which to frame who I am and how I'm gonna go forward.And for those who read the book, you won't be surprised to realize that I have tried very hard in my life to not be the person my father was. I've made a very deliberate and very conscientious effort. Whether I've succeeded or not, only my sons and descendants will be able to say, but that's part of reclaiming your history. Look at the word: his-story. That's what history is. And part of that history is you at that moment, and you can either continue that history or you can break with it.BEN: But I'll note... how much do you think people are shaped by their environment, by their family history? And I ask because I think you're an example of someone who grew up in a conservative political environment. Like you said, one of the teachers had to drive you home after giving your Ku Klux Klan Halloween speech. Personally, as you write about in the introduction, your father was at best difficult—I think accurately described as abusive. And yet you... I don't know if “rejected” is the right word, but you are a different person than those two different environments would most likely produce.STEVE: I think the key to the pursuit of happiness—as our Declaration of Independence says—in my judgment, is enabled only by having an intentional life. A life in which you say: Why am I here? What do I want to achieve? What do I want to oppose? What do I want to support? Simply have a sense of intent about how you frame your life.Now, obviously, everybody knows that we have to earn a living. Sometimes the jobs we get aren't always the jobs we may have wanted earlier in life. It may be difficult, may have other problems. But generally, it is one where you have to simply live an intentional life, trying to have goals—whether the goals drive out of your reading of the Bible, or whether they're from great philosophers, or simply out of the sense of what you think is right and wrong.And I think the discussion about nurture and nature is one that will continue to be unresolved. In that competition between which is more important, your lineage or your environment, there is, I think, something which some religious teachings call free will. Perhaps it's not as free as some might think, but you have choices to make.When I was reading the first Harry Potter books with my family—the boys were small and they were devouring those books—I was reading along. And the school superintendent, Dumbledore, makes a statement to Harry Potter in which he says, essentially: “Harry, we are the choices we make.” And at that point I said out loud, “Yeah!” And of course, the boys thought I was talking about who had won the Quidditch match in the book.But therein lies, I think, my sense of what it's all about. You make choices. And while those choices may inhibit others and they may open up others, you are those choices, and you need to make them with an intent of what you want your life to be. So that's my view.BEN: What was the process of writing this book like?STEVE: I did most of the research before I even began putting anything down on paper. That's not usually the way I write books. I usually have a lot of research already done, but you still have to go back in and answer questions as the writing process occurs. In this case, all of the research was virtually done before I started writing. So it really was a more reflective process than a fact-finding process for me.I have a friend, Jack Drake, who's a great civil rights lawyer and now retired, who has a memoir coming out that's gonna be a very important one about somebody who grew up as a white Southern boy dealing with the issues of race in the Deep South. Jack says he thinks the best way to figure something out is to write about it. And there's a lot of truth in that, if you're writing honestly.And I think in this case, the writing process finally brought home both the sense of villainy that's in the story I tell, and also some sense of pride in the honesty and the good character of people who are also members of my family, whose surname I carry and whose progeny I am.BEN: So the book comes out today. Where can people buy it and where can people find more information about you?STEVE: The book is available at any of the major online booksellers. You can go to Bookshop, which is an online store for independent bookstores, but Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, or whatever online bookseller is out there.It hopefully is at a price that you can afford. It's a book that I think everyone, hopefully, will be able to read and prompt their own interest in their own family history.BEN: And if people want to keep up with you and learn more about you, where can they find you?STEVE: I now have a website and it is aptly called SteveSuitts.com. That's S-T-E-V-E-S-U-I-T-T-S dot com.BEN: The book is What's in a Family Name? A Southern Family History Becomes a Gothic Mystery. Comes out today, available everywhere. That's a fantastic book. I encourage you to get it and urge you to visit Steve's website and keep up with what he's doing. Including... Steve, are you working on another book?STEVE: I am. Actually, the next book is also going to be set in Winston County, Alabama—the Free State. And it's going to be about the history of the county, race relations, and centered especially on a single Black school that operated for more than 40 years in Haleyville in a one-room church chapel. I look forward to finishing it and then moving on to the second volume of my trilogy of Justice Hugo Black of Alabama. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit benbo.substack.com

Chad Chancellor interviews Glen Haab, Executive Director of the Winston County, MS Economic Development District Partnership. They discuss the importance of selling your workforce in a rural community, why collaboration is key in economic development, and how Winston County has benefited from a development-minded board.

Join Lavelle and Chance as they conclude their discussion of the 1910 unsolved death of Janie Sharp in Winston County.

Lavelle and Chance discuss an unsolved murder from 1910 in Winston County. An 18 year old girl named Janie Sharp was murdered. Justice was never served. The crime touched off two additional murders and the desecration of her grave. Join us as we try to bring light to this unsolved murder.

The Reverend Dr. Donnie Rufus Woods was born in rural Louisville, Mississippi and grew up on the family farm with eighteen other brothers and sisters. His parents (George and Opaline) provided a Christian home where all of them were loved, nurtured in the Christian faith, and encouraged to work extremely hard to succeed in life. He attended the public schools of Winston County, Mississippi, graduating from Noxapater High School in 1973. Donnie received an AA degree at Mary Holmes College, West Point, MS (1979); a BA degree at Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS (1981); a Master of Divinity degree at Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary (ITC), Atlanta, GA (1985); and a Doctor of Divinity degree (Honoris Causa) at Johnson C. Smith Seminary (2005). Donnie was ordained by Tropical Florida Presbytery in October 1985. During the first fourteen years of ordained ministry, Donnie served pastorates in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. In July 1998, Donnie was called as the Designated Associate Executive Presbyter of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery in Charleston, SC, and elected Stated Clerk of the Presbytery in 2000. He was called and elected to the position of Executive Presbyter and Stated Clerk by the same presbytery in February 2002. He continues to serve in this position to date as General Presbyter, Pastor to Pastors and Associate Stated Clerk. Donnie is married to Teresa Dixon Veal and they have three children (Justin, Stephen, and Donna, a senior at College of Charleston); and two older children (Deidre and Donnie, Jr.) from a previous marriage. He is serves as General Presbytery for the Charleston Atlantic Presbytery in Charleston, SC. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patricia-bligen-jones/message

This week Kirstie tells us a story very close to home based out of Bankhead National Forrest. This is the story of the infamous Aunt Jenny and her boys. There is a lot of rumors surrounding it and we can't wait to hear your thoughts! What do you think, sweet Christian lady or a very scorned cold blooded killer?For pictures and videos please visit our social media accounts! @thecrimejoint (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) You can also send us snail mail or decorations for the Pod room @ PO Box 94, Trinity, AL, 35673. We also are currently running a GIVEAWAY! If you leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Facebook you will be entered to win a coffee cup, t shirt, a bottle of nineteen crimes wine of your choice and a crime joint button shipped directly to your door!

In this episode, I briefly discuss some great outdoor spaces in Mississippi.  Natchez Trace Parkway 1938-2005(Columbian Highway) History(Migration of Herds of Bison, hunter-gatherers and mound builders, Native Tribes: Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Natchez., Kaintucks, and US Army. Activities: Hike(65 miles), Bike(thru-bike), camping, mounds, etc. Book: Guide to the Natchez Trace https://amzn.to/2YcCfe2 Website: https://www.nps.gov/natr/index.htm Tishomingo State Park(1935-1939 worked on, opened in 1939)-Located right off the Natchez Trace Parkway in Tishomingo County the Northeastern most county in MS and also in the foothills of Appalachian Mountains. History: Named after Chief Tishomingo of the Chickasaw Nation. Recent archeological finds place Paleo Indians there 7000 BC. Activities: hiking, rock climbing, camping, frisbee golf, swimming, and kayaking Website: https://www.mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/state-parks/tishomingo Red Bluffs(Little Grand Canyon)- Foxworth, MS (Marion County)Highway 587 History: privately owned, geologic formation caused by the Pearl River, because of the erosion Highway 587 moved twice. Activites: hike down into the formation and out to the Pearl River Clark Creek Natural Area: Woodville, MS(Southwest MS) History: Preserved and founded in 1978, 700 acres and 50 waterfalls(10-30ft) Activities: Hiking and photography Nature-uncommon trees (Southern sugar maple, serviceberry, umbrella tree, pyramid magnolia, chinquapin oak, big leaf snowball, silverbell, and witch-hazel) Endangered species- Carolina Magnolia Vine and Southern redbelly dace(fish). Website: https://www.mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/state-parks/clark-creek Noxubee Hills Trail System (Choctaw Lake)-Located in Winston County and Choctaw County, MS History: The Nox(unknown) 100-acre lake Activities: hiking, swimming, biking, camping, backpacking, and fishing Send me some of your experiences with the outdoors in Mississippi Website: https://www.hikinginmississippi.com/?page_id=387 Leave a voice message for me: https://anchor.fm/thatbeardedhiker/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thatbeardedhiker/message

In Winston County, Alabama ist man mitten im Trump-Land. 90 Prozent haben hier vor vier Jahren für den heutigen Präsidenten gestimmt. In Deutschland hält jeder zweite Trump für gefährlicher als den nordkoreanischen Präsidenten Kim Jong Un. Trump ist hier so unbeliebt wie kein amerikanischer Präsident zuvor.

Alabama’s Free State of Winston was birthed out of a desire on the part of Winston Unionists to remain neutral during the Civil War. The movement would lead to complications, violence and generations later, a lingering question: Did Winston County secede from the state of Alabama? Learn more about the Free State of Winston and episode sources at southernmysteries.com SUPPORT THE SHOW  Leave a tip or sign up to make a monthly gift to support the show. Buy merchandise in the Southern Mysteries Store SPONSOR This episode of Southern Mysteries is brought to you by barkbox.com – get one free extra month of BarkBox at getbarkbox.com/southernmysteries when you use code PBFEM CONNECT  | Website | Twitter  | Facebook  | Discussion GroupMUSIC Theme Song “Dark & Troubled” by Panthernburn. Special thanks to Phillip St Ours for permission for use ***Additional Music: “Moving On” by Wayne Jones; “Who Can Say” by 126ers; “Pink House” by Chris Haugen; "Ambient”, “Echoes of Time”, “Falling Rain”, “Virtues”, Ossuary 6” and “Heavy Heart” by Kevin McLeod.Licensed under Creative Commons

Arley in Winston County, Alabama, is almost completely surrounded by Lewis Smith Lake. Many people have weekend homes in the area, and 357 call it home. This is the story of Arley. Be a part of our community - be a patron Alabama Pioneers comments - info@alabamapioneers.com

Should municipalities be allowed to ban plastic grocery bags? Do you know how many miles are on your vehicle? And who was looking out for the preacher who spent three days lost in the Winston County woods? For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

A special Christmas Hello and update from "The Little White House" in Winston County, Mississippi. Credits Production Writer/Narrator: Ray B. Rogers Producer/Editor/Engineer: Bradford Rogers Additional Voiceover: Bradford Rogers Music Special thanks to Lobo Loco and these talented creatives! Music for this podcast may include the following: Malte Junior - Hall (ID 738) Lobo Loco - www.musikbrause.de Creative Commons License (BY-NC-ND 4.0)   When The Mockingbirds Are Singing In The Wildwood Frank C. Stanley Public Domain   Click HERE to order Ray’s book Depression Baby: True Stories from Growing Up During the Great Depression in Appalachia — and Other Things… https://amzn.to/2H8jqgz