What is the picture of inequality? Is it race, gender, ethnicity, age, or place? Time and time again, our American history gives us the answer to that age-old question. In 1933, attorney Samuel Leibowitz argued that it was disparity in the jury pool and the innocence of nine. Sadly, the horrible malignancy of racism continues to exist and is the primary root of many prejudices and inequalities in our country today. This powerful historical narrative paints an amazing picture of the color line and the incredible bravery of people who took a stand for justice. The author resurrects the voices and the infamous case of the Scottsboro Nine. Their unmasked stories unfold against the backdrop of an economically depressed town, energized with an inferno of bigotry and violence. This groundbreaking research presents the courage of fearless men who rattled Americas conscience by challenging decades of discrimination and injustices within Alabamas legal system. On the other hand, the book reveals the sentiment of those who embraced the Old Souths ideology of inequality and exclusiveness, which put at risk the lives of nine innocent victims, young men who changed Americas judicial system. Fiat justitia rual coelomthis is Latin for Let justice be done though the heavens may fall. These are words that my grandfather, Judge James E. Horton, learned at his mothers knee. It seems he followed those wise words as he set aside the verdict and death sentence and ordered a new trial for Haywood Patterson. Though his decision cost him the next election, there were never any regrets. John Temple Graves, a Birmingham columnist, wrote of him, He does the right thing as he sees it, with no particular sense of the scene about him, but with an enormous sense of right-doing, ancestors gone and example-bound descendants to come. His social conscience is vertical rather than horizontal. We are the beneficiaries of his vertical conscience and I hope we will all strive to live by his example (Kathy Horton Garrett, Judge Hortons granddaughter).
In 1978, the arrest of Tommy Lee Hines, a young black man with the mental capacity of a six-year-old, shook the city of Decatur, Alabama. This gripping story chronicles the untold narrative of an intellectually disabled man who finds himself trapped in a web of systemic racism, prejudices, and a legal system that needs reforming. As the sequence of events unfold, author Peggy Allen Towns captures the tragedy of Tommy Lee Hines that inspired a movement for change. Throughout the pages of this book, you will meet courageous and extraordinary individuals who took risks and believed it was their duty to seek justice. You also will encounter hostile counter-demonstrators and their warring tempers, as they hold on to the ideology of the “Old South.” This powerful, heart-wrenching account of Decatur’s Scapegoat not only explores the sacrificial offerings, but unmasks biases and inequalities that compelled the conscience of some to take progressive steps to eradicate racial injustice. The efforts of social reform advanced equal opportunities for a more unified city in the struggle of fairness for all. And the struggle continues.
DUTY DRIVEN The Plight of North Alabamas African Americans During the Civil War For over a century and a half, history has not adequately captured the voices of African Americans during the Civil War. Duty Driven vividly summarizes the remarkable stories of North Alabamas African Americans, during this pivotal period in our history. The first person stories and eyewitness accounts bring together historical evidence that validate the past and bridge the truth, while emphasizing the crucial roles of African Americans during the War. Duty Driven explores the enlistment of United States Colored Troops in Decatur, the only Alabama town to actually raise such a regiment. It documents the surrender and capture of the 106th, 110th and 111th Colored Troops by General Nathan Bedford Forrest, at Athens and Sulphur Branch Trestle, Alabama and provides the names of prisoners of war taken to Mobile to work on the fortifications. Their gripping stories paint a vivid picture of their courage, valor and sacrifice. Drawing on personal accounts, extraordinary facts are uncovered about African Americans who served in integrated Federal troops, as well as those who served with the Confederate Army. Additionally, an enlightening glimpse of the contributions of women to this war of freedom is presented. The powerful narratives are proof that freedom comes at a great cost. As Americans, it is our duty to remember these extraordinary heroes and to acknowledge the truth of our Nations heritage.
DUTY DRIVEN The Plight of North Alabamas African Americans During the Civil War For over a century and a half, history has not adequately captured the voices of African Americans during the Civil War. Duty Driven vividly summarizes the remarkable stories of North Alabamas African Americans, during this pivotal period in our history. The first person stories and eyewitness accounts bring together historical evidence that validate the past and bridge the truth, while emphasizing the crucial roles of African Americans during the War. Duty Driven explores the enlistment of United States Colored Troops in Decatur, the only Alabama town to actually raise such a regiment. It documents the surrender and capture of the 106th, 110th and 111th Colored Troops by General Nathan Bedford Forrest, at Athens and Sulphur Branch Trestle, Alabama and provides the names of prisoners of war taken to Mobile to work on the fortifications. Their gripping stories paint a vivid picture of their courage, valor and sacrifice. Drawing on personal accounts, extraordinary facts are uncovered about African Americans who served in integrated Federal troops, as well as those who served with the Confederate Army. Additionally, an enlightening glimpse of the contributions of women to this war of freedom is presented. The powerful narratives are proof that freedom comes at a great cost. As Americans, it is our duty to remember these extraordinary heroes and to acknowledge the truth of our Nations heritage.
What is the picture of inequality? Is it race, gender, ethnicity, age, or place? Time and time again, our American history gives us the answer to that age-old question. In 1933, attorney Samuel Leibowitz argued that it was disparity in the jury pool and the innocence of nine. Sadly, the horrible malignancy of racism continues to exist and is the primary root of many prejudices and inequalities in our country today. This powerful historical narrative paints an amazing picture of the color line and the incredible bravery of people who took a stand for justice. The author resurrects the voices and the infamous case of the Scottsboro Nine. Their unmasked stories unfold against the backdrop of an economically depressed town, energized with an inferno of bigotry and violence. This groundbreaking research presents the courage of fearless men who rattled Americas conscience by challenging decades of discrimination and injustices within Alabamas legal system. On the other hand, the book reveals the sentiment of those who embraced the Old Souths ideology of inequality and exclusiveness, which put at risk the lives of nine innocent victims, young men who changed Americas judicial system. Fiat justitia rual coelomthis is Latin for Let justice be done though the heavens may fall. These are words that my grandfather, Judge James E. Horton, learned at his mothers knee. It seems he followed those wise words as he set aside the verdict and death sentence and ordered a new trial for Haywood Patterson. Though his decision cost him the next election, there were never any regrets. John Temple Graves, a Birmingham columnist, wrote of him, He does the right thing as he sees it, with no particular sense of the scene about him, but with an enormous sense of right-doing, ancestors gone and example-bound descendants to come. His social conscience is vertical rather than horizontal. We are the beneficiaries of his vertical conscience and I hope we will all strive to live by his example (Kathy Horton Garrett, Judge Hortons granddaughter).
In 1978, the arrest of Tommy Lee Hines, a young black man with the mental capacity of a six-year-old, shook the city of Decatur, Alabama. This gripping story chronicles the untold narrative of an intellectually disabled man who finds himself trapped in a web of systemic racism, prejudices, and a legal system that needs reforming. As the sequence of events unfold, author Peggy Allen Towns captures the tragedy of Tommy Lee Hines that inspired a movement for change. Throughout the pages of this book, you will meet courageous and extraordinary individuals who took risks and believed it was their duty to seek justice. You also will encounter hostile counter-demonstrators and their warring tempers, as they hold on to the ideology of the “Old South.” This powerful, heart-wrenching account of Decatur’s Scapegoat not only explores the sacrificial offerings, but unmasks biases and inequalities that compelled the conscience of some to take progressive steps to eradicate racial injustice. The efforts of social reform advanced equal opportunities for a more unified city in the struggle of fairness for all. And the struggle continues.
The story of Alexander City began hundreds of years ago with members of the Creek Nation who lived along the rivers and streams in what is now central Alabama. Alabama gained statehood in 1819 following the Battle of the Horseshoe Bend in 1814 and ceding of Creek lands. With the final cessions of land in 1832 and removal of Native Americans in 1837, settlers arrived with their families, some purchasing lots drafted by Griffin Young in the town square. The arrival of the railroad in 1874 resulted in the town's name changing from Youngsville to Alexander City to honor Edward P. Alexander, president of the Savannah and Memphis Railroad. Early commerce flourished with the opening of the Alexander City Mill in 1901. Within a year, the entire town and nearby residences burned. The pioneer spirit of the people prevailed, and the town was rebuilt within weeks. In the early 20th century, the successes of Avondale Mills and Russell Corporation provided an economic environment where hometown businesses, schools, and churches thrived.
Discusses how to foster neighborliness with block parties, holiday festivities, and intimate gatherings, with dozens of recipes, tips on entertainment, and suggestions for organizing special neighborhood events.
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