Dispelling My Preconceived Notions About The South

Before coming down South, I had my assumptions and predetermined ideas about what the people and area were like. While I knew that even at the peek of racial tension in the South not everyone had a malicious attitude toward Black people, I felt like the majority of them did. I also thought that people would sugarcoat or water down the atrocities that took place. As we made our first few stops my preconceived notions began to prove false. Firstly, the "Southern Hospitality" is real and genuine, not some insincere front. I realized this as Coach Joyce hosted us for Dinner after a visit to VMI. Although It was their first time meeting us, Coach Joyce and his wife, a connection through SBP alum Carlos Acosta, welcomed us into through home wholeheartedly into their home. They also provide stable support for Carlos As he calls it his "home away from home." In a similar way to the Joyce's, the monks of St. Bernard's Abbey in Cullman as they were pleased to welcome us into their home, as it is where we're residing for the remainder of our Alabama visit.

Confederate flag waving on the wind. By (Shutterstock)

What I also didn't expect was for people to be so honest and accountable for their state's struggle with racial prejudice. When I asked a staff member of Birmingham-Southern College of the areas present day racial issues, she explained that Birmingham has made considerable progress since the 1960s, but unfortunately still has a far way to go, and is "heartbreaking" to see, in her words. Students at at St. Bernard's Prep attested to this as well. Of the people I've discussed it with, they know the severity and fully acknowledge the racially charged atrocities that occurred in the past and work everyday to make sure something like that never happens again.














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