‘I Wish People Wouldn’t Sneer at My Alabama Roots’

I recently received an anonymous note from someone frustrated with the negativity associated with Alabama. They mentioned people who seek fame by spreading ignorance and anger, and criticized Alabama's Democratic leaders for prioritizing personal gain over progress.

The note also described a visit to the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., where special needlepoint "kneelers" honor notable Americans. Few Alabamians are recognized there. Jefferson Davis is included, but he only lived in Alabama during its time as a Confederate state. Booker T. Washington is honored, though he was born in Virginia and made his impact from Tuskegee Institute.

The writer asked me to highlight those who positively represent Alabama, noting that it’s important to recognize both those who have hurt and those who have uplifted our state. Their note ended with a heartfelt wish to be seen as educated and proud of Alabama, rather than facing sneers from people in other states.

It’s true that Alabama boasts many famous and talented people. If fame were the standard, we’d start with Tallulah Bankhead and end with Channing Tatum. We also have Hank Williams, Lionel Richie, Courtney Cox, Jimmy Buffett, and Octavia Spencer. In sports, legends like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Satchel Paige, Jesse Owens, Bo Jackson, Joe Louis, and Mia Hamm stand out. Charles Barkley is also noteworthy.

Our state excels in cooking, writing, and music. Notable figures include chefs Frank Stitt and Chris Lilly, writers Harper Lee and Zora Neale Hurston, and musicians from W.C. Handy to Jason Isbell. We’ve contributed to science with George Washington Carver and E.O. Wilson, and in tech with Tim Cook and Jimmy Wales. Activists like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and John Lewis also hail from Alabama.

Alabama has so many reasons to be proud that it’s overwhelming. However, many talented people left the state to find recognition or escape difficulties. For instance, Charles Morgan left due to threats, and Fred Shuttlesworth endured beatings and bombings. While Fred isn’t unsung, his contributions deserve more recognition.

If I were to create my own list of Alabama heroes, I’d include Wayne Flynt. He is a historian, writer, Baptist preacher, and Auburn supporter who stays true to his values, shedding light on Alabama’s history and current issues.

Roy Wood Jr. would also be on my list. He’s a comedian known for his kindness, rationality, and humor, and he remains connected to Alabama.

Bryan Stevenson from the Equal Justice Initiative would make the list for his remarkable work in justice and his ability to make complex issues understandable and inspiring.

Kathryn Tucker Windham, a beloved author known for her ghost stories and kindness, would also be included. Nina Reeves, who taught many young Alabamians about strength and humor, would be honored as well.

The reader was right—Alabama has long been represented by those who exploit its flaws. It’s time to show the world that we are educated, talented, and kind. The positive aspects of our state are real and worth celebrating.