Cotton Before Football: Unveiling Alabama’s King Crop

Welcome to our latest blog entry, "Cotton Before Football: A Look Back at Alabama’s King Crop." Before football ignited Alabama's passion, another king dominated the state—cotton. Explore the deep roots of Alabama’s history where cotton wasn’t just an agricultural product but the economic lifeline that shaped the South. Discover the story of “King Cotton,” a crop that carved Alabama’s cultural and economic identity long before the roar of football stadiums filled the air.

Cotton in the Time of Slavery: A Glimpse into Alabama’s Past

Cotton’s rise came at a steep price. This crop's success relied on the forced labor of enslaved people, creating a legacy marked by wealth, labor, and human suffering. Delve into Alabama’s Black Belt, where rich, fertile soil made the region a cotton powerhouse, driving settlers to claim land once held by Native American tribes. Follow the journey from Alabama’s early cotton boom, through the impacts of the Indian Removal Act, to the profound influence cotton still holds over the state today.

En 1965, la vida de Willie Brewster fue trágicamente cortada por manos de supremacistas blancos en Anniston. Su asesinato conmocionó a nuestra comunidad y encendió un poderoso movimiento por los derechos civiles.

La muerte de Brewster es un recordatorio desgarrador del brutal racismo que asoló el sur, pero también simboliza la resiliencia y el urgente llamado al cambio.

Al honrar a Willie Brewster, reflexionemos sobre el costo humano del racismo y comprometámonos a luchar por un mundo donde la violencia basada en la raza ya no sea tolerada. Juntos, podemos asegurarnos de que su legado inspire una continua activismo y justicia.

In 1965, the life of Willie Brewster was tragically cut short by the hands of white supremacists in Anniston. His murder sent shockwaves through our community and sparked a powerful movement for civil rights.

Brewster's death is a stark reminder of the brutal racism that plagued the South, but it also symbolizes resilience and the urgent call for change.

As we honor Willie Brewster, let us reflect on the human cost of racism and commit to fighting for a world where race-based violence is no longer tolerated. Together, we can ensure that his legacy inspires continued activism and justice.

El ataque en la estación de autobuses Trailways en Anniston, Alabama, fue un momento importante en el Movimiento de Derechos Civiles en los Estados Unidos. En el año 1961, un grupo de personas valientes llamado los Freedom Riders viajó en autobuses por el sur del país. Ellos querían terminar con la segregación, que era una práctica injusta y muy común en esa época.

Había dos autobuses: uno de la compañía Greyhound y otro de Trailways. Estos autobuses iban de Atlanta, Georgia, hacia Birmingham, Alabama. Los Freedom Riders eran personas negras y blancas que querían viajar juntos y sin segregación. Ellos querían probar las leyes que decían que la segregación ya no era legal.

The attack at the Trailways bus station in Anniston, Alabama, in 1961 was a violent response to the Freedom Riders, a group of civil rights activists challenging segregation in interstate bus travel in the South. Organized by the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), the Freedom Riders were an integrated group—both Black and white—testing the recent Supreme Court rulings that had declared segregation in interstate transportation unconstitutional.

En la Iglesia Metodista Unida de St. John, la historia y la esperanza se entrelazan. Este espacio sagrado no solo fue un lugar de adoración; fue una plataforma para el cambio durante el Movimiento por los Derechos Civiles. Aquí, líderes valientes se reunieron, sacando fuerza de su fe para luchar por la justicia y la igualdad.

¿Sabías que? El Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visitó esta iglesia, dejando un poderoso legado que nos inspira hasta el día de hoy.

Mientras honramos esta increíble historia, también reflexionemos sobre nuestra responsabilidad de continuar el trabajo iniciado por esos valientes. El espíritu de St. John nos enseña que la fe y la comunidad pueden traer un cambio profundo, sin importar cuán desalentador sea el desafío.

Llamado a la Acción: ¡Únete a nosotros para llevar adelante este legado! Asiste a un servicio, haz voluntariado en tu comunidad o simplemente comparte este mensaje con otros. Unámonos en nuestra búsqueda de justicia e igualdad, asegurando que la luz de la esperanza brille intensamente para las generaciones venideras.

¡Juntos, podemos hacer la diferencia!

St. John United Methodist Church wasn’t just a place of worship—it was a launchpad for change. Civil rights activists in Anniston gathered here, strategizing their next moves while drawing strength from their faith. Did you know? Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. himself visited this church, leaving behind a legacy of hope and action that still resonates today.

This sacred space, where faith fueled the fight for justice, continues to remind us that through unity and perseverance, we can overcome adversity. As we honor the past, let’s also be inspired to take bold steps toward a more just and equal future. St. John’s story shows us that the power of faith and community can change the world.

En este artículo, exploramos la rica historia de la Biblioteca Pública de Anniston y su transformación desde un espacio segregado hasta convertirse en un símbolo de inclusión y igualdad. A través de relatos conmovedores de activismo local y coraje comunitario, descubrimos cómo la desegregación de la biblioteca en 1963 marcó un hito importante en la lucha por los derechos civiles en Anniston. Reflexionamos sobre el legado de este lugar, que ahora sirve como un recurso vital para todos los residentes, y cómo podemos celebrar la diversidad y la cultura en nuestras comunidades. Además, comparto cómo como docente de español puedo involucrar a mis estudiantes en la celebración del Mes de la Herencia Hispana en este espacio, promoviendo el aprendizaje y el diálogo intercultural.

The Anniston Carnegie Library, built in 1918 with a grant from Andrew Carnegie, once stood as a symbol of progress yet remained segregated until the 1960s. Located on Wilmer Avenue and East 10th Street, this building witnessed key moments in the Civil Rights Movement when local activists fought for equal access. Today, it stands as a reminder of the journey toward inclusion and the community’s resilience in making public spaces open to all.

Los Freedom Riders: Un Viaje hacia la Justicia

En esta entrada del blog, exploramos la inspiradora historia de los Freedom Riders y su valiente lucha por los derechos civiles en los años 60. Descubre cómo estos jóvenes activistas, decididos a desafiar la segregación en el transporte interestatal del sur de Estados Unidos, enfrentaron el peligro y la violencia para llevar un mensaje de igualdad y justicia. Compartimos las historias de las paradas históricas, los líderes como los reverendos Nimrod Reynolds y McClain, y el legado vivo de su movimiento que hoy se honra en museos como el Museo de los Derechos Civiles de Birmingham y el Museo Nacional de los Derechos Civiles en Washington D.C. Además, te recomendamos la obra Beyond the Burning Bus de Phil Noble, un libro que profundiza en las experiencias de estos héroes y nos conecta con su perseverancia inquebrantable.

Let’s dive into the courageous story of the Freedom Riders—an iconic group of activists who challenged segregation in the 1960s. This movement, rooted in faith and justice, inspired a generation of civil rights leaders and still resonates deeply with us today. Their story is one of bravery, determination, and the power of unity in the face of oppression.

In this blog post, we discuss the recent decision by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget to merge race and ethnicity questions in the Census, a move that has sparked concern among Afro Latino communities. We explore the potential implications of this change, the historical context of racial distinctions in the Census, and the ongoing efforts by scholars and organizations to ensure accurate representation. Discover how this decision could affect data collection and the importance of recognizing the unique identities of Afro Latinos in the U.S.

In this blog post, we take a deep dive into Equatorial Guinea, a unique African country where Spanish is the official language. Discover the intriguing blend of colonial heritage and modern dynamics that define this nation's identity. We'll address common misconceptions about Equatorial Guinea, revealing the truths behind its geography, culture, and economy. Learn about the country's rich history, from its colonial past to its present-day status as a significant oil producer, and explore its vibrant cultural scene, including fascinating facts for Spanish learners. Join us on this journey to uncover the real Equatorial Guinea and enrich your understanding of this lesser-known Spanish-speaking gem.

Explore Panama's Afro-descendant heritage: vibrant history, culture, and captivating lessons.

Discover the world through the eyes of Rey, a spirited 6-year-old on a transcontinental adventure from Panama to the United States. Join him in a delightful tale that paints vibrant pictures of his bold, brave, and thoughtful escapades, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Panamanian culture seamlessly woven into his everyday life. "Rey’s Transcontinental Tale" is a celebration of childhood, growth, and the magic found in cultural exploration.

A baby shower with video responses? Yes! Sometimes we can’t have the traditional baby shower in person and we may not be able to travel to see your dear ones. Here is a way to connect to the parents on video through this educational platform that teachers use all the time!

How to you put away all your Christmas stuff? Do you unpack things to find critters have been already there? Here are a few tips on how to properly put things away and keep them safe and clear from pests.

In proclaiming this Decade, the international community is recognizing that people of African descent represent a distinct group whose human rights must be promoted and protected. Around 200 million people identifying themselves as being of African descent live in the Americas. Many millions more live in other parts of the world, outside of the African continent- United Nations website.

Check out these tips before you travel for a conference out of the country.