The healing began at the funeral. The ministers and black leaders spoke in those deep, resounding voices about the resurrection of the body, dysfunction in the community, the dignity of all human life. I watched Timothy Thomas' family walk to the church, looking so poor, so downtrodden. The black congregation, which spilled over into the streets, sang their sacred songs and heard their sacred rituals. And whether it was rhetoric or not, it worked.
Fear is a powerful stimulant, and the media make much of the racial component.
I'd advise you to follow the money instead. In the '70s, when I sang at Aunt Maudie's, the patrons were Appalachians, absolutely poor, absolutely Southerners. I see down here affect me daily. The views expressed in these pages do not necessarily represent those of the publishers. Entire contents are copyright 2001 Lightborne Publishing Inc. and may not be reprinted in whole or in part without prior written permission from the publishers.