We don’t know our history as well as we think we do.
Our goal with this page is to offer anti-racist history and resources as best as we can, while also providing needed historical context for the history of race in Sylva. The more we know, the more empowered we are. Check back often as we build up the educational resources we have to offer.
Resources
I thought the Civil War was about state’s rights, not slavery.
It’s an on-going discussion, we know. We’re from the South too. But it’s a discussion that was invented after the Civil War. Vox explains here.
Call a Thing a Thing
Why is it important to name white supremacy when we see it? Charles M. Blow offers a timely explanation here.
Whose Heritage?
The Southern Poverty Law Center has a deep dive on where Confederate Monuments are and which statewide laws protect them. Read more here.
What’s the harm?
The American Medical Association has declared racism a threat to public health. What impact does racism have on our health? Read more here.
How does a school get named after that guy?
The Equal Justice Initiative has a great explainer here.
Why does the statue removal effort stall in rural communities?
Casey Cep offers deep and important reflections in this New Yorker piece.
Isn’t pulling down statues a modern thing?
It’s actually an American tradition. Read more from National Geographic here.
Why can’t we just put this behind us?
Read Caroline Randall Williams’s powerful words on how her body is its own Confederate monument here.