Jenna’s petition stalls. Blue Lives Matter outpaces Black Lives Matter. But in 2023 a new surge of activism reignites the controversy. What will happen to Jessamine County’s Confederate statue? And what does the statue’s fate reveal about the soul of the divided southern community?

Resources

• For pictures of the courthouse square, First Baptist Church, and Jessamine County during the Spanish-American War, head to https://www.rebelonmain.com/episode7.
• David Blight, Race and Reunion: The Civil War in America

Engage

• Check out our website at www.rebelonmain.com.
• To support future creative projects, click here: www.rebelonmain.com/support.
• Email david.swartz@asbury.edu to let me know what you think of this episode of Rebel on Main.

Timestamps

00:00 David describes the courthouse lawn.

01:51 Locals say what they think should happen.

16:25 David talks with Judge West in their first—and only—sit-down interview.

19:53 A new surge of activism begins at the 2023 MLK Day observances.

31:04 Activists confront the county magistrates at a public hearing.

37:20 David finds an archival gem and reflects on the meaning of “reconciliation” during the Spanish-American War—and again in our times.

44:36 David walks from the statue to First Baptist Church for a final conversation with Pastor Moses.

47:08 Pastor Moses reflects on his disappointments and hope that change is going to come.

Transcript: Visit www.rebelonmain.com/episode7.

Production team

• Writer and Host: David R. Swartz
• Original Music, Sound Design, and Mixing: Barry Blair
• Story Editor: Stephen Smith
• Artistic Design: Josh Smith and Lisa Weaver Swartz

Thanks for listening!