Liana Brown Honors Retreat: Wisdom in Whiskey

 

1. Love Story Evidence

The photo of Jesse and Mattie Green displays a romantic relationship during this time in history. Jesse was Nearnest Green’s grandson, and the lady beside him, Mattie Green, was his wife. Not only did Nearest pass down the concepts and mechanics for whiskey making, but he also built a foundation for many loving partnerships, which in turn make a person whole.

2. Complication or Tension

The image inside the frame features women marching in protest of their right to vote. It appears as though most of the women are white, and no other races are present. This photo serves as a visual representation that justice isn’t always for all. When women eventually did receive the right to vote due to the 19th Amendment there was still a prevalence of disenfranchisement especially toward black women. 

 

3. Brand vs. History

Some of the processes Uncle Nearest used during his whiskey making process are still in effect today. The barrels used to age the whiskey are newer, however the conditions of the room the barrels are held in are similar to Uncle Nearest’s conditions. For example, the room is not temperature controlled, as there is no A/C or heating. 

    Telling people “I love to read” would simply be an understatement. Reading takes me to a new world that only my imagination can understand. I remember reading Harry Potter in fifth grade and becoming so engrossed in the story that I became terrified and had to put the book down. However, reading can only open up your mind to imaginative experiences. Where one truly visualizes new adventures is through taking trips to visit those places. Through this, one is able to get a more hands on approach. There is a clear difference between reading about history and being present in its effects. While visiting Uncle Nearest’s Distillery I felt the weight of his experiences and his story. Leaving the big, busy city of Atlanta and traveling to the smaller, quieter city of Shelbyville puts it in a different perspective as well. It emphasizes the close knit community of people, some from Shelbyville and others from another city, that work to keep his legacy alive. Some of the most influential and inspiring people have their story overlooked, so it is imperative to recognize and celebrate them even if it is overdue.

    As contradictory as it may sound, it is possible for something to be simultaneously damaging and delighting. Everything comes with a cost, and some may be heavier than others. Nearest Green’s background about how he came to be who he is recognized as today, inspires optimism in people. Specifically people similar to Nearest, those with a passion that they want to take to the next level. However, that process does not happen without a few bumps along the way. For Nearest specifically, he was enslaved for some time, and when he became a freed man he had to work twice as hard to make a name for himself. Additionally, Jack Daniels never publicly gave Nearest Green his credit for teaching him how to make whiskey. Historically and even in the time period we live in currently, that is not anything new or unheard of. Still, it is shocking how some people feel comfortable stealing somebody else's ideas and processes. Especially somebody that served a purpose as not only your mentor, but your friend. 

    Nearest Green’s story made me realize that I am just a tiny piece of a bigger puzzle. There was so much history surrounding us at any given moment that we don't know about. His story inspires me to keep going in face of adversity, for you don't know what you can do in the world. I see stepping into historical sites as modern day time traveling. There will be certain artifacts and details that are original and true to the time that they were used in, there may be recreations and videos that serve a purpose towards the bigger picture as well. The field trip to the distillery opened my eyes to the black history that is evident in all corners and crevices of the world. Honestly, if it wasn't for the honors program, I would not have known about Nearest Green, his story, and his whiskey most likely anytime soon.

By: Liana Brown

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