Morgan Harvey- Beyond Books: Traveling on the Land of History
On Saturday, September 13th, I got to tour a land of history: The Uncle Nearest Distillery. Fawn Weaver’s Love and Whiskey painted an image of the rich history and legacy of Nearest Green, the first recorded African-American distiller, but touring the distillery gave me an unforgettable experience of seeing his story come to life. Walking through the grounds, listening to the tour guides, and learning about the preserved history allowed me to connect with the past in a way that reading the story could not. It reminded me that history is not only in books but also in places, people, and traditions that continue to shape the present. Visiting the distillery and learning about Nearest Green’s success, especially in our current political climate, meant so much. The distillery operated as an intersection of legacy and business.
Love and Whiskey was an eye-opening experience, but nothing will top the feeling of seeing artifacts that went along with the history. Traveling from Atlanta to Tennessee made what I read real; I could feel the power, work, joy, laughter, and resilience embedded in the walls. I also reflected on my privilege during the journey, acknowledging that my predecessors were not free to cross state lines. The distillery, while having devastating roots in slavery, also exuded a sense of comfort. Rocking in the chairs reminded me of spending the summers with my great-grandparents and listening to them share their advice and experiences. It led me to think about Robin D.G. Kelly, in Freedom Dreams, who taught us that imagining freedom requires reinterpreting the past. In that way, the distillery became a monument and a bridge that connected me to my rich history.
Whiskey is a product that has brought joy, comfort, and unforgettable memories – yet it is also tied to histories of unjust labor, addiction, and slavery. The distillery showcases this tension: a place filled with pride for Uncle Nearest and his contributions to the Black and distillery communities. However, I kept the social climate at the time of the distillery’s establishment in mind; entrepreneurship is never neutral. Weaver expressed in her book that entrepreneurship is about building a lasting legacy, and she did this with the distillery. While rooted in the dreadful realities of slavery, it reclaims and honors the story of Nearest Green. Experiencing this allowed me to reflect on how ethical discernment means taking the wrongs, acknowledging them, and highlighting the just legacies and memories. For me, the distillery stood as a reminder that true success is not only measured by finance but by the stories preserved and communities fostered.
There is value in learning in the classroom, but there is even greater value in immersing yourself in what you are learning. This retreat allowed me to view myself as a part of something bigger than just the Spelman Ethel Waddell Githii Honors program. I am someone standing at the pinnacle of Black excellence, a member of a community that is fostering legacies and honoring history. As a Black woman, I must cultivate history and honor it. It reminded me that I am a part of a larger story; one not filled with individual achievements, but one full of history, resilience, strength, and truth. Uncle Nearest Greens distillery deepened my sense of responsibility as a student in the Honors program.
Photo 1, Love Story:
Photo 2, Complication or Tension:
Photo 3, Brand vs. History:
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