Natalie Alexander (Class of 2029) - Reclaiming the Legacy: A Reflection on the Relatively Unfamiliar Story of Nearest Green (2 points)

     

     The visit to the Nearest Green Distillery last weekend granted me the opportunity to explore the intersection between powerful literature and historical sites that serve to promote historical preservation.  The creation of the distillery itself reflects the historical consciousness of Fawn Weaver as she was compelled to create a sacred space for the remembrance of the true foundation of American whiskey by honoring Nearest Green’s legacy. The integral contributions of black figures oftentimes become lost in translation resulting in society praising the wrong individuals—Nearest Green was no exception to this. According to Danielle Allen’s Our Declaration, Allen states, “The art of democratic writing demands of its practitioners the aspiration to write any and all. It is a philanthropic art: it requires affection for humanity.” Fawn Weaver’s Love and Whiskey not only explores the true origin of Jack Daniel Whiskey through extensive research and interviews but also accredits the business to the expertise of Nearest Green. Her writing introduces meaning to Green’s name within society and provides justice to his family who continued to watch the whiskey industry prosper with their relative’s story left untold. Her tenacity and diligence to bring light to the legacy of Nearest Green is evident in her persistence to dig for information despite facing setbacks in her work and personal life. Similarly, a quote from Robin D.G. Kelley’s Freedom Dreams that really resonated with me states, “The desire to work through existing contradictions rather than stand outside them represents not so much a preference for melioristic reform over change, but rather a recognition of the impossibility of standing outside totalitarian systems of domination.” This quote reflects Fawn Weaver’s life work as she fervently questioned the so-called “facts” provided by historians and redefined history with the inclusion of Green’s contributions. Moreover, rather than basking in the success and financial fortune afforded to her following the release of her book and the creation of the Distillery, Weaver took the time to empathize and truly pay her respects to the legacy of Nearest Green. Weaver’s ethical discernment keeps her humble enough to make Nearest Green the star of the show rather than herself. The character traits she possesses are truly admirable as they reflect her pursuit for intellectual sovereignty without expecting any recognition.

Weaver embodies all the qualities demonstrated by the ideal Honors Program student at Spelman College from scholarly investigation to interdisciplinary engagement. Beginning my Spelman trajectory by immersing myself in Weaver’s phenomenal work helped set the standard at which I plan to hold myself to during my undergraduate and post-graduate years. Reading texts like Love and Whiskey is crucial for thoroughly developing the human psyche as avid reading produces innate critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills. Similarly, I recognize how important it is to expand my knowledge base by traveling across the country. Despite both being in the south, Atlanta and Shelbyville are widely different in terms of city population demographics and historical significance. As a Tennessean myself, I really value this opportunity to visit a new region of the state and engage with unfamiliarity. 

At the beginning of the Distillery tour, the guide revealed a butterfly mural meant to rival another one in Nashville, TN. Aside from affording its visitors aesthetic photoshoots, it is meant to represent the complexity of the whiskey industry and relationship between Nearest Green and Jack Daniel. I was able to view the inside of a speakeasy and came across two red chairs situated in the corner of the room away from regular table and bar top seating. To me, this signifies friendship and harmony as a good friend and strong relationship can bring peace and tranquility to any storm particularly since speakeasies served as a stress relievers for hardworking middle-class individuals in the late 1800s early 1900s. As I continued to make my way around the speakeasy, I came across a wooden tile with an Ida B. Wells quote engraved in it which read, “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” The unsettling appeal of Jack Daniel whiskey following the uncovering of Nearest Green’s story is evident in the quote. 

Weaver’s Love and Whiskey and the Nearest Green Distillery invite curious minds to reject what is provided at surface value and take advantage of our ability to be independent thinkers. It is crucial in today’s political climate to proceed through life consistently engaging in intellectual sovereignty rather than accepting any potential propaganda that is spoon fed to those who choose to remain ignorant.

By Natalie Alexander