Niya Neblett - Uncovering Legacy: Lessons from Uncle Nearest Distillery

While books and classroom discussions can teach us facts, stepping onto the soil where history unfolded gives those lessons a deeper resonance. The Nearest Green Distillery is not only a monument to the Nearest Green, the formerly enslaved man who perfected the art of whiskey–making mentored Jack Daniel, but also a living testament to Black excellence, resilience, and legacy. The experience pushed me to think beyond the stories I have read and considered what it means to carry history into the presence in the future

Standing at the distillery allowed me to envision the hard work, struggle, and the brilliance of Nearest Green in a way that reading alone can never provide. It gave me a face and a place to a story often hidden in the footnotes of American history. Traveling from Atlanta to the rural heart of Tennessee was in itself a wake-up call. It reminded me that every place carries the same momentum of progress, yet excellence can still thrive and unexpected corners. Uncle Nearest’s story affirms that legacy is not bound by geography. Even in rural spaces, where progress may appear slower, history proves that Black achievement has always found a way to shine through.

The story of Uncle Nearest also raised complicated questions about success, responsibility and the products where we consume. Whiskey is a source of delight for many, but is also a substance that has wounded individuals and communities. This duality forces me to reflect on the broader ethics of entrepreneurship. When does the pursuit of profit come in detention with the well-being of a community? The nearest Green may not have lived in a time where the long term social effects of alcohol were widely discussed, but in today's world, we cannot ignore them. This tension connects the larger question of loving blackness:  Are we willing to sacrifice community health for financial gain?  Capitalism often argues that responsibility lies within the consumer, but a communal worldview suggests otherwise. Responsibility must be shared—both by those who produce and those who consume. Success should never just be personal. Reflecting on Uncle Nearest, I see both pride in his craft and the challenge of holding success accountable to a collective well-being.

Stepping outside the classroom into a place like this distillery holds incredible value. Hands-on experience forces us to move beyond theory and form our own conclusions from what we see and feel. This retreat invited me to see myself differently—not only as an honor student, but as part of a larger community. Walking the grounds of the distillery reminded me of the contributions of my ancestors, how often their stories have been forgotten or hidden, and how much responsibility I carry to honor them. 

  The Uncle Nearest Distillery reminded me that history is best understood when we walk in its footsteps, entrepreneurship requires responsibility beyond profit, and stepping outside the classroom can transform how we see ourselves. As I move forward I carry with me the lesson a success is not about personal achievement but how we honor community and legacy in every choice we make.

- Niya Neblett

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