The dream that still inspires a nation

Today when you hear mention of the name “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” it will be easy to recall the sound, captured on black and white film, of his powerful, mellifluous voice in August 1963 urging freedom to ring on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. His “I Have a Dream” speech cemented his place as one of the greatest orators of all time.

New report highlights South’s Civil War hangover

OCT. 14, 2011 — The American South has changed a lot in the 40 years since integration. Not only are educational systems better throughout the South, but the economy is more diverse. Millions of more people live here, bringing with them their talents, resources and drive. In fact, many of the larger communities and suburbs here look a lot like most of the rest of America — with a little Southern charm thrown in on the side.

Comparing the Big Easy with the Holy City

AUG. 1, 2011 – Walking around an Uptown neighborhood in New Orleans has the feel of Hampton Park in Charleston: airy homes on lots with lush trees in a semi-tropical climate where summer steaminess is as accepted as white on rice.

But there are differences in these two famous Southern cities, both heavily influenced to this day by early European settlers. Here are some observations on how Charleston and New Orleans are similar and different:

My, how things have changed

MAY 5, 2011 — Sixty years ago, segregation was the common practice of the South as blacks and whites had different water fountains, sections of restaurants and school systems.

Fifty years ago, black families traveling in the South more than likely packed food to take on long car trips so they didn’t have to encounter segregationists or stop to find a restaurant that would serve them.

Then 40 years ago, integration arrived across much of the small-town South.

Remembering two girls’ grandfather at Christmas

DEC. 20, 2010 – Telling two little girls that their granddaddy passed on wasn’t the easiest thing to do. Owen Neff, my wife’s father, died Friday after a brief illness. We last saw him in Asheville at Thanksgiving. None of us expected him to pass away so soon. But then again, perhaps it’s never the right time.