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Stories

The image shows a dramatic artistic photograph of a wooden spoon engulfed in orange and red flames against a black background, with fire trailing from both the bowl and handle of the spoon. The composition symbolically represents the intersection of chronic illness spoon theory, trauma, and Appalachian wooden spoons through its powerful visualization of a kitchen implement transformed into something both destructive and beautiful.

Spoon Theory

Morgan DePue on how good memories, childhood trauma, and chronic pain can all rest in the hollow of that wooden spoon you hold in your hand.

Segregation in the ’70s South

After living in Japan, a young George Lancaster returned to these shores for seventh grade in a Georgia middle school — and found segregation still lingering. These are his memories.

From the Traditional, Something New

This week in Salvation South, we introduce you to Jake Xerxes Fussell, whose music updates Southern songs from long ago.

We Cannot NOT

Sometimes, the actions we should take are clear. A North Carolina poet takes a hard look at what happens when we fail to take them.

Ghost Stories, Master Race

A night spent searching the web for ghost stories from his home state of Virginia led Scott Hurd into the state’s dark history of sterilization and breeding to create a white master race.

Who’s Beloved?

This week, Salvation South reflects on matters of faith and tells stories about love and reconciliation.

The People of Africatown

The Clotilda was the last slave ship to sail from western Africa to the American South. When slavery ended, the boat’s captives built Africatown, their own self-sustaining community on Mobile Bay. With this week’s release of a new Netflix documentary, their story is about to reach the entire world.

Why Birds?

Virginia poet and novelist Jim Minick brings us a beautiful poem about a love for birds — and about love itself.

Oysters Spring Eternal

In Spring Creek, Florida, three young oyster farming operations demonstrate the modern response to the decline of traditional oyster harvesting along the Panhandle.

Our Beloved Oysters

A tale about Florida oysters, a remembrance of grandma’s apple-spice jam and a poem about a love of birds (and love itself).

Spreading the Love, One Jar at a Time

His grandmother made the best apple-spice jam this side of heaven. Keeping her tradition alive is about more than preserving food. It preserves memories, too.

Remembering Loretta Lynn

The South lost one of its greatest artists this week, and Salvation South brings you two remembrances of the truth-telling singer from Butcher Holler, Kentucky.

The Art of Forgiveness: Hattie Duncan

During a youth beset by polio and grinding poverty, Hattie Duncan learned a way of creativity that gave her a generous outlook on life and helped her become a beloved Southern folk artist.