James Baldwin famously wrote, “… the great force of history comes from the fact that we carry it within us, are unconsciously controlled by it in many ways, and that history is literally present in all that we do.”
Anais Nin might agree.
Relying on wisdom from the Talmud, she writes, “We don’t see the world as it is. We see it how we are.”
And then what? We beg to disagree, become disagreeable — even violent. We try to convince one another of how things are, rather than reflect on how we are, and how we came to be that way. We dismiss one another — agree to hold separate and separating truths, rather than hear one another out, bear witness to one another’s experience. What we disagree about eclipses the things we collectively hold dear. The planet, democracy and human decency come to mind.
This struggle to mold history in our own preferred image happens all over the world and across our nation. It happens in our local communities. Rarely is it witnessed, examined or filmed. But in the small Southern town of Natchez, Mississippi, filmmaker Suzannah Herbert did just that. Her film “Natchez” explores the unreconciled history of a small town deeply divided over its antebellum past, caught between history and popular memory. Sound familiar? It should!
Herbert said of her film, “As a Southerner, I’m passionate about making films that reflect and question the ways legacies, race, class and myths shape Southern society and identities.” She explains, “I had to make a film that not only challenges people’s romanticized perceptions of antebellum history but one that also disrupts assumptions about the South and Southerners.” Natchez leaves us with a fundamental question: What price do we pay when we gloss over trauma with nostalgia, when we relinquish a more complete understanding of history in order to maintain comfortable myths?”
This year marks the 5th anniversary of placing an Equal Justice Initiative Historic Marker commemorating recorded racial terror lynchings that occurred in Rowan County. It also acknowledges the many lynchings that remain unknown or were left unrecorded. Equally important, it affirms the intention to challenge present day injustices, uphold marginalized histories and to witness victories achieved in the face of unrelenting racial oppression. On the occasion of the marker’s dedication in 2021 NC Poet Laureate, Jaki Shelton Green, commended Rowan County’s efforts.
She said, “I see you in the process of restoring relationship. For relationships are restored and nurtured in a way that shows a commitment to never allowing these injustices to return. We are all in need of reconciliation — people of color and white people. This evening, this fierce evening of lamentation, bears truth of what racism and white supremacy has done not only to Black people, but what it has done to white people.”
On Thursday, Aug. 6, at 7 p.m. there will be a free screening of the documentary film Natchez at the Novell Theater, 135 East Fisher St. in Salisbury. All are welcome to watch this 2025 Tribeca Film Festival winner, and perhaps to see ourselves and our neighbors reflected in it. Concessions will be available for purchase. Admission is free. The film is rated TV-14, equivalent to PG-13.
Susan Lee Sharp lives in Salisbury and is a member of Actions in Faith & Justice.
