Ep 6. Sweet Home Alabama

In this episode of United Shades of America, host W. Kamau Bell travels to Sweet Home Alabama to explore the heart of the Deep South. The episode begins with Bell driving through rural Alabama, reflecting on the stereotypes and misconceptions he has about the state. He notes that he is expecting to encounter racism and bigotry, but he is also hoping to uncover the nuanced layers of Southern history and culture.

Bell starts his exploration in Montgomery, the state capital and the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement. Here, he visits the Rosa Parks Museum and learns about the iconic Montgomery bus boycott. He also visits the Equal Justice Initiative, an organization dedicated to fighting against racial inequality in America's criminal justice system. Bell speaks to EJI founder Bryan Stevenson, who explains how slavery and Jim Crow laws have led to today's mass incarceration crisis.

After leaving Montgomery, Bell travels to Selma, a city that played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. He meets with members of the local community, including Mayor Darrio Melton and civil rights activist Faya Toure. They discuss how Selma has struggled with poverty and racial tension in the years since Bloody Sunday, a seminal event in which peaceful protestors were brutally attacked by police officers.

Next, Bell travels to Birmingham, where he learns about the city's complicated history with race and segregation. He visits the 16th Street Baptist Church, where four young girls were killed in a racially motivated bombing in 1963. He also speaks to former mayor Richard Arrington, who became the first Black mayor of Birmingham in 1979. Arrington reflects on the challenges he faced in trying to bring about change in a deeply divided city.

Throughout the episode, Bell engages in conversations with both Black and white Alabamians, exploring their differing perspectives on race, politics, and culture. He speaks to a group of Republican voters who support President Trump, as well as a group of students and professors at the historically Black Alabama State University. He also visits a gun range and speaks to members of the National Rifle Association, learning about their views on gun control and the Second Amendment.

Overall, the episode offers a complex and nuanced portrait of Alabama, a state that is often misunderstood and stereotyped by outsiders. Bell balances his critique of the state's history of racism and inequality with a deep respect for its rich culture and traditions. He highlights the resilience and determination of the people he meets, who are working hard to move forward while also grappling with the legacies of the past. In doing so, he invites viewers to see beyond the stereotypes and appreciate the complex tapestry of Southern life.