There are the intimate stories and hard truths underlying the social crises of our time. There are also powerful and beautiful stories. We know our stories have power.

We know we are worthy of having pride, but we refuse to take pride in racism and oppression. We’ve shared our stories about walking away from the confederate flag. We’ve shared together to come to terms with our collective history. We know that sharing stories makes the fight for the south stronger. We know that sharing our stories helps us come together. Sharing helps us build together to win the future we all deserve, whether white Black or Brown.

Real rednecks know that the term comes from the legacy of coal miners in West Virginia. They wore red bandanas. They let folks know which side they were on. They joined with their Black and immigrant coworkers to rise up against the coal company. We remember and build on the legacy of the 1921 Battle of Blair Mountain. That's the legacy we recall to fight for the south. We have to claim our legacy and let folks know which side we are on!

You can help Southern Crossroads reclaim redneck away from negative stereotypes. You can call in more rednecks to join the fight for the south and defend Black Lives. You can build the community you've been looking for.