On March 1st, the Museum of Appalachia will honor the legacy of the late Alex Haley during its esteemed “Heroes of Southern Appalachia” award ceremony. Presenting the award to Haley’s family will be Lamar Alexander, an esteemed figure who has served as a former Tennessee governor, University of Tennessee president, U.S. education secretary, and U.S. senator.
“We admire Alex Haley for his role as God’s storyteller,” expressed Alexander in a press release from the museum. “During the pinnacle of his career, when he was arguably the most renowned writer in the world, he chose to settle in East Tennessee and taught us the valuable lesson of ‘Finding the Good and Praising It.’ He always had a kind word for everyone he encountered. We lost him too soon because our affection for him was boundless.”
Alex Haley gained widespread recognition for his acclaimed book “Roots: The Saga of an American Family,” which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1976. Within a span of just seven months, the book sold over 15 million copies, captivating readers across the nation. Moreover, the television adaptation of “Roots” attracted an astonishing viewership of 130 million people, making it a record-breaking phenomenon. Haley’s remarkable accomplishment with “Roots” not only made him a revered figure in the literary world but also sparked a significant interest in genealogy and fostered a deeper appreciation for African American history.
According to Gary R. Wade, the retired Tennessee Supreme Court chief justice and board chairman of the Museum of Appalachia, Haley is a deserving recipient of this year’s award.
According to Wade, Mr. Haley made significant contributions to our understanding of African American and Southern Appalachian culture. He emphasized the intersection between these two cultures, demonstrating that they have more similarities than differences. It is in alignment with his motto, “Find the Good and Praise It,” that we present him with this award.
At the time of his death in 1992, Haley was working on a book centered around Southern Appalachia. Within the novel, there was a character inspired by Steve Parkey, an African American blacksmith from Hancock County, whose shop is showcased on the museum grounds. Through this literary work, Haley aimed to transform the perception of the mountain people he had grown to understand. A half-year before his passing, Haley expressed his frustration with the portrayal of Appalachia in popular culture, stating, “The truth, as I have experienced it, is incredibly different. These are individuals with a rich heritage, a marvelous lifestyle, and a unique atmosphere.”
Haley chose to settle in East Tennessee during his later years. It was in 1986 when then-Governor Alexander introduced Haley to John Rice Irwin, the founder of the Museum of Appalachia. After a memorable visit to the museum, Haley was drawn to the Norris/Clinton area and made the decision to purchase a farm from Irwin. It is worth noting that this farm is currently owned by the Children’s Defense Fund.
The “Heroes of Southern Appalachia” award has been bestowed upon esteemed individuals in the past, including former UT President Joe Johnson, WBIR-TV general manager Jim Hart, U.S. Army Gen. Carl Stiner, and U.S. Sen. Howard Baker. When selecting recipients for this prestigious award, the museum considers individuals from the Southern Appalachian region who embody the remarkable qualities of perseverance, fortitude, self-reliance, and service.
Tickets for the event, scheduled for 7 p.m. on March 1, can be purchased on the museum’s website at museumofappalachia.org. According to a spokesperson, tickets are nearly sold out, so interested individuals should act quickly. KaTom Restaurant Supply is the proud presenter of the event, as stated in the release. By attending the event, attendees will not only enjoy a wonderful experience but also contribute to the museum’s mission of preserving the rich history and culture of the Southern Appalachian region. For further inquiries, the museum can be reached at 865-494-7680.
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