On a hot day in July 1999, my friend and I set out to identify scenes mentioned in Rick Bragg's autobiographical book All Over But the Shoutin'. Using a map of Calhoun County, Alabama, and a local phone book, we tried to find the homes and other places he writes about in his book. The purpose was to provide a context for my students in an English as a Second Language class at the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College.
Many of my students have never traveled in the U.S. beyond the Beltway surrounding Washington, D.C. My goal was to help them visualize this story, which holds such meaning for them. They often work two jobs while attending school full time, cope with the prejudice of employers and neighbors, yet manage to send money home to families who depend on them for survival. Also, I wanted to acquaint them with typical scenes from an area near my home in Etowah County, Alabama.
I hope these goals will take precedence over any unintended violations of privacy. Also, I tried to be a good reporter; I regret, and take full responsibity for, any errors in this material.
NOTE: Page numbers in quotations accompanying the pictures refer to Bragg, Rick. All Over But the Shoutin'. New York: Vintage Books, 1997.