The Southern take on mental health, schools and social change

Welcome back to The American South!

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I've thought a lot this week about where I was this time last year, as the pandemic hits the 1-year mark. Days prior, I was out to lunch with a few California friends, who were exploring New Orleans on the heels of a work conference. We had po-boys, classic cocktails and it was lovely. 

But a lot has happened since then. This week, we explore some of it in the stories below. For instance, how have Southern states addressed mental health issues as people have battled with anxiety and depression? How has COVID-19 changed Southern schools —for good and what does it mean to be a Southern chef speaking out for social change?

We also explore food history in a story on New Orleans' legacy of great chefs. We also examine what it means when one of Alabama's biggest banks decides to divest from private prisons. 

If you need a reason to smile, scroll to the end of the newsletter and watch someone accepting a great gift from close friends. Also, see the Southerners up for GRAMMYs!

Have a thought?  Send me an email at theamericansouth@gannett.com. 

Ashley Hopkinson

Editor, The American South.

What's the South talking about?

• Dollar General may help CDC with COVID-19 vaccine rollout 
• SBC Culture : Is 'Southern' Baptist more important than 'Baptist'?
• Lawmakers chastise LSU president after sexual abuse scandal
• South Carolina will be opening up nursing homes for in-person visits

How Southern states are addressing mental health crisis over COVID-19

Calls have not stopped at the state crisis line run by Mental Health of America in Greenville, South Carolina. Their team of trained volunteers has handled more than 30,000 calls from people across the state in crisis or seeking help managing everyday stress and anxiety over the past year. Calls are lasting longer and are coming in from people of all ages. (Full story here)

• “While the staff is hopeful about the health outcomes and opportunities that come with the vaccine, we are very aware the mental and behavioral health implications of the pandemic will be around for a very long time and will affect our callers for a long time," said Susan Smyre Haire, director of community engagement and development, MHA clinic.

Activists spur Regions Bank to end deal with private prison firm 

Regions Bank, the only Fortune 500 company headquartered in Alabama, announced in January that it would not renew its credit agreement with private prison company CoreCivic after the current contract ends in 2023.

The decision came three days after executives held a meeting with a local Black Lives Matter chapter and other activists to "receive feedback on the issue of private prisons," according to a statement. (Full story here)

What happened to all the Black executive chefs in New Orleans?

In New Orleans’ long history, it was most often Black people who stirred the pots — as chefs, caterers, domestic servants and enslaved workers. Now, if all the Black executive chefs in the city went out for dinner, they wouldn’t even count as a large party.

• "There was a huge push a couple of years ago for sustainability. We were talking about sustaining certain ingredients that were the heartbeat of this region. But the heartbeat of Creole cuisine is its people," said Chef Alfred Singleton.

Read more about the push to recognize the historical contributions of Black chefs to the New Orleans culinary scene. (Full story here)

All about the GRAMMY Awards!

"While they've continued to lose ground to men on the charts and the airwaves, female country artists have made Grammy history this year. For the first time ever, all five nominees for Best Country Album were made by women: Ingrid Andress, Brandy Clark, Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde and co-ed vocal group Little Big Town. Nashville's Brittany Howard is one of the night's top nominees, landing right behind the likes of Beyoncé." (Full story here)

We promise, this will make you smile 

Gwen Gulley was teaching virtually and hadn't seen her coworkers in weeks. For her birthday, they decided to do something special.