By Shona Babayemi

This week, we land in Florence, Alabama, adjacent to the musical town of Muscle Shoals, home to some of the most iconic recording studios of all time. We had the pleasure of working with an incredible team at UNA including Latasha, Leo, Duell, Stephen, Brenna, Sydney, and Jason, to name but a few of the lovely people we connected with.

If I could give the team a theme tune it would be I’ll Take You There by The Staples Singers, recorded at Bama’s very own Muscles Shoals Sounds! It radiates hope and positivity. It encapsulates the resilience and togetherness we felt this week in Florence. 

With the election looming, it was hard to feel enthusiastic about being in a historically red state. Leaving the hotel that morning came with an overwhelming sense of dread, as the presidential candidate – whose views oppose my very existence, along with that of so many others on the team – had just been elected. It’s difficult. It’s difficult to look people in the eye, and equally, you become consumed with wondering whether that random stranger in a random ice cream parlour sees any of your humanity, as you contemplate the Butter Pecan or the Orange Pineapple – both delicious. 

So, to arrive at the English Department with a team that wears their hearts on their sleeves was profoundly comforting. Feeling safe enough to be upset, cry, and acknowledge how difficult it all is felt like a release. There are, of course, members of the team who aren’t able to do the same – who bury their fury under smiles, lean on learned pleasantries, and put their best faces on in the name of professionalism. I see you. I can’t think of a better team to be around during election week. They were caring, comforting, and present – a lot of support in a challenging time.

Riding through towns that are dotted with cotton fields, and flanked by flags in favour of the reelected candidate was a sobering experience on our way to Limestone Correctional Facility. The five of us planned a workshop for a group of astute students studying alongside some brilliant UNA students. We did a crash course on the chaos, joy, and tenacity of Twelfth Night. The students were a joy to work with, bringing enthusiasm and curiosity to the material. The week has flown by, and despite the political weight of the week, we got to stay in the hotel that once housed the Rolling Stones. I think our little slice of Florence has been good to us and that southern hospitality is real.

There’s nothing more magical than flying on an overcast day. Breaking through the clouds to float on a sea of cushiony fluff, highlighted by the sun, it is breathtaking. Without sounding too shallow or flippant,  it feels like a hopeful metaphor for breaking through the cloudiness of our respective political climates. Nevertheless, it’s a sight to behold.

On to the next one…