Alabama Folk

Let the Wood Tell the Story: Spoonmaking in Dothan

Orran Scruggs makes spoons that reflect the rural life and African heritage passed down by the elder women in his family. He takes us through the process from salvaging off-cuts to following the grain to let each spoon emerge organically to the moment its true color pops. As an artist, Orran prizes moving at his own pace, self-expression, immersion, and exploration. He also uses spoons to collaborate with fellow artists across mediums and to seed human connection and unity.

Never a Goodbye: Día de los Muertos in Decatur

Above all, Mari Juarez and Jesse Gonzalez wanted the first Día de los Muertos celebration in downtown Decatur to be authentic: street vendors selling mole and elotes, Mexican music and dance, papel picado, and the altar with its essentials: certain colors, salt, water, fruit, marigolds, Pan de Muerto, and copal. Mari and Jesse explain the meaning of Day of the Dead, and how it showcased Latino culture and pride, generated healing, and fostered unity for the Decatur community.

Absolute Thrill: Dove Hunting in Alabama’s Black Belt

Mike Baker, raised on a dairy farm in Hale County, grew up hunting for food. His first experience with dove hunting was gathering the birds shot by the landowner for a nickel a piece. As an adult, Mike introduced the sport to his wife, Nikki, who describes its thrills: the speed of the birds and the shot, the rush of competition, and the pride of bagging 15, especially as a woman. Yet Nikki and Mike measure the hunt not in numbers, but in fresh air and nature, challenge and camaraderie.

From Gray Goods to Technicolor: Making Socks in Fort Payne

Gina Locklear grew up in Fort Payne when it was known as the Sock Capital of the World. Then, as mills began to close, she reinvented the family business to thrive in a changed economy. Rooted in tradition, zkano socks is also creative, adaptive, sustainable, and American-made. Gina walks us through her mill history, from jumping in bins of socks as a kid to a deep appreciation for color and design, self-direction, and her parents’ perseverance.

Let’s Ride! Horse Clubs in Macon County

Kendrick Hall was raised by men who prized ingenuity, self-reliance, and persistence, all qualities he used in learning to ride, break, and train horses. He leads us into the world of horse clubs in rural Macon County, which reflect strong bonds with family, community, and the horses themselves, and seed a love of riding in the next generation. Trail rides are a mix of camaraderie and competition, joy and speed, but above all, riding brings Kendrick serenity.