Tears & Triumphs: North Alabama’s First Peoples

This project began as a class project in the Fall of 2023. Twelve students (myself included), six online and six in person, worked tirelessly to complete Phase I of what would become a mural to the past, present, and future of North Alabama’s first people. Below details the project, my involvement, and the finished mural as it stands in the Collier Library on the campus of the University of North Alabama.

The University of North Alabama’s Graduate Students of History began Phase I of a two phase project in the fall of 2023. During this phase, students would be conducting research, drafting design, and collecting images/graphics that would culminate in a mural celebrating the first people of North Alabama. Working in collaboration with the Cherokee, Creek, Chickasaw, and Muscogee tribal nations, this vision was realized in the Fall of 2024.

For my involvement, I was chosen as part of the Executive Committee and headed the Research Committee of this project. This put me in direct contact with Tribal officials and required that I diligently scour the North Alabama and local archives. Phase I completed and presented a comprehensive document, first mural draft, and image bank for Tribal representatives and the Alabama Trail of Tears Association.

This dynamic mural represented the forced removal of the Native American community from the homelands, their resilience, and how they still are contributing to the cultural heritage of the Shoals community. Below are images of the finished mural’s grand reveal that was attended and spoke at by Cheif Chuck Hoskin, Jr. of the Cherokee Nation. In conjuction with the reveal children from the Kilby School created a land acknowledgement document, and University of North Alabama President Dr. Kenneth Kitts spoke stating that In 2022, the two signed a Memorandum of Understanding that provided citizens and employees of the Cherokee Nation, which is based in Tahlequah, Okla., the opportunity a discounted tuition in order to enroll at UNA. UNA was the first among schools in Alabama to take this step, and it was a first for the Cherokee Nation to partner with an institution outside its region. (Citation Link)

I am deeply honored to have been a part of this project as it connects into my personal and professional goal of creating more inclusive narratives for all people.