Episode 5: The Present

In the final episode of 1912, hosts Rose Scott and Sophia Dodd reflect on Forsyth County’s journey from the violent expulsion of its Black residents in 1912 to today’s ongoing struggle for justice and reconciliation. The episode opens with the story of Alexander Akers, a biracial student who grew up in Forsyth County during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Akers endured relentless racism, highlighting how deeply rooted racial hostility persisted, even as the county’s demographics began to shift.

As Forsyth’s population grew, fueled by an influx of white families seeking prestigious schools and suburban security, the number of Black residents remained small. Yet, hope emerged through efforts like the Forsyth Descendants Scholarship. Established by Durwood Sneed, a white resident of Forsyth County, the scholarship honors the legacy of those forced out in 1912.

The episode also examines ongoing efforts toward reparations, focusing on the preservation of Black cemeteries and the restoration of historical sites like Bagley Park. While private initiatives have made progress, descendants are clear: true reconciliation must come from the county itself. Forsyth’s leadership has yet to fully confront the realities of 1912, and until they do, the past will continue to cast a shadow over the present.

1912 is a limited series from Atlanta History Center and WABE.

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