09/08/2026
On Labor Day, I’m reminded of a piece of ground across Kentucky’s southern border in Monteagle, Tennessee.
In 2018, during my stint living in Tennessee, I had the privilege of helping organize veterans and corporate volunteers to begin the restoration process of the original Highlander Folk School site in Grundy County.
Being born and raised in Kentucky, the mission hit close to home.
Highlander’s work reached deep into Appalachia (including Kentucky’s coalfields), where working people fought for safer mines, healthier communities, fair treatment, and a meaningful voice in the decisions that governed their lives.
Standing on those grounds, the history was hard to ignore.
Working people learned to organize there.
I can say I learned so much from my visits there. I remember the feeling of humility the first time I was there.
Black and white Americans broke bread together at a time when simply sitting at the same table required courage.
We wanted to help preserve and highlight the original Highlander location for what I believe it represents: truly hallowed ground of the American spirit.
It should be a national landmark.
It's a place where Americans fought for their rights, and given the current climate, Americans must find that same spirit to keep our freedoms true.
