In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce interviews Rev. Christopher Williams Sr., pastor of Yorktown Missionary Baptist Church, about the struggles and resilience of Africatown, Alabama. Rev. Williams highlights the powerful impact of community support and the opening of the Africatown Heritage House Museum. He discusses high rates of cancer in his congregation and the area, and environmental concerns related to a now-closed industrial plant. Despite frustrations, local advocacy has led to positive changes, including new community resources to improve the lives of residents.

Rev. Williams shares personal stories about the impact of cancer on families and the role of faith in healing. He also describes how his community, founded by formerly enslaved people, built a thriving society that flourished for years. The episode concludes with a call for continued support, research and restoration for Africatown.

3 Key Takeaways

1. Community Advocacy and Empowerment: Rev. Christopher Williams emphasizes the empowering impact of having support and advocacy for the Africatown community. He also describes successful efforts to add new resources, such as a business center and food bank.

2. Cancer and Environmental Justice: There is a significant focus on the high rates of cancer and other health issues observed in Africatown. Rev. Williams' personal anecdotes about church members affected by cancer highlight the toll that serious illness takes on a congregation and a community, and the need to learn more about the root causes of these health problems.

3. Africatown’s Historical and Cultural Significance: Africatown's rich history, founded by enslaved people who built a thriving community, is prominently featured. Despite this, the community has struggled with population loss and economic decline over the years. Recently, Africatown has gained prominence as an important heritage site featured in books and the documentary “Descendant.”

Show Overview

02:00 Meet Rev. Christopher Williams, Africatown pastor and advocate.

03:16 After conducting funerals, Rev. Williams surveys the community about cancer.

05:40 Africatown represents world and American history.

08:08 Recollections of life near a busy paper mill.

10:29 New resources and new homes in Africatown.

15:05 Families affected by cancer and a preacher's responsibility.

22:20 Rev. Williams asks us to support each other in prayer, faith, love.

24:57 Resources to learn more about Africatown.