Keel, I too remember Dr. McCash from the early 1970's at MTSU. I believe I took a Tennessee History course under him and remember that his main concentration was black history as it pertained to the Civil War. I always enjoyed his lectures. I have also enjoyed your Field Notes on the current Legislature and what is happening in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Now that I live in New Jersey, it is nice to hear your take on current events. Keep up the good work!!
Keel, those same books were on my bookshelf from my college years. The bookshelf has expanded over the years as a result of the scholarship and thought that has developed over the years. The more recent book that was a revelation to me is The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. As a lawyer, I failed to appreciate how much white supremacy was baked into our legal system. Thanks for sharing your experience with Dr. McCash.
Your comment here reminds me of a short essay that John Seigenthaler wrote about growing up in Nashville, and how as a child “I didn’t know were segregated.” I think that’s typical of a lot of us (I was a teenager through the Sixties) and how segregation was “baked in” and part of the woodwork in our city and region.
What wonderful memories I too have of Bart McCash and his gift for making history come to life. I must have graduated before he launched this particular class, and I’m sorry to have missed it. I took an American History class that featured him acting out various historical figures, and I was lucky to have gone to his house with a couple of other students to discuss the issues of the day. Love the photos of him!
Thanks for the article on Dr. Bart McCash. It caused me to think of my own education, beginning with how I first learned to fear people who were different. I did not have a McCash in the front of my classroom, but I have had teachers who forced me to think critically. I have to believe it's good to appreciate how we're similar and the value of being different.
Your tribute to Bart McCash is an absolute inspiration. His legacy and that of Dr. June McCash remains lasting at MTSU, his former students, and the Murfreesboro community. As one of your followers, this article was sent to several friends, including June McCash, and others who were Bart McCash's colleagues at the University. You may already be aware that June has penned several more books in the last few years, all of which are really excellent reads.
How very refreshing to read a positive commentary. I look forward to your next column.
Yes, I have followed June’s writing career from a distance, and she caught me up on her active writing work when I had a visit with her last week. She was one of my favorites also - such an accomplished person.
Keel, I too remember Dr. McCash from the early 1970's at MTSU. I believe I took a Tennessee History course under him and remember that his main concentration was black history as it pertained to the Civil War. I always enjoyed his lectures. I have also enjoyed your Field Notes on the current Legislature and what is happening in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Now that I live in New Jersey, it is nice to hear your take on current events. Keep up the good work!!
Tom Jaynes, South Orange, New Jersey
Thanks for your comments and for your encouraging words, Tom.
Great to hear from you, and glad you enjoyed the McCash piece.
-Keel
Keel, those same books were on my bookshelf from my college years. The bookshelf has expanded over the years as a result of the scholarship and thought that has developed over the years. The more recent book that was a revelation to me is The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. As a lawyer, I failed to appreciate how much white supremacy was baked into our legal system. Thanks for sharing your experience with Dr. McCash.
Irwin, thanks.
Your comment here reminds me of a short essay that John Seigenthaler wrote about growing up in Nashville, and how as a child “I didn’t know were segregated.” I think that’s typical of a lot of us (I was a teenager through the Sixties) and how segregation was “baked in” and part of the woodwork in our city and region.
What wonderful memories I too have of Bart McCash and his gift for making history come to life. I must have graduated before he launched this particular class, and I’m sorry to have missed it. I took an American History class that featured him acting out various historical figures, and I was lucky to have gone to his house with a couple of other students to discuss the issues of the day. Love the photos of him!
Thanks for the article on Dr. Bart McCash. It caused me to think of my own education, beginning with how I first learned to fear people who were different. I did not have a McCash in the front of my classroom, but I have had teachers who forced me to think critically. I have to believe it's good to appreciate how we're similar and the value of being different.
Steve,
Amen to that. Thanks.
-Keel
Your tribute to Bart McCash is an absolute inspiration. His legacy and that of Dr. June McCash remains lasting at MTSU, his former students, and the Murfreesboro community. As one of your followers, this article was sent to several friends, including June McCash, and others who were Bart McCash's colleagues at the University. You may already be aware that June has penned several more books in the last few years, all of which are really excellent reads.
How very refreshing to read a positive commentary. I look forward to your next column.
Carroll Kyle, Murfreesboro. TN
Carroll, Thanks so much for this thoughtful note.
Yes, I have followed June’s writing career from a distance, and she caught me up on her active writing work when I had a visit with her last week. She was one of my favorites also - such an accomplished person.
-Keel
What an inspirational story. Keel. Dr. McCash is a wonderful example of what a teacher should be allowed to do, teach facts and open minds.
Is there a favorite among your list of books? One that you read again?
I have used the Franklin book many times as a reference work.. Did you know the library at Fisk is named for him and his wife?
-Keel
I did not but now I do