In this episode of Coffee and History, we sit down with Samyra Snoddy—community leader, founder of the West Alabama Multicultural Alliance, and a driving force behind the Tuscaloosa Civil Rights Trail. Samyra shares the powerful story of Bloody Tuesday, the legacy of Reverend T.Y. Rogers and Reverend Thomas Linton, and the importance of preserving Tuscaloosa’s civil rights history. We also explore her work creating the Tuscaloosa Heritage Festival, celebrating global cultures through music, food, and storytelling. From museum preservation to youth education, Samyra’s vision for a more inclusive and informed Tuscaloosa shines through. It’s a joyful, inspiring, and deeply meaningful conversation.

Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Creek Indians.

In this episode of Coffee and History, independent researcher George Adair uncovers Alabama’s coal mining legacy—from convict labor and environmental battles to tragic mining disasters. We explore the devastating fire at Lucille Mines, the Bryce Hospital flooding incident, and the broader impact of coal mining on communities and landscapes. George also shares insights into his preservation work on the McMillan family homestead, the effects of fracking and longwall mining, and his upcoming research on river and harbor improvements in Tuscaloosa. 

Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Creek Indians.

In this episode of Coffee and History, we sit down with Dr. John Young—professor, historian, theologian, and lifelong Alabamian. From the Dust Cave excavation to the legacy of blues legend Johnny Shines, Dr. Young shares insights into Alabama’s rich cultural and religious history. We also explore his work at Amridge University, his passion for teaching, and how his own childhood in Florence shaped his scholarly path.

Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

In this vibrant episode of Coffee and History, hosts Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie and Susan Reynolds take listeners behind the scenes of Alabama Heritage Issue 158 (Fall 2025). From the whimsical art of Butch Anthony and his Museum of Wonder to the untold stories of Alabama’s reluctant Confederates, this issue is packed with colorful personalities, compelling history, and a touch of fall flavor. Grab your cup of coffee and tune in!

Purchase a copy or become a subscriber today at alabamaheritage.com.

Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

On today's episode of Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage, we sit down with Jerran Hill, the executive director of the University of Alabama's Blackburn Institute. Established in 1994, the Blackburn Institute is a leadership development and civic engagement program specifically focusing on improving Alabama. With more than 30 years of experience, Hill talks about the Institute's mission, the students that get involved, and how the state has responded to the Institute's involvement. 

Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you by Windcreek Hospitality. 

University of Alabama alumnus Preston McGee joins us in the studio this week to share his journey. McGee is the community outreach coordinator at the University of Alabama for the Selma Resilience Initiative, which aims to elevate Selma, Alabama. Originally from Dallas County, Alabama, McGee grew up learning about the civil rights movement in Selma. Now as an adult, McGee is creating meaningful connections while investing in the community. 

Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you by Windcreek Hospitality. 

Alabama Public Radio's account executive Megan York joins the Coffee & History team. York, a former Million Dollar Band member and an alumna of the University of Alabama, shares her journey into radio, her connection with co-host Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie, and her many community partnerships. York works across the state to promote Alabama Public Radio's mission and is a big proponent of Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage.

Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you by Windcreek Hospitality. 

Lesa Carnes Shaul, an author and an English professor at the University of West Alabama, joins the Coffee & History team this week to share her stories of Alabama. Hailing from Sand Mountain, Alabama, Shaul dives into the mysteries that surround her hometown, her upcoming feature article in Alabama Heritage magazine, the history of snake handling and Sacred Harp singing.

Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you by Windcreek Hospitality. 

On today's episode of Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage, we sit down with Historic Tuscaloosa's executive director, Will Hawkins. Hawkins has spent the majority of his career sharing the importance of Tuscaloosa's history through art and architecture, guiding citizens to learn more about the world around them, and inspiring the next generation of art historians. Hawkins also had the joy of working with Jack Warner's private art collection, one of the largest private collections in the country.

Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you by Windcreek Hospitality. 

[RE-RELEASE] In this episode of Alabama Heritage, we revisit a powerful conversation with UAPD Officer Marshall Wade and his K-9 partner, Kenny—trailblazers in the University of Alabama’s new Community-Oriented Policing Division. Kenny isn’t just a working dog—he’s a bridge between law enforcement and the student body, helping foster trust, connection, and community on campus. As one of only a few programs of its kind nationwide, UA’s initiative is setting the stage for future expansion and innovation in campus policing.

This episode is brought to you by Wind Creek Hospitality and the Poarch Creek Indians.