In this week's episode, The Mystics reach the conclusion of our Lake Lanier series, and dive deeper into the lake's haunting history with a look back at the Reconstruction Era, a turbulent period following the end of slavery. In this episode, Amber and Lesley explore Sherman’s Field Order 15—a policy that offered a glimpse of hope and a promise of land for newly freed Black Americans. But as the two uncover, this promise was overshadowed by a dark wave of hatred and violence that ultimately forced most Black families to abandon the area. With a mix of respect and wit, The Mystics shine a light on the efforts to support formerly enslaved people, and the devastating events that continue to leave their mark on Lake Lanier today.

Neither Amber nor Lesley will ever tell you how to vote. That goes against everything the United States stands for. But on this election day, please remember our country's history. Hear the real life stories from news sources and history books. Does it sound horrific? Almost something out of a movie plot? It's not. This part of history shows what hatred, a lack of empathy for others and fear will do to a county and group of people. Whatever you do today, please VOTE for what you believe in. Vote for your neighbors, your mothers and daughters, for those who have come to this country seeking safety and security. Vote like your life depends on it. WE ARE.

THE IMPORTANT LINKS AND CRED

Blaque Witch YaYa's video

Brittney Vaugh's video

Adventure Explore Discover's video

Bailey Sarian's Video

11 Alive Article

NPR Interview from Fresh Air 9/15/2016 On Racial Cleansing in Forsyth County

Newsone Article

Medium.com Article

The Atlanta History Center

TheClio.com

Gainesville Times.com

DawsonNew.com

SouthernGothicMedia.com