Where the Real America Lives

This was written by  Norm Rourke, freelance author from Beggs. Ok., who stopped over in Brownsville a couple of weeks ago. We're thankful to him for his kind words and sharing his writings with us.

A scene from the August Concert on the Porch. "His Voice" is performing.

Where the Real America Lives 

Returning from a trip to East Tennessee, we stopped overnight in Brownsville; a small town of 10,000 or so, but with the heart and friendliness found only in Small Town America.

After getting settled, we wandered about outside. Across from our motel, we noticed folks gathering with their lawn chairs in the parking lot behind the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. As a former reporter and still freelance writer (and being nosy), I wandered down the street to see if I could find out what was going on.

Following introductions we heard music…real, down home music. Old time, never-to-be-forgotten Baptist gospel music was being belted out like we’d not heard in many years. We stayed back out of the way behind the seated group tapping our toes and my wife even sang along (My singing would quickly chase everyone away!).

“I remember those songs mom used to sing,” she said.

Folks invited us to sit, but we had been sitting and driving so long it felt good just to stand. A young man at a table offered us bottles of water. Another lady came up and asked where we were from (Oklahoma). Smiles, greetings and friendliness poured forth. We felt like we belonged.

We were invited to tour the heritage center and had planned to do so, but we thought it was closed. There we met a lady whose name unfortunately I’ve forgotten (sorry) who gave us a brief tour and explanation of the various venues. I gave her my business card and later Sonia Outlaw-Clark, director of the center came out and introduced herself. She provided more information about the center, Brownsville and suggestions for sights. We told her we were leaving the next day to continue our return home, but we might squeeze in a quick trip downtown to the square (I like small town squares with their classic court houses).

While touring the Heritage Center, we learned of Sleepy John Estes and other early day bluesmen. We learned that Tina Turner was born not far away—one of my most favorite entertainers! We saw the school she attended that was to be refurbished and placed on display.

The next day before leaving we did make a quick trip to the town square and in the process were able to help a man changing a tire for an elderly lady. Actually, he had pretty well finished before I finally figured out which way to go around the square and could only offer a little last minute help. More friendliness thanks and “have a safe trip home.” We also saw the Mind Field sculpture…what a sight (I mean that positively). It’s hard to get pictures of it all.

As I listened, learned and talked with some of the folks in Brownsville, it was clear this was America at its best. And these are the folks who are the backbone of this great country. No matter which political party they support, no matter the color of their skin, no matter what church they attend, they are all what makes America great.

I thought how sad it was that politicians could not experience this brief visit as we had. If they did, they would see what makes America great. These were not fast talking manipulative hucksters. They were not special interest groups seeking power and influence and wealth.

No, these Brownsville folks were ordinary people enjoying an evening of music and friendship and sharing it with a couple of strangers who were just passing through.

Thank you Brownsville for reminding us there are still good and decent folks in our country. And thank you for sharing your kindness, smiles, handshakes and pride of your town. I don’t know when or if we’ll be back, but the memory of our pleasant short visit washed away some of the weariness of the road.

God bless you all!

Norm & Connie Rourke

Beggs, Oklahoma