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
