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Most Segregated Hour

This is a powerful story about two churches, one white and one black, coming together to work through race issues. Associated Press writer Rachel Zoll and I worked on this story together in Macon, Georgia.

The Rev. James W. Goolsby, Jr., senior pastor of the First Baptist Church, left, and the Rev. Scott Dickison, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Christ, right, pose for a photo at Dickison's church in Macon, Ga., on Monday, July 11, 2016. Ther… — The Rev. James W. Goolsby, Jr., senior pastor of the First Baptist Church, left, and the Rev. Scott Dickison, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Christ, right, pose for a photo at Dickison's church in Macon, Ga., on Monday, July 11, 2016. There are two First Baptist Churches in Macon _ one black and one white. Two years ago, Dickison and Goolsby met to try to find a way the congregations, neighbors for so long, could become friends. They’d try to bridge the stubborn divide of race. (AP Photo/Branden Camp)

Paul Bronson, left, joins hands with District Attorney David Cooke during a Black Lives Matter prayer vigil at First Baptist Church, with a predominantly African-American congregation, in Macon, Ga., on Monday, July 11, 2016. Pastors of both First B… — Paul Bronson, left, joins hands with District Attorney David Cooke during a Black Lives Matter prayer vigil at First Baptist Church, with a predominantly African-American congregation, in Macon, Ga., on Monday, July 11, 2016. Pastors of both First Baptist Churches in Macon are trying to bridge the stubborn divide of race against a painful and tumultuous backdrop. (AP Photo/Branden Camp)

The Rev. James W. Goolsby, Jr., pastor of the First Baptist Church, left, and the Rev. Scott Dickison, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Christ, walk together in Macon, Ga., on Monday, July 11, 2016. In September 2016, they plan to lead joint di… — The Rev. James W. Goolsby, Jr., pastor of the First Baptist Church, left, and the Rev. Scott Dickison, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Christ, walk together in Macon, Ga., on Monday, July 11, 2016. In September 2016, they plan to lead joint discussions with their churches' members on racism in the history of the U.S., and also in the history of their congregations. (AP Photo/Branden Camp)

The Rev. Scott Dickison teaches from a book of sermons by Martin Luther King Jr. during a Sunday School class at the First Baptist Church of Christ, a predominantly white congregation, in Macon, Ga., on Sunday, July 10, 2016. This class was held day… — The Rev. Scott Dickison teaches from a book of sermons by Martin Luther King Jr. during a Sunday School class at the First Baptist Church of Christ, a predominantly white congregation, in Macon, Ga., on Sunday, July 10, 2016. This class was held days after the fatal police shootings of Alton Sterling in Louisiana and Philando Castile in Minnesota, and the fatal ambush on Dallas police. "It’s weeks like these when we need more than ever to be with God’s people," Dickison told the roomful of congregants. (AP Photo/Branden Camp

Paul Bronson prays during a Black Lives Matter prayer vigil at First Baptist Church, a predominantly African-American congregation, in Macon, Ga., on Monday, July 11, 2016. The pastors of both First Baptist Churches in Macon are trying to bridge the… — Paul Bronson prays during a Black Lives Matter prayer vigil at First Baptist Church, a predominantly African-American congregation, in Macon, Ga., on Monday, July 11, 2016. The pastors of both First Baptist Churches in Macon are trying to bridge the stubborn divide of race against a painful and tumultuous backdrop. (AP Photo/Branden Camp)

Parishioner Bea Warbington-Ross sings during a worship service at First Baptist Church, a predominantly African-American congregation, in Macon, Ga., on Sunday, July 10, 2016. The retired human resources specialist says, "There’s no reason for Sunda… — Parishioner Bea Warbington-Ross sings during a worship service at First Baptist Church, a predominantly African-American congregation, in Macon, Ga., on Sunday, July 10, 2016. The retired human resources specialist says, "There’s no reason for Sunday to be the most segregated day." (AP Photo/Branden Camp)

A parishioner at First Baptist Church, a predominantly African-American congregation, leaves after a worship service in Macon, Ga., on Sunday, July 10, 2016. There are two First Baptist Churches in Macon, one black and one white. (AP Photo/Bran… — A parishioner at First Baptist Church, a predominantly African-American congregation, leaves after a worship service in Macon, Ga., on Sunday, July 10, 2016. There are two First Baptist Churches in Macon, one black and one white. (AP Photo/Branden Camp)

Marty Price, 11, attends a Black Lives Matter prayer vigil on the steps of the First Baptist Church, a predominantly African-American congregation, in Macon, Ga., on Monday, July 11, 2016. The pastors of both First Baptist Churches in Macon are tryi… — Marty Price, 11, attends a Black Lives Matter prayer vigil on the steps of the First Baptist Church, a predominantly African-American congregation, in Macon, Ga., on Monday, July 11, 2016. The pastors of both First Baptist Churches in Macon are trying to bridge the stubborn divide of race against a painful and tumultuous backdrop: the 2015 massacre at a historic black church in Charleston, South Carolina; the much-publicized deaths of blacks at the hands of law enforcement; the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, and the sniper killing of white Dallas police officers. (AP Photo/Branden Camp)

The Rev. James W. Goolsby, Jr. poses for a portrait at the First Baptist Church, a predominantly African-American congregation, in Macon, Ga., on Monday, July 11, 2016. The 59-year-old Atlanta native and graduate of Morehouse College and Mercer’s Mc… — The Rev. James W. Goolsby, Jr. poses for a portrait at the First Baptist Church, a predominantly African-American congregation, in Macon, Ga., on Monday, July 11, 2016. The 59-year-old Atlanta native and graduate of Morehouse College and Mercer’s McAfee School of Theology, has been the pastor here for more than 12 years. He said he and a previous pastor at the white church tried to build ties between the congregations but the effort didn’t go very far. This time is different, he said, in part because of his relationship with the new pastor, Scott Dickison. (AP Photo/Branden Camp)

In this Monday, July 11, 2016 photo, the Rev. Scott Dickison poses for a portrait at the First Baptist Church of Christ, a predominantly white congregation, in Macon, Ga. The 33-year-old North Carolina native and Harvard Divinity School graduate bec… — In this Monday, July 11, 2016 photo, the Rev. Scott Dickison poses for a portrait at the First Baptist Church of Christ, a predominantly white congregation, in Macon, Ga. The 33-year-old North Carolina native and Harvard Divinity School graduate became the pastor about four years ago. (AP Photo/Branden Camp)

Members of the community join hands during a Black Lives Matter prayer vigil in front of the First Baptist Church, a predominantly African-American congregation, in Macon, Ga., on Monday, July 11, 2016. The pastors of both First Baptist Churches in … — Members of the community join hands during a Black Lives Matter prayer vigil in front of the First Baptist Church, a predominantly African-American congregation, in Macon, Ga., on Monday, July 11, 2016. The pastors of both First Baptist Churches in Macon are trying to bridge the stubborn divide of race against a painful and tumultuous backdrop: the 2015 massacre at a historic black church in Charleston, South Carolina; the much-publicized deaths of blacks at the hands of law enforcement; the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, and the sniper killing of white Dallas police officers. (AP Photo/Branden Camp)

Parishioners clap during a worship service at the First Baptist Church, a predominantly African-American congregation, in Macon, Ga., on Sunday, July 10, 2016. There are two First Baptist Churches in Macon _ one black and one white. (AP Photo/Brande… — Parishioners clap during a worship service at the First Baptist Church, a predominantly African-American congregation, in Macon, Ga., on Sunday, July 10, 2016. There are two First Baptist Churches in Macon _ one black and one white. (AP Photo/Branden Camp)

Walter Chadwick - Back from the dead

Walter Chadwick, center, who was a star running back at the University of Tennessee, walks with his friend and University of Tennessee alum Ellen Morrison, left, and former Wills High School football player Keith Miller in Laurel Park, Sunday, Aug. … — Walter Chadwick, center, who was a star running back at the University of Tennessee, walks with his friend and University of Tennessee alum Ellen Morrison, left, and former Wills High School football player Keith Miller in Laurel Park, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Marietta, Ga. Chadwick was named head coach of Wills High School in 1971, but after only being on the job just two weeks, a Wells Fargo armored van slammed into him leaving Chadwick permanently brain damaged. Chadwick recently gathered with friends and former students, many of whom thought he was dead. (Branden Camp for The Atlanta-Journal Constitution)

Walter Chadwick was a star running back at The University of Tennessee. He had a short stint in the pros and eventually took a job as the head football coach at Wills High School in Smyrna, Ga. Only after two weeks of being on the job, he was in a car crash that left him brain damaged. Many thought he had died in the car crash, but he is alive and well and many recently gathered to honor him.

This is an assignment I shot for The Atlanta-Journal Constitution.

Walter Chadwick, who was a star running back at the University of Tennessee, poses for a portrait at his home while holding a photo of him scoring a touchdown during a game against Tulane University, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Decatur, Ga. Chadwick w… — Walter Chadwick, who was a star running back at the University of Tennessee, poses for a portrait at his home while holding a photo of him scoring a touchdown during a game against Tulane University, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Decatur, Ga. Chadwick was named head coach of Wills High School in 1971, but after only being on the job just two weeks, a Wells Fargo armored van slammed into him leaving Chadwick permanently brain damaged. Chadwick recently gathered with friends and former students, many of whom thought he was dead. (Branden Camp for The Atlanta-Journal Constitution)

Small Towns - Personal Project

We all see the small brown sign that reads "Historic Downtown" when we enter most small cities in America. This week I began visiting these cities and meeting locals. Some of these cities are thriving while many are becoming vacant.

Artist Skip McNutt poses for a portrait at his studio in historic downtown Adairsville, Ga.  McNutt is hoping to use his art to bring business to small towns in Northwest Georgia.  If you visit historic downtown Adairsville,  a mural … — Artist Skip McNutt poses for a portrait at his studio in historic downtown Adairsville, Ga. McNutt is hoping to use his art to bring business to small towns in Northwest Georgia. If you visit historic downtown Adairsville, a mural that McNutt and a colleague painted depicting the great locomotive chase is displayed on the old train depot.

Artist Skip McNutt stands outside his studio in historic downtown Adairsville, Ga.  McNutt is hoping to use his art to bring business to small towns in Northwest Georgia.  If you visit historic downtown Adairsville,  a mural that McNu… — Artist Skip McNutt stands outside his studio in historic downtown Adairsville, Ga. McNutt is hoping to use his art to bring business to small towns in Northwest Georgia. If you visit historic downtown Adairsville, a mural that McNutt and a colleague painted depicting the great locomotive chase is displayed on the old train depot.

A Kingston resident walks his dogs past DeSoto Hotel, one of many vacant buildings in downtown Kingston.  Photo by Branden Camp — A Kingston resident walks his dogs past DeSoto Hotel, one of many vacant buildings in downtown Kingston. Photo by Branden Camp

A house sits surrounded by overgrown grass in Kingston Ga.

A cross sits on display inside a cemetery in Kingston, Ga.

A tractor and a utility truck are seen through the windows what used to be a restaurant in downtown Kingston, Ga.

A car drives through a mostly vacant downtown Kingston, Ga.

86-year-old G.B. Hood, who has lived in Kingston his whole life, exits a local convenience store in downtown Kingston, Ga.

86-year-old G.B. Hood, who has lived in Kingston his whole life, is reflected in the doors of a local convenience store in downtown Kingston, Ga.

A sign sits on display in front of a mostly vacant downtown Kingston, Ga.

Kingston, Georgia resident Ronald Lee crosses over the railroad tracks in downtown Kingston, Friday, May 13, 2016. Kingston, like many small American towns, are becoming vacant. Lee says that due to extremely low water pressure, businesses don't have sufficient water pressure to operate their businesses.

Kingston, Georgia resident Ronald Lee poses for a photo in downtown Kingston, Friday, May 13, 2016.  Kingston, like many small American towns, are becoming vacant.  Lee says that due to extremely low water pressure, businesses don't have s… — Kingston, Georgia resident Ronald Lee poses for a photo in downtown Kingston, Friday, May 13, 2016. Kingston, like many small American towns, are becoming vacant. Lee says that due to extremely low water pressure, businesses don't have sufficient water pressure to operate their businesses. Photo by Branden Camp

Bill Clinton Campaigns For Hillary Clinton

Former president Bill Clinton made a campaign stop on behalf of his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Several hundred supporters gathered for the chance to meet a former President inside a small high school gym at North Clayton High School in College Park, Georgia. Outside, campaigners took advantage of the opportunity promote local candidates by walking around with campaign signs. At the end Clinton got close and personal with the crowd. Here are a few frames from the event

Former President Bill Clinton greets attendees during a campaign stop for his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, at North Clayton High School. Branden Camp/ZUMA wire

Former President Bill Clinton campaigns for his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, at North Clayton High School. Branden Camp/ZUMA wire

A man holds up a sign before former President Bill Clinton campaigns for his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, at North Clayton High School.  Branden Camp/ZUMA Wire — A man holds up a sign before former President Bill Clinton campaigns for his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, at North Clayton High School. Branden Camp/ZUMA Wire

A woman brings her dog, who's wearing a campaign sticker,  to see former President Bill Clinton speak during a campaign stop for his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, at North Clayton High School. (Credit Image: © Branden… — A woman brings her dog, who's wearing a campaign sticker, to see former President Bill Clinton speak during a campaign stop for his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, at North Clayton High School. (Credit Image: © Branden Camp via ZUMA Wire

A man carries campaign signs as people wait in line to see former President Bill Clinton speak during a campaign stop for his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, at North Clayton High School.  Branden Camp/ZUMA Wire — A man carries campaign signs as people wait in line to see former President Bill Clinton speak during a campaign stop for his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, at North Clayton High School. Branden Camp/ZUMA Wire

Bendolyn Ricks, left, and Anne McKenzie, center, wait in line to see former President Bill Clinton speak during a campaign stop for his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, at North Clayton High School.  Branden Camp/ZUMA Wi… — Bendolyn Ricks, left, and Anne McKenzie, center, wait in line to see former President Bill Clinton speak during a campaign stop for his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, at North Clayton High School. Branden Camp/ZUMA Wire

Farmers - Oglethorpe County, Georgia

This story is a part of a long form story I will be working on throughout the rest of this year about agriculture in Georgia. If you are a farmer or know a farmer that you think would be great for this story, please fill out the form at the end of this blog post.

Cows graze at sunset in Stephens, Ga., Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016. With over 42,000 farmers working in the Georgia agriculture industry, farming contributes over $73 Billion to Georgia’s economy each year.  Forecasters say profits are expected be … — Cows graze at sunset in Stephens, Ga., Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016. With over 42,000 farmers working in the Georgia agriculture industry, farming contributes over $73 Billion to Georgia’s economy each year. Forecasters say profits are expected be down as well as exports in 2016 nationwide due to a fragile world economy. Photo by Branden Camp

2016 AG Forecast Seminar

Every year, several seminars are held all over Georgia where forecasters, economists and other professionals share large amounts of data and predict what the agriculture industry is likely to do. Like previous years, 2016 is looking grim for farmers.

Production is actually steady and expected to grow in some areas. It's the rest of the world that is struggling. The U.S. dollar is extremely strong compared to many other countries. Countries like Japan, China, and Korea where their fragile currency is in decline, importing U.S beef will be too costly. This will surely dampen profits for Georgia farmers and farmers nationwide.

Farmer Phil Sanders works on his John Deere tractor at Buffalo Creek Straw and Seed Farm, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, in Stephens, Ga.  With over 42,000 farmers working in the Georgia agriculture industry, farming contributes over $73 Billion to G… — Farmer Phil Sanders works on his John Deere tractor at Buffalo Creek Straw and Seed Farm, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, in Stephens, Ga. With over 42,000 farmers working in the Georgia agriculture industry, farming contributes over $73 Billion to Georgia’s economy each year. Forecasters say profits are expected be down as well as exports in 2016 nationwide due to a fragile world economy. Photo by Branden Camp

An Unlikely Farmer

Before the seminar began, I saw Melanie Sanders sitting quietly in the back of the room as the room filled with Georgia farmers and agriculture professionals. I approached her and asked if I could sit and ask her a few questions. We talked briefly about farming before the 2016 AG Forecast seminar began.

A few days later, Sanders allowed me to follow her around and have a look into her life as a farmer. I learned quickly that Sanders, though quiet, is a strong force in the farming community.

She has worked for 20 years at a local bank, is the chairman of the Georgia Farm Bureau Women’s Committee and serves on the Board of Education in Oglethorpe County and manages to squeeze time in for farming.

Melanie doesn't like to get up in a room full of people and give a speech, but when she see's her and other farmers livelihood being threatened, she's willing to venture outside of her comfort zone.

The Advocate

With less than two weeks before the commissioners voted on whether or not a poultry farmer could continue his operation, Sanders typed up a letter to send to every poultry farmer she could. She spent an entire Saturday collecting addresses. She sent the letters hoping farmers would show up to advocate for this poultry farmer.

“The meeting was packed. It was standing room only.” 15 farmers got up and said “let us earn our living.” “That was way out of my comfort level, but I felt good about what I was doing.” In the end, the man was able to build his poultry houses.

“If you wanna have influence on things, you gotta step right in there”, Sanders said.

Farmer Phil Sanders, left, and Chance Fowler, 20, right, work on a John Deere tractor at Buffalo Creek Straw and Seed Farm, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, in Stephens, Ga.  With over 42,000 farmers working in the Georgia agriculture industry, farming… — Farmer Phil Sanders, left, and Chance Fowler, 20, right, work on a John Deere tractor at Buffalo Creek Straw and Seed Farm, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, in Stephens, Ga. With over 42,000 farmers working in the Georgia agriculture industry, farming contributes over $73 Billion to Georgia’s economy each year. Forecasters say profits are expected be down as well as exports in 2016 nationwide due to a fragile world economy. Photo by Branden Camp

Farmer Melanie Sanders stands in the door a storage building on Buffalo Creek Straw and Seed Farm, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, in Stephens, Ga.  With over 42,000 farmers working in the Georgia agriculture industry, farming contributes over $73 Bil… — Farmer Melanie Sanders stands in the door a storage building on Buffalo Creek Straw and Seed Farm, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, in Stephens, Ga. With over 42,000 farmers working in the Georgia agriculture industry, farming contributes over $73 Billion to Georgia’s economy each year. Forecasters say profits are expected be down as well as exports in 2016 nationwide due to a fragile world economy. Photo by Branden Camp

Farmer Melanie Sanders stands next to a large water puddle on Buffalo Creek Straw and Seed Farm, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, in Stephens, Ga.  With over 42,000 farmers working in the Georgia agriculture industry, farming contributes over $73 Billi… — Farmer Melanie Sanders stands next to a large water puddle on Buffalo Creek Straw and Seed Farm, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, in Stephens, Ga. With over 42,000 farmers working in the Georgia agriculture industry, farming contributes over $73 Billion to Georgia’s economy each year. Forecasters say profits are expected be down as well as exports in 2016 nationwide due to a fragile world economy. Photo by Branden Camp

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