NPR's Book of the Day Alexis Okeowo’s ‘Blessings and Disasters’ is an ode to Alabama’s complicated history
Aug 19, 2025
Alexis Okeowo, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of 'Blessings and Disasters,' dives into Alabama’s rich yet complicated history shaped by diverse voices. They share personal stories that challenge the negative stereotypes often attached to the state. Okeowo highlights the experiences of marginalized communities like the Poarch Creek Indians and West African immigrants, emphasizing the beauty and resilience of Alabama’s identity. Through poignant reflections, they celebrate community and the necessity of including all narratives in understanding this complex tapestry.
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Reframing Alabama's Story
- Alexis Okeowo wanted to tell an alternate history of Alabama beyond stereotypes and worst events.
- She centers stories of people who stay and shape the state to challenge outsiders' simplified views.
People Shape State History
- Okeowo frames Alabama through multiple people's perspectives to reveal the state's complexity.
- She argues those overlooked visions drive the state's change more than official narratives do.
Discovering The Poarch Creek Story
- Okeowo recounts learning about the Poarch Creek people only later in life and being surprised they were absent from her schooling.
- She found their survival, prosperity, and disputed sovereignty in Alabama noteworthy and underrepresented.
