Alternate Ending, a special hour of This Is Nashville

What is Nashville’s “alternate ending?” How would the city look and feel — and who would feel welcomed — if different community values had been prioritized long ago?

With that question, today’s show … will be a bit different.

In this special hourlong documentary, reporter Ambriehl Crutchfield goes back in time to learn Nashville through her family’s eyes, and making stops at the places that shaped life for the generations who came before her.

This is a story about how the city shaped that family, and how their sense of community has been disrupted.

Guests: 

Ambriehl Crutchfield’s family

• Anita Cosby, maternal great aunt

• D’Juana Morris, maternal aunt

• Jerome Boyd, maternal uncle

• Stephen Boyd, maternal uncle

• Brandi Boyd, mother

• Learotha Williams, TSU professor and historian

• Mindy Fullilove, author of Root Shock

Community who attended our listening session

• Linda Epps, born and raised Nashvillian, lifelong resident of Knowles Street

• Willie Sims aka Big Fella, longtime Nashville resident and entrepreneur

• Reaux Marquez, Nashville rapper from Bordeaux

• Virginia Holland

• Ciara Futrell

• Courtney Orozco

• Dwight Burr

• John Morris, Ambriehl’s cousin

• Alisa Jernigan

Credits: “Alternate Ending” is a special documentary project by WPLN’s This Is Nashville.

Ambriehl Crutchfield reported this story and it was produced and edited by executive producer Andrea Tudhope.

Staff shoutouts to Nina Cardona, Meribah Knight, Steve Haruch, Tony Gonzalez, Michael Robertson, LaTonya Turner, Cynthia Abrams and Khalil Ekulona.

Special thanks to the community members who participated in our listening session, the folks at Lee Chapel AME, and Rebecca and Trey Hamilton.