Byron's Babbles

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. taught us that, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” He also said we need leaders “…in love with justice.” Justice is a Cardinal Virtue and includes vulnerability, humility, integrity, and fairness. Every year when celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I try to expand my learning and become more in love with justice. This year I was able to expand on a story I became very interested in during a visit to Washington D. C.

I was in the Capital to speak at a conference and got in early on the day before I spoke. For lunch I stopped in a bar. The mixologist was excited to recommend a cocktail made with a new Tennessee whiskey, Uncle Nearest he had learned about from the Nearest Green Distillery. He proceeded to tell me how Uncle Nearest Green had been a slave whose job was distilling whiskey on a farm just outside Lynchburg, Tennessee. I was all engaged in learning this story.

The mixologist then informed me that that Uncle Nearest had taught Jack Daniel to make whiskey and was his first master distiller. “What? Did I hear that right?” I said. Then asking, “Are you talking about THE Jack Daniel?” Yes! Wow, what was I hearing? I was hearing about a major contribution to the world of a slave and African American whose story had at the least not been told, and at the worst been aggressively suppressed from being told. This was the opposite of justice.

So I came home all inspired by this story, bought a bottle of Uncle Nearest Tennessee Whiskey and proceeded to telling the story to everyone I knew. I really wanted to tour Nearest Green Distillery and it was not until January 3rd of this year that I had that opportunity. I learned so much and received a copy of Fawn Weaver’s, co-founder of Nearest Green Distillery, book Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest.

I was hooked. I could not put the incredible book down. I’m usually not too aggressive on recommending books, but you need to read this one. If you want to learn true history from our past this is a must read. Weaver had learned of Nearest Green when she read an article while in Singapore.

Fawn Weaver’s learning journey with Nearest Green began when she discovered that he was the first African American master distiller, who played a crucial role in the history of whiskey-making in America. Inspired by his story, Weaver felt compelled to honor his legacy and shed light on his contributions, which had long been overlooked. If this isn’t modeling justice for us all, I don’t know what is. I posted on social media yesterday that she is my new leadership idol! Wow, what I have learned from her.

This led her to create the Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey brand, focusing not only on producing high-quality whiskey but also on telling the story of Nearest Green. Through her efforts, Weaver has not only revived his memory but has also launched initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion within the spirits industry, ensuring that Green’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.

So having been inspired by all this, I decided to spend this weekend retracing some of Nearest Green’s steps. Yesterday morning I took a road farm trip out into the countryside outside Lynchburg, Tennessee and found the Dan Call Farm where Green was an enslaved whiskey distiller. It was here that Uncle Nearest taught Jack Daniel the trade and was his first master distiller. Check out the photo of the historic marker Weaver had placed at the farm after purchasing it. It is a beautiful place and it was very moving to be standing there.

Next, it was off to Barrelhouse BBQ in Lynchburg, Tennessee. I had to eat here because the owner, Chuck Baker, was instrumental in helping the Weavers build relationships and complete the research. And Fawn kept raving about how great the barbecue was it seems in the book she picked up food from there every day. Chuck Baker played a significant role in helping Fawn Weaver by providing her with local knowledge and support during her journey to honor Nearest Green’s legacy. Baker helped Weaver connect with the community and understand the historical significance of Nearest Green, which ultimately aided her efforts in reviving his story and establishing the Nearest Green Distillery. His enthusiasm for the project and commitment to sharing Nearest Green’s contributions to whiskey-making were invaluable to Weaver’s mission. Baker also helped establish a Barrelhouse BBQ at Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee.

Needless to say, my Grilled Cheese Crack Jack (pepper jack cheese and pulled pork on Texas Toast) was awesome. Check out their menu here ok. Just what I needed to make it through the rest of the day in Lynchburg and on to Shelbyville.

As you can see, there was a lot for me to take in. Therefore I making this a three part blog. I don’t want to overwhelm you, or myself in reflected on this. Needless to say, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would be proud of the great leadership role model that Fawn Weaver is. She showed and continues to show us what it means to have a love for justice. I told my wife that every high school scholar needs to read her book – especially every female. Thanks Fawn for being a strong female leader role model! Tune in tomorrow for more on my learning expedition in “In Love With Justice, Part II.”