I learned a lot about Augusta’s history and was blown away by the eloquence, thoughtfulness, & engagement of these students. Hearing young people tackle tough issues was impressive and inspiring. Thank you for the hard work on this!

There was so much to learn here but my biggest takeaway as a GA mother of 3 is how to continue the conversation around race with my kids. Excellent podcast!

If the City of Augusta is to ever realize it’s community vision of “One Augusta”, that “celebrates geographic, socio-economic and racial diversity” the full history of this city’s past has to be told. Not just to illuminate the local story of the area majority, but to speak truth to their experience. As noted by Dr. John Henrik Clarke, “History is a clock that people use to find themselves on the map of human geography. It tells them where they are, but more importantly, what they must be.” I so much appreciate this effort to inform the residents of Augusta, and the greater CSRA region, of the history of the Golden Blocks, that we may one day again find ourselves and define for ourselves who and what we must be.

I live in the area and had never heard of this incident. I appreciate that the children at Jessye Norman were able to participate in the production of this series, yet I am also sadden that they had to realize the [recent] history of the town. Well done podcast series.

I was 14 and a 9th grade student at Langford JR High School during the riot. I vividly recall the troops camped out at my elementary school next door. My parents did not discuss the cause of the riots. Several years ago, I contacted the Augusta Museum to find information about the riots and the cause. I only got a newspaper article in response to my request. With the 50th anniversary, I have found more information on the anniversary website and by “googling”. Thank you for bringing the facts to light. For your students who were my age at that time to work on this project is remarkable. I hope that they all will use this experience to guide the rest of their lives and to help bring justice to the oppressed.

I was eight years old when this occurred. I remember being told we should not go downtown because the negroes were rioting. I also remember when there were busing boycotts where I was told I would not have to go to school a certain day. I didn’t understand any of that st the time and just was happy to have a day off of 3rd grade. This podcast really helped me understand my own history and why certain things occurred in the past and why they are still occurring.

This podcast series should be heard by many. It is extremely compelling and honest and digs deep to understand the past and circles forward to the present and looks to the future. The way they integrated the very young students to discuss and analyze such ruthless reality took such love and balance. That was the aspect of the format that touched me so much. Besides that, it is a history lesson from my home state that I never knew. The tragedies that occurred in Augusta May 1970 should be told. #saytheirnames #charlesoatman #charliemackmurphy #williamwrightjr #sammymccullough #johnstokes #johnbennett #mackwilson #blacklivesmatter #BLM

People are starting to see the importance of understanding systemic racial injustice. Shots in the back is doing the important work of contextualizing that on a local level.

“Shots” is a masterwork, a timely truth bomb that lands forcefully amid an historic period of racial reckoning in America. Stachura and her students shine a bright light on a pivotal event in Civil Rights history, one that most White Augustans rarely talk about. The words of protestors, police, and politicians speak volumes about our nation’s ongoing march towards equity, and show just how far we still have to go.

Learning the details of the 1970 Augusta Riot and all that surrounded it is a neglected necessity for the Augusta community, and will also serve a broader audience well. I’m thankful for such an excellent production!

This story is one that needs to be told. We will never heal as a country until we acknowledge all of the hateful and vicious crimes that have been committed against black people. I am glad to hear that you are educating the youth on American history. This a part that was purposefully left out.

Moving and chilling. I plan to re-listen with my elementary age children— the history is handled in a direct way that is helpful to both adults and children. The host’s interactions with her student reporters are especially insightful.

I know the host, and seeing all the work she and her students put into this is amazing. Would recommend to anyone.

This is excellent reporting work by a group of individuals who care.

I sorta knew about this event but I’m excited to fully learn about it from people who love the community and are empowering youth at JNSA. This is a gem. Know all the history, not just the whitewashed versions.

Listen and learn something. Very well done!

Very fitting for the time. Part true crime, part history you’re drawn into the story.

So relevant and interesting.