{ I’m writing this in memory of the ones who lost their lives, or who lost family and friends that day. You’ll never be forgotten.}
9 years ago today, on April 27, 2011, a devastating tornado swept through the heart of Tuscaloosa, killing 43 people in Tuscaloosa county, and injuring hundreds. Throughout the day in Alabama, 243 lives were claimed, and thousands were injured. Those who lost their lives will never be forgotten.
I was a freshman at the University of Alabama at the time. My life was forever changed that day, so was everyone else’s in Tuscaloosa, and in the state of Alabama.
But Tuscaloosa didn’t stay down. We rose up. Together.
When school was cancelled for the remainder of the year, I decided to stay and help with recovery efforts. I saw things I won’t ever be able to get out of my mind, but I also saw things I hope I never forget.
I saw people of all races, ethnicities, and religious beliefs working hand in hand for the same goal: bring back life to Tuscaloosa. I saw student athletes helping the community. I saw fellow students organizing food drives. I saw a community work together in a way I’ve never seen before. I even worked with students from Auburn, Oklahoma, Tennessee and even California who came down to help.
I will always remember what Alabama coach Nick Saban told his players after the storm: “We can’t just be a team for them on Saturdays. The fans are with us in the best times, and we have to be with them in the worst of times.”
It’s that type of bond with the community that not only helped with the immediate recovery efforts, but gave us hope.
When fall came around, there was still plenty of evidence of damage from the tornado, but there was also new growth, and new life.
And that football season was unlike any other I’ve ever experienced.
The city of Tuscaloosa and the state of Alabama rallied behind our athletic teams. It was as if those teams were a representation of our city: Down, but not out. Honestly, it was as if the 2011-2012 year was an epic comeback for all of us.
Those players played for those who died. For those who lost everything. For those who needed something to cheer for. And they played for each other.
The football team won a national championship.
As did Women’s golf.
Women’s softball.
Gymnastics.
Alabama Cheer.
And Wheelchair basketball.
It was incredible.
The city of Tuscaloosa went from being a city of tragedy to a city of triumph in one year.
When people think about Tuscaloosa, Alabama, they immediately think of college football. Although that’s true, we are SO much more than that. We are family. We are warriors. We are survivors. Tuscaloosa, Alabama is a city like no other. I learned on April 27, 2011, that this city will never be the same, in a good way. That day has united us all in a way that we never thought possible.
Tuscaloosa is more than a city of champions, it’s a city of survivors and warriors. A city who stands strong. Together. Forever.
T-TOWN NEVER DOWN
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