“New opportunities for innovation open up when you start the creative problem-solving process with empathy toward your target audience”

Around a small, quaint town nestled in the middle of the mountains tells a story of change, but it is not as simple as one may think. At its core, Forest City, NC is an eclectic, traditionally conservative town— but in recent years it has drawn a new community of people with new ideas. “Creative Confidence” by David and Tom Kelley embraces the concept of the ability to change the world around you through creativity. There is evidence of this change in Forest City and it all comes down to one thing— community.

Forest City, NC has a deeply rooted racist past that used to welcome a major KKK parade in town every year. In 2003, was the last time the KKK attempted to hold their traditional parade in town. The majority of Forest City’s community heavily opposed this event and do not condone the KKK; however, the KKK parade and terrorist group is still accepted in many communities.

Although, most of this horrible history is buried deep, but the locals of Forest City, NC distinctly remember these events. “I remember my friend Georgie going into downtown, Forest City whenever the KKK attempted to have their parade again, and she screamed at them to leave town and that they were not welcome here. She got arrested, actually for doing this.” my mother-in-law, Jamie mentions to me. But Jamie reassures me that Forest City has changed and I believe her. Kelley mentions, “Everything in modern society is the result of decisions made by someone. Why shouldn’t that someone be you?” 

This quote makes me think about how small southern towns change, for the better. Of course, this change does not come from tradition but from new ideas and new ideas are usually not preferred in small southern towns.

Kelley mentions, “It’s not about just coming up with the one genius idea that solves the problem, but trying and failing at a hundred other solutions before arriving at the best one.”

This is what I have seen from Forest City. Slow, progressive, change. If you went into Forest City just three years ago, you would’ve seen an empty small town with few businesses and an antique shop that displayed confederate flags in their windows. Now, Forest City is bustling with people from different backgrounds surrounded by businesses that emphasize acceptance and new ideas.

The change has led to things like a greater amount of families who identify as LGBTQ+ as they frequent the Pie Safe in town managed and employed by a large queer community and the creation of Small Town Solidarity, which is still actively calling for the removal of a confederate monument in the next town over.

Thanks to creative problem solving, Forest City continues to progress making it a warm and welcoming place for all.

Although they are progressing, it is still slow. But I have hope for this small town.

Music: Fear by Current Joys

Filmed in Forest City, NC

Shout out to my husband Finn and Mother-in-law Jamie