"It's a small, wonderful hamlet and cultural center,” says the artist, who still lives in his childhood home in the city's historic district.

A 90-minute walking tour details the city’s role in promoting slavery throughout the South and the driving force of faith to survive and triumph over it.

Columbus sent Smyre to the Capitol back in 1974 where he quickly caught the eye of longtime House Speaker Tom Murphy, who took him under his wing. His portrait now hangs near Murphy’s. Smyre became ...