Uncovering Hidden Histories with Will Anderson – Surviving Lake Lanier

In this powerful episode of For All We Know…, I sit down with Will Anderson, the director behind Surviving Lake Lanier, as he shares the journey, the challenges, and the mission behind the documentary that shines a harsh light on Georgia’s hidden past.In this episode, we explore: • Why Will chose this story: He felt compelled to bring back to life the memory of Oscarville—a once-thriving Black farming community buried under Lake Lanier after a violent racial purge in 1912. • The creative and emotional hurdles: From navigating limited resources to confronting painful truths, Will discusses the emotional weight and logistical barriers of making documentaries that challenge popular memory. • How he got into filmmaking: A look at the personal and professional path that led Will to focus on documentary storytelling—bringing history’s shadows into visible light. • Why this history matters: Oscarville wasn’t just a town—it was home to skilled Black artisans and families whose erasure is part of a broader narrative of systemic violence and forgotten legacies. • What’s buried beneath the surface: From submerged buildings and forests to unrelocated cemeteries—Lake Lanier isn't just water; it's layered with haunting stories of erasure and loss.Why this episode matters:Will’s work is a reminder that history doesn’t vanish—it’s often forced under the radar, waiting for someone brave enough to unearth it. For storytellers, creatives, and advocates—the episode is a call to action: remember, acknowledge, and amplify the erased.