Welcome to our BLAC Juneteenth Black Jubilee Series!

Today's episode features Narrative Organizing Fellow NitaJade and DeWayne Barton, Founder and CEO of Hood Huggers International based in Asheville, NC. Tune in as they:

• Explore the transformative impact of Hood Huggers International's work in revitalizing Asheville communities through sustainable initiatives.
• Discover the power of social enterprise in rebuilding and empowering communities for long-term sustainability and growth.
• Embrace the significance of Juneteenth celebrations as a catalyst for education and empowerment within communities.
• Engage with actionable insights on involving youth in driving environmental sustainability efforts for a brighter future.

DeWayne Barton, the visionary founder and CEO of Hood Huggers International, brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the realm of community revitalization. His unwavering dedication to empowering Black Affrilachian communities through innovative initiatives is truly inspiring. Barton's pivotal role in establishing the Blue Note Junction Project, a transformative health and business incubator, demonstrates his commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and wellness among BIPOC individuals. With a profound understanding of the intersection between art, environment, and social enterprise, Barton continues to spearhead impactful efforts aimed at sustainable community development. His profound impact and unwavering dedication make him an instrumental figure in the ongoing journey to rebuild and uplift marginalized communities in Appalachia.

To learn more about Hood Huggers International and their work visit www.hoodhuggers.com.

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

Welcome to our Soul Care Series! In this 4-part series, each of our BLAC Narrative Fellows reflect and share what Soul Care means to them. On our second episode, you will hear from NitaJade as they share their journeys of Soul Care and the importance of Mental Health.

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

Tune in to hear Melanie Meade's journey through politics, voting, and more. Welcome to the BLAC Wave.

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

Tune in to hear about BLAC's new initiative The BLAC Wave. Bonus episodes for the BLAC wave will be released on the last Tuesday of every month.

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

Welcome to our Soul Care Series! In this 4-part series, each of our BLAC Narrative Fellows reflect and share what Soul Care means to them. On our first episode, you will hear from Marie Cochran and Melanie Meade as they share their journeys of Soul Care.

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

Dr. Alisha Alls is a highly accomplished individual in the field of childhood development. With a doctorate in organizational leadership and a master's degree in special education, she brings a strong academic foundation to her work. As a former special education teacher and current student success coach at a local community college, Dr. Alls has extensive experience working directly with students and understanding their unique needs. Her dedication to education is evident through her involvement in various community organizations. As a mother of twin girls and an entrepreneur, Dr. Alls brings a wealth of practical knowledge and real-world experience to her advocacy for positive childhood development. Through her expertise and passion, she aims to create healing and supportive environments for children, empowering parents and educators to make a lasting impact on their lives. Dr. Alls' commitment to the well-being and success of Black children is commendable and makes her an invaluable voice in the field.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Harnessing the power of positive childhood development to heal generations to come.
• Discover the transformative impact of individual healing on children's well-being.
• Unlocking the potential of empathetic education for nurturing emotional well-being in children.
• Cultivating community involvement as a catalyst for supporting children's growth and development.
• Unveiling the importance of actively listening to young people's concerns for fostering a positive environment.

Connect with Dr. Alisha Alls

• Website
• LinkedIn
• TikTok

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

Today's episode is a solo episode by BLAC Fellow Kimyata Patterson. She share a very real and personal experience that highlighted the power of faith and the consequences of personal choices. In the middle of the night, Kim and her family were startled awake by what sounded like gunshots. When she bravely opened the door to investigate, two men dressed as police officers barged into her home, looking for her son. It turned out that these men were not actually police officers, but rather individuals intent on causing harm. Kim attributes her family's safety to her decision to bless her home with oil, a symbol of God's protection. Despite the traumatic event, Kim emphasizes the importance of personal choices and their impact on not only ourselves but also those around us. She reminds listeners that love, prayer, and trusting in God can bring about positive change in the face of hate, disruption, and corruption. Through her story, Kim encourages others to share their own experiences and use their voices to create meaningful change.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the empowering stories of resilience and strength within the black community in the Appalachian region.
• Explore the transformative power of faith and personal choices in overcoming adversity and achieving success.
• Gain insights into the systemic issues faced by the black community in Appalachia and learn strategies for positive change.
• Find inspiration and guidance in navigating traumatic experiences, such as attempted break-ins, with courage and determination.
• Tap into the collective wisdom and knowledge of the Black Appalachian Coalition's podcast, offering valuable support and resources for black individuals facing challenges.

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

Today’s Episode of BLAC Re-Membering is hosted by Melanie Meade and features Curtis Da’Von, Organizing Director of Clean Water Action. With a strong commitment to environmental justice, Curtis is a passionate advocate for addressing the pressing environmental issues that impact African-American communities. Living on the Penhills Verona borderline, he has a firsthand understanding of the detrimental effects of pollution on air and water quality. Curtis's work centers around empowering communities and fighting against the harmful effects of lead contamination. He draws inspiration from figures like Nipsey Hussle, highlighting the importance of perseverance and unity in the pursuit of positive change. Curtis's expertise and dedication make him a valuable asset in the African-American environmental advocacy movement. We are excited to delve into his insights and experiences on this important topic.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the powerful impact of African-American environmental advocacy and how it is shaping our collective future.
• Explore the deep connection between sustainability and African American culture, and unlock the potential for a greener and more equitable society.
• Learn practical strategies for restoring balance and harmony with nature, empowering you to make a positive impact in your community.
• Unite with like-minded individuals and ignite systemic change through collective action, amplifying your impact and creating lasting environmental justice.
• Unleash the power of storytelling and community collaboration to inspire meaningful change in environmental policy and practice.
• Harness the strength of community networks to address environmental challenges and create a more sustainable future.
• Gain insights into the historical and present-day environmental injustices faced by African American communities, and learn how to advocate for a more equitable and healthier environment.

Learn more about Curtis Da’Von and his work

Clean Water Action

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

Today’s Episode of BLAC Re-Membering is hosted by Marie Cochran and features Dr. Tee Ford-Ahmed. Trevellya Ford-Ahmed, Ph.D. (aka Dr. Tee Ford) is an Emerita Professor at West Virginia State University and currently the Communication Media Director for the Mount Zion Baptist Church Preservation Society in Athens, OH. Growing up as the only Black family in a coal mining holler, she faced unique challenges and experiences in her community. Throughout her career, Dr. Ford-Ahmed has been an advocate for diversity and inclusion, using her platform to empower students and promote social change. Her insights and experiences provide valuable perspectives on the diverse experiences of Black individuals in Appalachia. With a strong commitment to education and community engagement, Dr. Ford-Ahmed is a respected voice in the field and an influential figure in the conversation surrounding Black Appalachia.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the rich and often overlooked history of Black Appalachia, celebrating the diverse and vibrant contributions of Black individuals in the region.
• Explore the challenges faced by the Black Appalachian community and learn about innovative solutions and initiatives that drive positive change.
• Uncover the power and significance of adaptable names, gaining a deeper understanding of how they play a role in cultural identity and community connectivity.
• Dive into the diverse experiences shared by Black individuals in Appalachia, gaining insights into their unique stories and perspectives.
• Explore the resilience and enduring contributions of Black individuals in Appalachia, highlighting their exceptional talents, achievements, and impact on the region.

Learn more about Dr. Tee Ford-Ahmed

• Southeast OH: The Black Appalachian Experience posted on December 5, 2022 by Maya Meade

https://southeastohiomagazine.com/2022/12/05/the-black-appalachian-experience/

• Mount Zion Black Cultural Center - https://mountzionathens.org/

https://www.athensnews.com/eedition/page-a001/page_de2fed13-19bb-5645-9139-0c95677824a8.html

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

Today on Blac Re-Membering, we have the privilege of hosting an anonymous Civil Servant from the Mon Valley area. With a deep care for his community and a wealth of experience, our guest brings a unique perspective to the challenges faced by residents. Growing up in the Mon Valley, our guest fondly recalls a time when the community was tight-knit and everyone looked out for one another. However, as the community has evolved, there has been a shift in dynamics and a decrease in the sense of safety and unity. Our guest believes that collective action and community support are crucial in addressing these issues. Join us as we delve into the importance of preserving a sense of community and explore ways to tackle the community's present challenges.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the challenges faced by the Mon Valley community and find out how you can be part of the solution.
• Learn about the impact of limited access to fresh food in the Mon Valley and explore innovative solutions to improve food security.
• Understand how appearances can affect opportunities in the Mon Valley community and discover strategies to overcome these barriers.
• Find out how community support and collective action can create positive change in the Mon Valley.
• Explore the need for green industries and tech jobs in the Mon Valley and discover how these industries can promote economic growth and sustainability.

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.