Black in Appalachia

In this episode Black Excellence from the Steel City comes to life as the Black in Appalachia crew headed to Pittsburgh for a live episode at the August Wilson Cultural Center. Special guests include Marimba Milliones of the Hill District CDC, National Student Poet Anthony Wiles, and Artist Darrell Kinsel.

Affralachian Poet Crystal Wilkinson shares her thoughts on growing up in Appalachia and reads from her new collection Perfect Black.

Enkeshi and Alona explore the interesting history of Berea College and it’s legacy for Appalachia.

Enkeshi, Angela and Alona discuss guns and gun culture in Appalachia. We talk with David Yamane a sociologist at Wake Forrest who is an expert on American Gun Culture and hear from Jered Croom on why he is a member of the NRA - begrudgingly.

On this episode of Black in Appalachia we have a discussion with singer-songwriter Walter DeBarr about growing up Black in West Virginia. Debarr was the only bi-racial person in his extended family AND his hometown. His feeling of cultural separation from those around him accompanied by significant life events led him in the direction of active addiction. All the while music played a saving role.

Enkeshi and Pumpkin talk with Drag Queens about the ups, downs and being Black in the Appalachian Scene

On this episode of the Black in Appalachia Podcast Enkeshi and special guest host Joe Tolbert talk Black church life, community, sex, identity and much much more with Deesha Phliyaw, acclaimed author of The Secret LIves of Church Ladies.

It’s Christmas in Appalachia and the crew is exploring Black holiday traditions from Pennington Gap, VA, London, KY and Birmingham,AL. Join in and hear talks about food, chittlins, rabbit hunting, Kwanzaa and more! 

Discover the history of Appalachia as Enkeshi and Angela talk about Mulungeon identity in the region and hear from author and descendant, Wayne Winkler. 

In this Thanksgiving episode Enkeshi and Angela explore the relations between black folks and the Cherokee nation. Listen as they talk to Marilyn Van, President of the Descendants of Freedmen of the Five Civilized Tribes Association and dig deeper into the indigenous history.