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.