On this episode of the "Black Re-Membering" podcast, Unique Dunston shares her firsthand experiences of growing up in poverty in a conservative area and how this has shaped her commitment to mutual aid work. Her discussion highlights the emotional and mental toll of poverty and the need for more compassionate and direct approaches to aid distribution. Unique's insights provide a compelling perspective on the challenges and ethical considerations of mutual aid work, emphasizing the importance of empathy and inclusion in supporting marginalized communities. Her emphasis on the impact of poverty on mental health and the significance of self-care for activists and organizers offers valuable insights for those seeking a more empathetic and accessible approach to community organizing. 

Listeners can gain a deeper understanding of mutual aid, the impact of poverty on mental health, and the importance of self-care in community organizing, making this episode essential for activists and organizers in conservative communities seeking to enhance their strategies for mutual aid and self-care.

Meet Unique Dunston

Unique Morgan Dunston is a 28 year old native of Marshall County, Alabama and a community organizer. She has an associate’s degree in American Sign Language from Bishop State Community College. Unique also has a Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education degree from Western Governors University. Unique is the founder of Reclaiming Our Time, a Marshall County based organization that advocates for racial and social justice as they work to eradicate poverty in order to form better communities. She has organized many protests against police brutality, confederate monuments and symbols, prisons, and other injustices. She also founded the Community Free Store of Marshall County which provides all community members with the necessities she believes all people deserve without any exchange of labor or money.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Uncover the unique ways mutual aid can thrive in traditionally conservative settings, fostering community resilience and support. 
• Examine how poverty shapes mental health within marginalized communities and learn effective strategies for providing holistic support. 
• Gain insights into the fundamental distinctions between mutual aid and traditional charity, and understand their respective roles in community empowerment. 
• Discover the invaluable perspectives and strategies of Black leaders in community organizing, elevating the voices and experiences essential for meaningful change. 
• Equip yourself with practical techniques and insights for maintaining personal well-being while engaging in impactful community organizing efforts. 

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.