In this episode, Tawan Harris shares her journey from growing up in St. Louis to her experiences in the military, shedding light on the challenges faced by Black communities in Appalachia. Her personal encounters with poverty and crime underscore the importance of resilience and community support in overcoming adversity. Tawan's advocacy for systemic change, focusing on education, mental health resources, job opportunities, and equitable policies, makes this episode essential listening for community leaders and advocates in black Appalachian communities. Her inspiring story serves as a testament to the power of belief and determination, offering valuable insights into restoring hope and addressing systemic issues.

Meet Tawan Harris

Tawan Harris, a retired military professional residing in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, brings a wealth of personal experience to the discussion. Growing up in St. Louis, Tawan overcame the challenges of poverty and crime to achieve academic success, earning master's degrees in social work and environmental science. Tawan's family background, marked by her mother's successful journey to sobriety and her father's transition from incarceration to community service, underscores her commitment to addressing systemic issues in underserved communities. Her insights into the impact of family dynamics on personal growth and the pivotal role of education in breaking poverty cycles offer invaluable perspectives for community leaders and advocates seeking to bring about positive change in black Appalachian communities.

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 another episode in our BLAC Juneteenth Black Jubilee Series!

In honor of Juneteenth and the ongoing struggle to enjoy full freedom, we highlight what Black community leaders are doing to liberate Black Appalachian communities. This episode of our BLAC Jubilee Juneteenth series is about the intersection of Queer Liberation & Juneteenth.

Juneteenth and Pride Month celebrations both honor marginalized communities' resistance and highlight the United States' history of perpetuating racism, transphobia, and queerphobia. To reflect on how far we have come and the work we still have to do, we have a special guest, Jazmyne Baylor, an Academic Librarian in Western NC.

Tune in to hear:
- What Juneteenth and Pride means and how Jazmyne celebrates the holidays
- People who have served as inspiration in her world and her work
- What is currently bringing her joy
- and more!


Meet Jazmyne Baylor
Jazmyne Baylor is a grounded and versatile Librarian with eight years of library experience. She is a driven and passionate advocate for social justice, community organizing, and education in information services. Her research interests are centered on organizing, critical information literacy, professionalism, and social justice within libraries.

As an information professional, Jazmyne aims to provide safe and accessible spaces and resources for all - including marginalized and underrepresented folx. With her expertise in information science and media production, she hopes to develop a podcast to enlighten others about the world of libraries.

Jazmyne has presented at numerous library conferences and webinars. She is always open to sharing her experiences and discussing her research interests.


Additional Information and Resources

Juneteenth and Pride 2024 at Bridge Park
Cornbread and Roses Counseling Services

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 BLAC Juneteenth Black Jubilee Series!

Today's episode is a celebration of BLAC’s 3rd Anniversary. Join us in this conversation with Founder and Executive Director of BLAC, Bishop Marcia Dinkins and BLAC Federal Grants Navigator Shana Goggins as they:

• Explore the historical significance and cultural resonance of Juneteenth, uncovering its deep-rooted meaning beyond the surface.
• Uncover the untold stories and challenges of Black Appalachian communities, shedding light on their resilience and the path to liberation.
• Share the mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) and it’s reason for existence.
• Harness the power of storytelling to ignite change for social and environmental justice, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.
• Address the disparities plaguing the Appalachian regions, unveiling strategies to overcome obstacles and foster inclusive progress.
• Cultivate meaningful and impactful relationships within the community, fostering solidarity and collective empowerment for liberation.

Today’s special guest is Bishop Marcia Dinkins

Bishop Marcia Dinkins brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the forefront of social and environmental justice, particularly within the Appalachian region. As the founder and executive director of Black Appalachian Coalition, Bishop Dinkins has been pivotal in the fight to liberate and uplift Black Appalachian communities. Her emphasis on the power of storytelling as a catalyst for change has significantly contributed to reshaping the narrative and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. Through her relentless advocacy, Bishop Marcia Dinkins has been at the forefront of addressing disparities and working towards the collective empowerment of Black Appalachians. Her unwavering commitment to racial justice and equity continues to make a profound impact, challenging existing barriers and driving positive change within the region.

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 we are re-releasing a very special episode to honor Crystal Cauley, a prominent and cherished Hendersonville, NC Black community leader who recently passed. Crystal will truly be miss and we mourn her loss. We hope this episode will serve to honor her and her work.

Read more here about her legacy and her work.

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 Episode 2 of our BLAC Juneteenth Black Jubilee Series!

Today's episode released on Juneteenth features a powerful conversation with Narrative Organizing Fellow NitaJade and Frank X Walker, professor and co-founder of the Affrilachian poets based in Kentucky.

Tune in as they:

• Uncover the overlooked history of Affrilacha and its profound impact on the Appalachian region.
• Explore the rich history and cultural significance of Juneteenth through engaging family traditions.
• Gain insight into Frank X Walker's influential contributions to African American literature, shaping its evolution and impact.
• Delve into the pivotal role of Kentucky in Civil War history, shedding light on its lesser-known contributions.
• Discover the power of historical poetry in reclaiming silenced voices and untold stories.
• And so much more!

Frank X Walker, an esteemed literary figure and co-founder of the Affrilachian poets, is a distinguished voice in African American literature and history. With a prolific career spanning 15 books and numerous impactful poems, he has made significant contributions to reclaiming silenced voices and celebrating untold stories. As a professor at the University of Kentucky, Walker's expertise in the significance of Affrilacha in Appalachian history and the role of Kentucky in Civil War history is unparalleled. His dedication to preserving the heritage of African Americans through historical poetry and his profound impact on African American literature makes him an invaluable resource for educators and literature enthusiasts seeking to deepen their understanding of these vital subjects. Walker's compelling work and unwavering commitment to highlighting marginalized narratives continue to inspire and educate generations.

To learn more about Frank X Walker and his work visit www.frankxwalker.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 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.