Representative Laura Hall has served nearly 30 years in the Alabama State House of Representatives, representing House District 19 as a Democrat. Hall is the first African American elected to represent her district. She is retired educator whose tenure in the education field extended over forty years. 

Black In Red’s sixth installment spotlights how the COVID-19 pandemic specifically affected constituents in Representative Hall’s district and exacerbated longstanding issues, such as housing insecurity, broadband availability, and access to healthcare.  

Nakia Austin, M.A. is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Healing House, a holistic behavioral health program based in Charleston, West Virginia. The Healing House is dedicated to serving and empowering women impacted by trauma. 

She is also the Founder and CEO of Nakia Austin Coaching and Inspirations, LLC. This agency  offers 15+ years of strategic thinking and tactical approaches to overcoming adversity. 

Nakia has spoken on local and national platforms, sharing her message of healing and hope. As the self-proclaimed “Trauma Queen,” she is also passionate about educating trauma survivors on the importance of healing and self-worth.

Black In Red’s fifth installment is a conversation about the COVID-19 pandemic from a behavioral health perspective. Nakia provides tips for managing anxiety during grieving during COVID-19 era. And, the panel discusses building resilience while recognizing how it might manifest, differently, from person to person.

Our guest this week, on Black In Red, is Delegate Danielle Walker. She currently serves as a Democratic member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 51st District, which covers Morgantown and most of Monongalia County

In episode four, Delegate Walker discusses both the local and statewide response to COVID-19 across West Virginia and how she played a role in assuring her fellow black and brown community members had ample opportunities for vaccination.