BLAC Re-Membering Podcast

On this episode of the Black Appalachian Coalition's podcast, guest Stephanie Hickling Beckman, a dedicated advocate for promoting black voices in theater, shares her inspiring journey with the Black Appalachian Coalition podcast. Her passion for representation and inclusivity shines through her work with Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective, where she creates opportunities for black...

In this episode of Blac Re-Membering, the conversation with Nita Jade, a poet with a diverse background, delves into her personal experiences growing up in various living environments, including overcoming homelessness and the impact of cultural background on her personal development. Nita's journey from adversity to resilience provides valuable insights for individuals facing similar challen...

On this episode of the "Blac Re-Membering" podcast, guest Alona Norwood, a researcher and archivist from Berea College, shares her inspiring journey into archives and research. She discovered her passion during a peace and social justice class, where she explored the history of her small town in Elizabethan, Tennessee, igniting her fervor for the field. Alona's dedication led her to...

Join us on today's BLAC Re-Membering podcast to hear firsthand on the potential effects of cutting Medicaid for experts and providers.  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...

On this episode in our BLAC Alternative Economies series, guest Ashley C. Smith, the co-founder and COO of Black Soil Kentucky, shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of black farmers. Ashley's journey into agriculture was fueled by a vision to address the obstacles faced by black farmers, emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between farmers and consumers with compassion a...

On this episode of the "Blac Re-Membering" podcast, guest John Cain, the Kentucky Kids Eat program director for Feeding Kentucky, shares his experiences growing up in rural Appalachia and his work in addressing child hunger. John's personal background and professional role provide an insightful perspective on the impact of poverty and federal aid programs on the Appalachian communit...

In this episode of the Black Appalachian Coalition's podcast, Black Re-Membering, Tiffany Bellfield, the founder of The Floating Lotus, provides a comprehensive exploration of the critical role of doulas and holistic care for black mothers. Drawing from her personal journey, Tiffany's firsthand experiences of inadequate resources during her pregnancy and motherhood underscore her deep un...

On this episode of the Black Re-Membering podcast, Nina Morgan shares her journey into environmental advocacy, highlighting her experiences with Global Awareness and Action (GAS) and the Greater Birmingham alliance to Stop Pollution (GASP). Nina's personal background and upbringing, coupled with her role as a climate and environmental justice organizer, underscore her expertise in addressing...

Join us in our BLAC Alternatives Series with our first special guest Lacy Watson. Lacy Watson's initiation into the realm of financial literacy and community currencies stemmed from his early exposure to financial intricacies in the black community. His first job instilled in him the significance of saving and forward-thinking financial planning. As he advanced in his education, the pivotal r...

On today's episode the Black Appalachian Coalition's podcast, Black Re-Membering, Ka'Sondra Brown shares her experiences and insights on the profound impact of community, mentorship, and intentional relationships on personal growth and parenting. As a foster parent and advocate, Ka'Sondra's upbringing in a small town, where the sense of community and the ethic of looking o...

Join us as we kick off our BLAC Alternatives Podcast series on The BLAC Re-Membering podcast. In this series we will explore the concept of Alternative Economies in Appalachia including trading services and resources within the community and emphasizing the value of prioritizing people and the environment over profit. This series will share how close-knit communities support and share resources fr...

In this episode of the Blac Re-Membering podcast, Ashe Parker, a creative professional originally from Harlan County, Kentucky, shares her insightful journey of transitioning from small-town life to the city of Lexington. Ashe's experience and resilience as a single mother navigating personal growth and pursuing diverse career paths provide a relevant and empowering narrative for young women...

Join Narrative Organizer Tania Whitfield and guest Morgan Whiting for a truly inspiring conversation around navigating racism, environmental justice, and adoption challenges. From growing up in diverse communities to witnessing the impact of environmental racism on air quality, Morgan's story resonates with the complexities of personal identity and relational resilience. Through her captivati...

In honor of Earth Day 2025, we are releasing this important Lunch n Learn with special guests Ted Boettner and Chief Pomaj-Chakmam-Yajalaji In this episode, you will be able to: Explore the hidden ecological toll of the petrochemical industry and its implications for environmental conservation. Uncover the intricate relationship between agricultural pesticides and human health, revealing the need...

In this episode of the Blac Re-Membering podcast, Tyler Offerman, the manager of policy initiatives at the Kentucky Equal Justice Center, engages in a profound conversation with the Black Appalachian Coalition. Tyler offers unique insights into environmental justice, drawing from his personal experiences in Fort Myers, Florida, and Lexington, Kentucky. His upbringing in a marginalized community an...

Welcome to our final episode in our Tea on Taxes Series. Join NitaJade and Sonja Jones as they discuss life after Tax Day and the importance of Alternative Economies without communities. In this episode, you will be able to: Maximize new small business tax deductions for tax savings in your new business. Empower Community and unlock the benefits of credit unions for fostering local economic growth...

In this episode of the Black Re-Membering podcast by the Black Appalachian Coalition, Trevor Brown, also known as Farmer Brown, shares his journey from a musical background to becoming an advocate for environmental science and urban agriculture. Growing up in Kentucky, he experienced a shift in the community atmosphere and emphasized the importance of engaging youth in agriculture. Brown's in...

Join us in our Tea on Taxes Series for Pt 2 of our conversation with Sonja Jones as she answers the top tax related questions. In this episode, you will learn: The key differences between a W2, W4, and 1099 Forms and gain clarity on the purpose and implications of each form to make informed decisions regarding tax obligations and filings. How to strategically adjust W4 withholdings to maximize tak...

In this episode of the Black Remembering podcast, Robert Louis Hunter, narrative organizer for the Black Appalachian Coalition, delves into the importance and Best Practices of Mutual Aid with guest Unique Morgan Dunstan, founder of the nonprofit Reclaiming Our Time in Marshall County, Alabama. The episode sheds light on the power of mutual aid and community support, highlighting the need for open...

Join us in our Tea on Taxes Series for Pt 2 of our conversation with Patryce Rispress as she answers all of our Tax "how to's". In this episode, you will learn about: Differentiating between W2, W4, and 1099 forms equips small business owners with essential knowledge for managing employee tax documentation effectively. Implementing tax planning strategies for individuals empowers sm...

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 com...

In a world where tax season brings complex feelings and widespread barriers of knowledge, today's guest on the Tea on Taxes series, Sonja Jones, is demystifying taxes and empowering entrepreneurs. Pivoting from a career in music education to founding GIP Financials, Sonja's journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Her approach to financial literacy breaks down the shame and...

BLAC welcomes our newest Narrative Fellow, Robert Louis Hunter. In today's episode, Robert shares his journey, his work as a community organizer, and his hopes for the podcast. 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...

Have you ever felt lost and frustrated during tax season, unsure of where to turn for accurate guidance? The stress and anxiety surrounding taxes can be suffocating, especially when you're not getting the results you need. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Let's explore the essential strategies to demystify taxes and take control of your financial well-being. My special gue...

Welcome to another episode in our Tea on Taxes Series. On today's episode we speak with Kentucky community member, Milan Bush. Tune in as she shares her personal journey and emotional experiences with taxes, reflecting on her childhood memories of tax time being akin to a second Christmas. With a lack of early understanding about taxes, she found herself navigating the complexities of self-em...