BLAC Re-Membering Podcast

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....

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 ca...

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...

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 soci...

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 th...

Tune in to hear about BLAC's new initiative The BLAC Wave. Bonus episodes for the BLAC wave will be released on the last Tuesday of every month. 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 exp...

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 st...

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 first episode, you will hear from Marie Cochran and Melanie Meade as they share their journeys of Soul Care. The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized na...

Dr. Alisha Alls is a highly accomplished individual in the field of childhood development. With a doctorate in organizational leadership and a master's degree in special education, she brings a strong academic foundation to her work. As a former special education teacher and current student success coach at a local community college, Dr. Alls has extensive experience working directly with stu...

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,...

Today’s Episode of BLAC Re-Membering is hosted by Melanie Meade and features Curtis Da’Von, Organizing Director of Clean Water Action. With a strong commitment to environmental justice, Curtis is a passionate advocate for addressing the pressing environmental issues that impact African-American communities. Living on the Penhills Verona borderline, he has a firsthand understanding of the detriment...

Today’s Episode of BLAC Re-Membering is hosted by Marie Cochran and features Dr. Tee Ford-Ahmed. Trevellya Ford-Ahmed, Ph. D. (aka Dr. Tee Ford) is an Emerita Professor at West Virginia State University and currently the Communication Media Director for the Mount Zion Baptist Church Preservation Society in Athens, OH. Growing up as the only Black family in a coal mining holler, she faced unique ch...

Today on Blac Re-Membering, we have the privilege of hosting an anonymous Civil Servant from the Mon Valley area. With a deep care for his community and a wealth of experience, our guest brings a unique perspective to the challenges faced by residents. Growing up in the Mon Valley, our guest fondly recalls a time when the community was tight-knit and everyone looked out for one another. However, a...

In this episode of the Blac Re-Membering podcast, Fellows explore the need for reparations and collective healing in addressing historical injustices. Our guest, Phyllis Utley, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and valuing the contributions of Black communities throughout history. Phyllis shares personal anecdotes and histor...

In a world where self-belief is key to pursuing one's passions, join LaChrista Ellis as she shares her journey of empowerment through art. LaChrista Ellis is an accomplished artist and single mother hailing from Harrisburg, Kentucky. With a bachelor's degree in studio art from Kentucky State University and a background in live art, pop art, and portraiture, LaChrista's passion for t...

In a world where black history is often overlooked, Crystal Cauley emerges as a dedicated activist, preserving the rich heritage of her community. Crystal Cauley is a multi-faceted individual considered a dynamic force working towards the preservation of Black history and betterment of underprivileged regions. Originally hailing from Hendersonville, North Carolina, she is deeply rooted in her comm...

Melinda Wofford, an impressive figure in civic leadership, has managed to leave a significant mark in her hometown of Bergen. Known for her robust determination, Melinda is one of the few individuals who have not only proved their mettle in strenuous physical activities like running marathons but also in the challenging world of politics. Becoming a City Council candidate, she illustrated a commen...

Faustine McDonald, a woman of profound depth hailing from Western North Carolina, seamlessly blends legacy and innovation. As an entrepreneur, her accomplishments include introducing the first African-American owned downtown business in Jackson County, thus breaking barriers and challenging traditional narratives. Her personal struggles with sickle cell anemia haven't deterred her; rather, th...

Introducing Glenis Redmond, a poet and teaching artist who believes in the power of imagination. The first Poet Laureate of Greenville, South Carolina, Glenis considers herself an Air Force brat and proudly embraces her Southern roots. Her journey spans roles as a respected teaching artist at the Kennedy Center and an alumnus of Cave Canem. Glenis is also the author of six poetry books, drawing re...

In this episode of the podcast Black Remembering, host Melanie Mead interviews Joseph Amadasun, a 13-year-old resident of Clairton, PA. They discuss the lack of recreational opportunities and safe spaces for youth in the area. Joseph shares his experiences with the poor air quality, which often prevents him from fully participating in physical activities. He expresses his frustration with the limi...

Mayor James H. Atkins brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in his capacity as a seasoned public servant, whose journey in public service began with his tenure on the Danville City Commission. As an Educator turned Politician, his background provides a unique vantage point in understanding the nexus of education and politics. His impressive service span includes roles ranging from teacher, p...

Welcome to Episode 11 of Blac Re-Membering: Highlighting the Heavy and the Hope.  Today's episode is hosted by Marie Cochran and she is joined by Kelle Jolly,  an artist who effortlessly melds music and storytelling to create an enchanting tapestry of shared experiences and community bonding. Born in South Carolina and groomed in Atlanta, Kelle now calls the picturesque landscapes of East Ten...

Welcome to Episode 10 of Blac Re-Membering: Highlighting the Heavy and the Hope.  Today's episode is hosted by Melanie Meade and she is joined by Montia Thompson, a mother and community member from Clairton, PA.  In this episode Montia Thompson brings a unique blend of lived experience and hope for community growth to the table. Originally from East Liberty's Omega Place, Montia has grap...

Welcome to Episode 8 of Blac Re-Membering: Highlighting the Heavy and the Hope.  Today's episode is part 1 of a 2-part conversation hosted by NitaJade, who is joined by the legendary Andrew and Symerdar Baskin.  Have you ever heard these myths about African Americans in the Appalachian region? Myth #1: There were no African Americans living in the Appalachian region. Myth #2: African American...

Welcome to Episode 9 of Blac Re-Membering: Highlighting the Heavy and the Hope.  Today's episode is part 2 of the 2-part conversation hosted by NitaJade, who is joined by the legendary Andrew and Symerdar Baskin.  Have you ever heard these myths about African Americans in the Appalachian region? Myth #1: There were no African Americans living in the Appalachian region. Myth #2: African Americ...