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 and queer playwrights to showcase their original pieces. Stephanie's commitment to bridging cultural gaps through theater is evident in her efforts to support and uplift underrepresented artists. Her unwavering dedication to increasing visibility and recognition for black voices in theater is not only a professional endeavor but also a personal mission, driven by her desire to create a more inclusive and diverse industry for future generations. Stephanie's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and the transformative impact of amplifying underrepresented voices in the performing arts.

Meet Stephanie Hickling Beckman

Stephanie Hickling Beckman, a respected figure in Asheville's theater community, holds a diverse range of roles as an actress, stage manager, and director. As the co-director of Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective, she plays a pivotal role in promoting diverse voices and representation in theater. Her dedication to showcasing original works by black and queer playwrights and her commitment to providing equitable opportunities for underrepresented artists have solidified her position as an influential advocate for inclusivity and representation in the performing arts. With a keen focus on bridging cultural gaps through theater, Stephanie's work is a testament to her unwavering dedication to increasing visibility and recognition for black voices in the industry.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Uncover the strategies for promoting and amplifying black narratives on stage for greater cultural impact.
• Discover the innovative initiatives driving change and empowerment within the performing arts community.
• Learn the significance of diverse representation and its influence on shaping inclusive and authentic storytelling in theater.
• Uncover the essential steps for providing equitable opportunities and support for underrepresented playwrights in the industry.
• Unveil the transformative potential of theater in bridging cultural divides and fostering understanding and empathy.

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.

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 challenges, highlighting the importance of community support, personal growth, and the significance of environmental factors on well-being. Her reflections on navigating racial dynamics and finding strength in poetry offer a unique perspective, making this episode a compelling listen for those seeking inspiration and understanding in the face of adversity. Nita's story serves as a testament to the power of resilience, community support, and the impact of cultural heritage on personal development, making it a valuable resource for individuals navigating similar experiences and seeking to build mental wellness and resilience through community connections.

Meet NitaJade

Nita Jade, a distinguished poet and narrative organizer, offers a poignant account of their upbringing in North Carolina and the profound impact of cultural influences on their personal journey. From experiencing homelessness in Hendersonville to finding solace in poetry, Nita's narrative reflects a deep resilience and unwavering commitment to community connections. Their unique perspective sheds light on the complexities of navigating racial dynamics in various environments, emphasizing the significance of mental wellness and community support in overcoming adversity. Nita's compelling story serves as a testament to the strength found in embracing one's cultural heritage while striving for healing and resilience.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the transformative power of community support in overcoming homelessness.
• Explore the profound influence of cultural background on personal development.
• Navigate the complexities of racial dynamics across different environments.
• Find strength and healing in the art of poetry.
• Uncover the critical link between clean air and water and community 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.

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 conduct independent historical research on a historically black school in her hometown, unveiling the significance of her community's contributions and the need to celebrate their overlooked achievements. Her insights into the transformative power of personal connections to history and the impact of community support make this episode essential listening. Alona's emphasis on radical empathy in archives and the significance of engaging with marginalized voices offers valuable perspectives. Her focus on the importance of representation, community-driven archiving, and the validation of marginalized experiences provides a compelling narrative that resonates with the broader theme of preserving and amplifying diverse voices. This episode offers a unique and insightful perspective on the power of historical research and archiving in shaping personal identity and fostering community pride.

Meet Alona Norwood

Alona Norwood (she/hers) is originally from the small town of Elizabethton in Northeast Tennessee. She attended Berea College and received a Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Social Justice. Upon graduation in 2020 she went on to work as a Community Archivist for the nonprofit Black in Appalachia: Education, Research and Support. The mission of BIA is to dispel inaccuracies and stereotypes about the history of Appalachia by uplifting the narratives of Black people in and around the region. They do this by collecting personal artifacts, school records, oral histories and podcast episodes through collaboration with community members, churches, historical/cultural repositories and academic institutions. Alona obtained her Masters of Information Science with a concentration in Archives and Records Management from UNC Chapel Hill in 2024.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Explore the invaluable contributions of Black women librarians in Appalachia, uncovering untold stories and perspectives in the region's history.
• Discover the profound impact of community archiving on Black history, revealing hidden narratives and empowering marginalized voices.
• Uncover the pivotal role of HBCUs in shaping successful careers in librarianship, offering unique perspectives and opportunities for aspiring professionals.
• Embrace radical empathy in archival practices, fostering inclusivity and understanding in preserving diverse cultural heritage.
• Engage with the enriching experiences of the Black in Appalachia community, gaining insight into their history, culture, and resilience.

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.

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 of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

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 and empathy. She highlights the mission of Black Soil Kentucky to empower black farmers and create a more inclusive and equitable agricultural community. The conversation delves into the initiatives and events organized by Black Soil Kentucky, such as the weekly farm share program, the Sprout Mobile pharmacy market, and the Heal Over a Meal program, all aimed at community-supported agriculture and farmer wellness. Ashley's deep understanding of the agricultural industry and her commitment to supporting black farmers make this episode essential for anyone interested in alternative economies and the resilience of black agricultural practitioners. Her valuable insights shed light on the challenges and successes within the industry, emphasizing the importance of collaborative and solution-focused approaches.

My special guest is Ashley Smith

Ashley C. Smith is widely recognized as the co-founder and COO of Black Soil Kentucky, a prominent figure in advocating for sustainable agriculture and the empowerment of Black agricultural practitioners. Holding a Bachelor's of Arts in Sociology from the University of Kentucky, Smith has demonstrated remarkable leadership in various agricultural organizations, including the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Agribusiness and Industry Council. Her efforts have been instrumental in fostering community-based agricultural education programs and promoting alternative economies within Black communities. Smith's initiatives have significantly contributed to reconnecting Black Kentuckians to their agricultural heritage and legacy, making her a pivotal force in the realm of sustainable and community-focused agriculture. Her profound dedication and influential role have solidified her position as a key figure in advancing the interests and welfare of Black farmers, chefs, and makers.

In this episode, you will be able to:

· Discover the groundbreaking Black Soil Kentucky initiative and its impact on sustainable agriculture in Black communities.

· Explore the transformative potential of alternative economies within Black communities and their role in fostering economic empowerment.

· Uncover the profound influence of agriculture on Black heritage and its significance in preserving cultural identity.

· Learn effective strategies to support and uplift Black farmers, contributing to a more equitable agricultural landscape.

· Engage with community-based agricultural education programs that empower and educate individuals on sustainable farming practices.

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.

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 community. His emphasis on the prevalence of child food insecurity in Kentucky, the significance of federal nutrition programs, and the strategies for expanding access to school breakfast programs makes this episode essential for community advocates and educators working with children in Appalachia. Additionally, John's advocacy for equitable access to affordable and healthy food in rural areas, especially during the summer months, offers valuable insights for combating child hunger. The episode's focus on addressing food insecurity and promoting equity in access to essential resources makes it a compelling resource for those dedicated to improving the well-being of children in Appalachia.

Meet John Cain

John is the Program Director for Kentucky Kids Eat, the statewide child hunger relief program of Feeding Kentucky. As the KKE Program Director, he manages No Kid Hungry Kentucky, a partnership campaign between Share Our Strength and Feeding Kentucky to end child hunger in the state. Aligned with Feeding Kentucky's mission to create a hunger-free Commonwealth, John's work focuses on connecting kids to healthy foods 365 days a year using KKE's signature 4P's to Hunger Free Approach: publicize the problem of child food insecurity and hunger among KY kids; promote evidence-based strategies that reduce child food insecurity including the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, the Community Eligibility Provision, SNAP, and the USDA Summer Nutrition Programs from Kids, partner with the private-public section to put those strategies into practice, and push for federal and state policies that reduce child food insecurity.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Explore the vital strategies for ending child hunger in Kentucky.
• Discover the impactful ways summer meal programs improve child food security.
• Uncover the crucial role of federal nutrition programs in reducing food insecurity.
• Learn about effective strategies for expanding access to school breakfast.
• Understand the importance of community support in fighting child hunger.

Resources:

• For more information on Summer EBT and Summer Meal programs, visit the Feeding Kentucky website and click on the Programs tab, then select Child Hunger Relief for eligibility screening and application links.
• Access the USDA Hunger Hotline for live assistance from 8am to 8pm Monday through Friday Eastern time by calling the telephone number provided on the Feeding Kentucky website.
• Utilize the USDA site Finder tool available on the Feeding Kentucky website to locate summer meal sites in your community.

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.

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 understanding of the challenges faced by women, particularly those in marginalized communities. Her emphasis on culturally competent care and hands-on training for doulas underscores the significance of her insights.

The episode offers a compelling perspective on the multifaceted role of doulas, the impact of cultural representation in doula care, and the essential need for holistic support and advocacy for black women in reproductive health. Tiffany's unwavering dedication to empowering and uplifting women through her work as a doula and herbalist, as well as her endeavors in fostering a supportive community, positions this episode as indispensable for individuals seeking to deliver culturally competent and holistic care to black mothers.

Meet Tiffany Bellfield

Tiffany was raised in rural Madison County, Kentucky. She grew up tobacco farming with her grandparents lived a homestead life and began community organizing in 2013 around education and food access. She is also a doula which we'll get into today, and her focus has always been family and children. She received her associates in sciences in 2015 and began working with Community Farm alliance in 2017. In 2014, Tiffany founded the Kentucky Black Farmers Association as their 1st executive director. She is a steward of her generational land and a conservationist, and she shares these roles with her daughter and her partners.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the unique challenges and triumphs of providing black doula services in Appalachia.
• Understand the crucial role of cultural representation in doula care for black mothers and families.
• Learn about specialized training and certification opportunities tailored for doulas of color.
• Explore strategies for building a supportive and empowering community for black mothers during the childbirth experience.
• Delve into the potential benefits of herbal remedies for postpartum care within the context of black maternal 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.

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 environmental challenges, particularly indoor air pollution. The conversation delved into the impact of environmental injustice on marginalized communities, emphasizing the interconnected nature of environmental issues and the significance of grassroots organizing. Nina's insights on actionable steps for getting involved in environmental advocacy, including volunteering and raising awareness, provide a compelling call to action for listeners. Her emphasis on the importance of individual engagement and the diverse opportunities for volunteerism offers valuable insights for anyone interested in environmental activism. This episode serves as a model for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in the environmental sector and highlights the critical need for ongoing efforts to address environmental injustices.

Meet Nina Morgan

Nina Morgan is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she earned her B.A. in anthropology and sociology, mapped Birmingham’s urban tree canopy using GIS, and served as a decathlete in the 2017 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon competition. Her post-graduate work and interests span climate and environmental justice in Central Alabama, capacity building, youth organizing & sustainable agriculture. She currently works with the STAY Project, where she has the exciting opportunity to lead Black Appalachian Young & Rising (BAYR) alongside a brilliant team of folks who are committed to empowering black youth in Appalachia. In her free time Nina enjoys long drives on backroads with the music blasting, hiking with her dog and stewarding an off-grid homestead that she lovingly calls Humble Hill.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Learn effective environmental justice organizing strategies for community action.
• Understand the impact of pollution on health and well-being.
• Explore the pivotal role of community engagement in environmental advocacy.
• Uncover the benefits of volunteering for environmental causes.
• Discover effective approaches to addressing indoor air pollution challenges.

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.