Does the upcoming election have you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain? Have you been told to simply wait and see what happens? The frustration and powerlessness you're experiencing from this approach is completely understandable. It's time to take back control and make proactive preparations for the election. Let's explore effective strategies to empower yourself and your community amidst the uncertainty of the upcoming election.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Identify strategies and tactics through a comprehensive SWOT analysis for effective election preparation.
• Harness the power of community support to navigate uncertainties and engage meaningfully in the electoral process.
• Discover the crucial benefits and opportunities of voting early in the election process.
• Connect with local organizations that provide essential support and resources for the election period.
• Develop practical methods for managing election day anxiety and participating confidently in the democratic process.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Connect with the Black Remembering podcast and the Black Appalachian Coalition on social media to engage in the ongoing dialogue and share your thoughts and feedback.
• Find and connect with local organizations in your community that are doing the hard work and supporting your community, such as the Appalachian Promise Alliance and the Future Bristol Leaders Coalition
• Take actionable steps to support your community during the election, such as accompanying friends to the voting polls if you feel unsafe, and making a plan to stay connected with loved ones on election day and in the days afterwards.
• Consider early voting to ensure your voice is heard and use your excess energy to support others in your community on election day, such as joining local organizations for watch parties, meetings, or potlucks.
• Remember that the real work starts the day after the election and continues for the next four years, so focus on engaging with your community and supporting local organizations to make a difference beyond just the election day.

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 of BLAC Re-Membering. On today's episode We are in conversation with Pheonix Berry, a Kentucky Black Appalachian Organizer. As a committed community organizer with a background in naturopathy, Pheonix's journey reflects a deep-rooted connection to the Appalachian history and culture, influencing their approach to advocacy and mutual aid. Their insights, particularly from the Kentucky policy summit, shed light on the importance of collective power and uncovering truths for policy change. Pheonix's involvement in Project 2025 and their stance on the current political landscape offer an invaluable perspective, making them an influential force in driving change within the community.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Explore the transformative impact of the Black Appalachian Coalition on regional empowerment and representation.
• Discover the pivotal role of community organizing in effecting positive change and amplifying marginalized voices in the Appalachian region.
• Embrace the power of mutual aid as a crucial tool for driving activism and fostering solidarity within the Appalachian community.
• Uncover the essential truths necessary for influencing policy change and addressing systemic issues in the Appalachian region.
• Engage in the vision of Project 2025 and its significance in driving political involvement and shaping the future of the Appalachian 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.

How can you create a space for healing and resilience in your community? Discover the solution to achieving this empowered support system and personalized care as we delve into the impactful role of legacy storytelling and self-care strategies for black women.

Meet our special guest Tina Ford

Tina Ford, a native of Clairton, Pa, brings over 20 years of experience as a CNA worker and is the founder of Moms of Murdered Sons, established in 2019. Her work not only reflects her dedication to serving the community but also her commitment to preserving the legacy of the individuals impacted by urban redevelopment. Through her group, Tina encourages mothers to share their stories, recognizing the importance of storytelling in creating lasting social impact. Her insights into self-care strategies for black women, particularly in the face of adversity, offer a valuable perspective for community leaders and social workers. Tina's leadership and advocacy embody an empowered support system and personalized care, contributing significantly to the ongoing dialogue around these critical issues.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Empower mothers of murdered sons through personalized care and support systems.
• Elevate community care with the crucial role of CNAs in fostering well-being.
• Explore the profound impact of urban redevelopment on communities for informed decision-making.
• Engage in legacy storytelling for healing and preserving cultural narratives.
• Discover self-care strategies tailored to the unique needs of black women.

Empower Mothers of Murdered Sons
Supporting mothers of murdered sons is crucial for healing and resilience in communities like Clairton. Tina Ford's work with Moms of Murdered Sons highlights the importance of creating a supportive village for these mothers. Empowering these mothers to share their stories and advocate for their children's legacies is a key step in promoting healing and community support.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Moms of Murdered Sons - A group founded by Tina Ford in 2019, providing support and resources for mothers who have lost their children to violence. (Link: [Moms of Murdered Sons](https://www.momsofmurderedsons.com))
• School of Social Work Report - Referenced in the conversation, this report highlights the average life expectancy of black women in Pittsburgh and the challenges they face. (Link: [School of Social Work Report](https://www.socialwork.pitt.edu))
• Community Support - Encouraging listeners to support and create spaces for mothers who have experienced loss, and to engage in community-building efforts. (Local community organizations and support groups)
• Policy Change - Advocating for policy changes to address the challenges faced by black women and their families, particularly in relation to violence and community support. (Local government representatives and advocacy groups)
• Self-Care - Emphasizing the importance of self-care and seeking support when needed, promoting mental health resources and self-care practices. (Local mental health resources and support groups)

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.

Uncover the transformative power of community education and youth empowerment. Join us as we speak with Oceanna Smith, Youth Organizer at WV ACLU and her journey to overcoming academic obstacles and uplifting young voices.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Empower young voices through impactful community projects, fostering leadership and collaboration skills in today's youth.
• Discover the profound healing power of art, offering a transformative journey towards personal well-being and growth.
• Expand horizons beyond traditional schooling, embracing the vital role of community education in shaping well-rounded individuals.
• Navigate the complexities of identity within predominantly white institutions, fostering resilience and self-empowerment in diverse environments.

Meet our guest, Ocean Smith

Ocean Smith, a recent graduate with a master's degree in community and organizational leadership and research, brings a unique perspective to the discussion on community projects and youth empowerment. Her specialization in visual art within the community education program at West Liberty University has equipped her with the knowledge and passion for empowering communities beyond traditional school systems. Through her extensive research on the perception of power in schools, Ocean has demonstrated a deep understanding of the obstacles and opportunities in academic research and the importance of art in personal healing. Her personal experiences and academic achievements make her a valuable voice in the conversation on navigating identity in predominantly white institutions and building meaningful intergenerational dialogue.

Connect with Ocean

• Instagram: @o.oceania
• Website: ACLU West Virginia

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.

Uncover the unexpected power of food, community, and decolonization in Black Appalachia. On today's episode we explore how a simple meal led to profound connections and insights. From challenging capitalism in urban gardening to envisioning a Solarpunk future, our guest Phoenix Berry's wisdom will reshape your perspective. Prepare to be inspired by the depth of community organizing and the radical potential of decolonization. Dive into the conversation and unlock the keys to impactful activism and sustainable community building.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Uncover strategies for effective community organizing and decolonization, empowering you to drive meaningful change in your local area and beyond.
• Explore the pivotal role of food in fostering strong, resilient communities, unlocking insights into sustainable and inclusive practices for the greater good.
• Navigate the complex challenges of urban gardening within a capitalist framework, gaining a deeper understanding of the obstacles and potential solutions for sustainable urban agriculture.
• Envision Solarpunk-inspired communities of the future, discovering innovative and sustainable approaches to community living and environmental stewardship.
• Embark on a journey of self and societal decolonization, equipping yourself with the knowledge and tools to challenge and dismantle oppressive systems.

Today's guest is Phoenix Berry

Phoenix Berry, recognized for their expertise in sustainable community activism and decolonization, joins the Black Remembering podcast as a distinguished guest. With a profound background in community organizing, Berry delves into the crucial role of food in community building, highlighting the intricate challenges of urban gardening within the framework of capitalism. Furthermore, Berry offers a visionary perspective on Solarpunk concepts for future communities. Their dedication to decolonizing self and society is evident through their meticulous approach to community activism and sustainable living. Berry's extensive experience and deep insights provide valuable perspectives on the complex intersection of community organizing, decolonization, and sustainable community development.

Connect with Phoenix via Instagram @iwillbenubia.

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 today's episode of the BLAC Re-Membering podcast, Narrative Fellow Marie Cochran and Eric Jordan discuss the interconnectedness of arts, culture, and identity in West Virginia, with a focus on the Jordan family legacy and its cultural impact upon the Affrilachian Arts Movement and the Norman Jordan African American Arts Academy.

Jordan shares his experiences and insights on the transformative effect of art camps on young artists. Cochran and Jordan share their perspectives on navigating political and social issues with empathy and understanding.

They both discuss the artistic significance of storytelling in Hip Hop music and its role in helping youth find their artistic voice and sense of community. Finally, Jordan announces the release of his solo album, "An Appalachian Hip Hop Story Part One" on June 10th and he promotes the August 2nd release of the "No Options" the Appalachian hip hop compilation album featuring various artists on which he also appears.

Meet Eric Jordan

Eric "Monstalung" Jordan was born in Cleveland Ohio, but raised in Ansted, and Morgantown WV. He has been performing since the age of 7, then as a percussionist during his father’s poetry performances, and later as an actor in his father’s plays. His father, Norman Jordan, is one of the leading African American poets of WV, and the Black Arts Movement in Cleveland OH during the 1960s. Eric is a lover of all music, but hip hop made an impact on him, and he started his first breakdance team in 1983 in Morgantown WV called the Robotic Atomic Foot Shockers. During this journey, there were highs and lows, but the experience was priceless. During that time he released 2 albums, became head music director at Fat Head Records, and worked with worldwide recording artist Father MC, Tekitha of WUTANG Clan, Loon of Bad Boy Records, and lived in Atlanta, Chicago, Washington DC, Seattle, and New York chasing his dream.

In 2001 he started working for West Virginia University in the Coal and Research department as a program coordinator until he shifted to the WVU Student Life department where he still currently works at the Center for Black Culture & Research. Jordan’s passion for the arts he inherited from his parents, and with them has been giving back to the WV community for over 35 years with the annual Norman Jordan African American Arts & Heritage Academy, a summer camp that focuses on teaching youth the different forms of the black arts.

In June 2024 "Monstalung" released his album An Appalachian Hip Hop Story Pt.1, and later in August he was featured on the Appalachian Hip Hop Compilation album “No Options” executive produced by Dr. Ted Olson, and Dr. William Turner, which is distributed on Appalshop Records. "Monstalung" also recently hosted a 100 Day’s in Appalachia email newsletter for the month of August 2024.

Resources and References

• Listen to Monstalung's New Album HERE.
• See all the podcasts, interviews, and articles featuring Monstalung HERE.
• Get Monstalung’s full music discography HERE.
• Norman Jordan African American Arts Academy
• WVU Center for Black Culture and Research

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.

BLAC's Cultural and Narrative organizer, NitaJade, hosts today’s episode of the BLAC Re-Membering Podcast with special guest Dr. Patricia M DeMarco, Author, Activist, Environmental Justice Advocate, and Co-Conspirator.

Dr. Patricia M. DeMarco is a Pittsburgh author with a doctorate in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh. She has spent a fifty-year career in energy and environmental policy in both private and public sector positions. She now writes and lectures in the fields of sustainability, energy and environmental policy, and natural history.

She learned her craft in public policy from Connecticut Governor Ella T. Grasso, for whom she served as policy advisor to the National Governors Association Low Level Nuclear Waste Compact negotiations. Following her position as Demand Side Manager for the Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative, she served is a Commissioner of the Regulated Utilities Commission of Alaska.

She returned to Pittsburgh in 2006, and served as Executive Director of the Rachel Carson Homestead Association then as Director of the Rachel Carson Institute at Chatham University, where she now holds an appointment as Senior Scholar and Adjunct Faculty.

Dr. DeMarco sits on the Board of Trustees for Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and for The Allegheny Land Trust. She is also a Principal Associate in The Main Street Associates, headquartered in Braddock, PA. Dr. DeMarco shares more about her work fighting toxic petrochemical pollution in Allegheny County, the pervasive nature of petrochemicals, and how they affect our daily lives. Tune into this episode to learn how petrochemicals harm our 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.

Are you seeking to ignite a powerful resurgence and revival in your community? Do you want to catalyze intentional leadership and collaborative action for lasting change? Discover the solution to harnessing the power of collective intention and building on shared pain to propel your community forward. The key lies in transforming trauma into triumph and building unapologetic solidarity. Join us as we uncover the roadmap to community revitalization and lasting impact.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand the transformative power of church involvement in community revitalization efforts.
• Explore the pivotal role of HBCUs in shaping African American history and progress.
• Uncover the far-reaching impact of economic disinvestment on communities and their residents.
• Emphasize the crucial role of leadership in driving social justice movements forward.
• Discover effective strategies for rebuilding and strengthening black institutions.

My special guest is Dr. Crosby

Dr. Crosby, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, is an influential figure in the community revitalization efforts. With 45 years of leadership as the pastor of St. Stephen Baptist Church and serving as the president of Simmons College, Dr. Crosby has been deeply involved in the church's role in community rebuilding and the preservation of African American history. His commitment to the poorest zip code in Kentucky, where the median income is approximately $15,000, showcases his dedication to addressing the impact of economic disinvestment on communities. Dr. Crosby's profound understanding of the importance of leadership in social justice movements and his strategies for rebuilding black institutions make him a pivotal figure in strengthening leadership and collaborative efforts in community revitalization.

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.