What We Do
BLAC Policy
Platforms
2024 – 2025
What We Are For
By focusing on these policy platforms, the Black Appalachian Coalition can work towards addressing systemic inequalities, empowering Black voices, and fostering inclusive prosperity for all residents of the region.
What We Are Against
By actively opposing these issues, the Black Appalachian Coalition aims to dismantle systemic barriers, challenge discriminatory practices, and advocate for policies that uplift and empower Black communities throughout the region.
Our Story:
Our Cultural Contributions
Black hands built America, and our cultural contributions run deep, especially in Appalachia where our traditions shape the very fabric of the region.
Cultural Preservation & Celebration
Narrative:
Black hands built America, and our cultural contributions run deep, especially in Appalachia where our traditions shape the very fabric of the region.
Policy Platform:
Implement initiatives to preserve and promote Black Appalachian culture, including support for cultural festivals, heritage centers, and educational programs highlighting the contributions of Black Appalachians to the region’s identity. This includes funding for cultural events, museums, and educational resources that celebrate Black heritage in Appalachia.
Whitewashed Narratives & Cultural Erasure
Narrative:
Black contributions to Appalachian culture and history are often overlooked or erased, perpetuating a whitewashed narrative that marginalizes Black Appalachian voices and experiences.
Policy Platform:
Challenge whitewashed narratives and cultural erasure by advocating for inclusive representation and recognition of Black Appalachian heritage and contributions. This involves opposing efforts to erase or downplay the role of Black Appalachians in shaping the region’s cultural identity, and promoting initiatives that celebrate and preserve Black cultural traditions, history, and achievements within our communities and beyond.
Our Story:
Environmental Justice
Our communities face environmental racism, economic downturns, and corporate exploitation, which have left us disproportionately impacted by pollution and lack of infrastructure.
Environmental Justice & Sustainable Development
Narrative:
Through the Black Appalachian Coalition, we’re reclaiming our narrative, amplifying Black voices, and challenging discriminatory practices that have marginalized our communities for too long.
Policy Platform:
Advocate for policies that address environmental justice and sustainable development in Appalachia, including stricter regulations on polluting industries, investment in renewable energy infrastructure, and equitable access to clean air and water resources. This involves supporting legislation that holds corporations accountable for environmental harm and prioritizes the health and well-being of Black communities.
Corporate Exploitation & Environmental Injustice
Narrative:
Despite the historical contributions of Black Appalachians to the region’s culture and economy, our communities continue to face economic downturns and environmental racism perpetuated by corporate interests.
Policy Platform:
Advocate against corporate exploitation of Appalachian lands and resources, particularly targeting industries that disproportionately harm Black communities. This includes opposing practices such as mountaintop removal mining, which devastates local environments and communities, and advocating for stricter regulations on polluting industries that degrade air and water quality in our region.
Our Story:
Equitable Healthcare
By engaging in civic dialogue, storytelling, and community initiatives, we’re driving local change to address issues like healthcare access and economic disparities.
Equitable Healthcare Access & Community Wellness
Narrative:
Our goal is to empower Black Appalachians to shape the future of our region, confronting systemic racism and paving the way for prosperity for all residents.
Policy Platform:
Advocate for policies that ensure equitable healthcare access and support community wellness initiatives in Black Appalachian communities. This includes expanding Medicaid coverage, protecting and defending the social safety net, increasing funding for community health centers, and investing in mental health services tailored to the specific needs of Black residents in Appalachia. Additionally, support initiatives aimed at addressing food insecurity and promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
Systemic Racism & Discriminatory Practices
Narrative:
Black Appalachian communities have historically been marginalized and erased from the narrative of the region, facing systemic racism and discriminatory practices that limit opportunities and resources.
Policy Platform:
Campaign against systemic racism and discriminatory policies that perpetuate inequality in housing, healthcare, employment, education, and criminal justice. This involves advocating for policy reforms at local, state, and federal levels to address institutional racism, promote equity, and dismantle barriers that hinder the advancement of Black Appalachians.
Our Story:
Economic Empowerment
Our region has historically been exploited by faceless, faraway corporate interests, leaving us with fewer opportunities and compounding problems.
Economic Empowerment & Equitable Development
Narrative:
Through the Black Appalachian Coalition, we’re empowering Black voices to shape the future of our region and advocate for policies that benefit all residents.
Policy Platform:
Advocate for economic empowerment initiatives and equitable development policies in Black Appalachian communities. This includes supporting small businesses owned by Black residents, investing in job training and workforce development programs, and promoting inclusive economic growth strategies that prioritize marginalized communities. Additionally, advocate for policies that address affordable housing, transportation infrastructure, and access to capital for minority-owned businesses.
Economic Disparities & Downward Mobility
Narrative:
Despite the historical significance of our region’s contributions to the national economy, Black Appalachian communities continue to experience downward mobility and under-investment.
Policy Platform:
Oppose policies and practices that perpetuate economic disparities and hinder or harm Black Appalachian bodies, joy, and livelihoods. This includes advocating for equitable economic development initiatives, investment in job training and workforce development programs, and support for minority-owned businesses to combat poverty and promote economic empowerment within our communities.