What We Do
Community &
Civic Engagement
We engage supporters, allies, and impacted people with opportunities to access grants, participate in policymaking, and drive systemic change across the region.
Amplifying Community Stories
Stories are like stars. Narratives are like constellations that connect stars. They reinforce patterns and meaning and culture is a whole galaxy. Cultural change precedes social change and narrative drives policy.
At BLAC, we understanding that shifting the narrative is central to building power, as well as winning both short-term victories and long-term systemic change. Building narrative power can preserve a destructive system or build a better world for us all.
That’s why we harness the power of storytelling to build narrative power, engage in participatory policymaking, and drive systemic change for the Appalachian region.
Strengthening Community Power
BLAC’s multi-faceted project, including listening sessions, policy summits, community trainings, and more, helps bring Black Appalachians to the decision-making tables so that future policy and investments in the region center Black Appalachians and reduce negative environmental and disparate economic impacts experienced by Black people in the region.
Driving Funds to Impacted Communities
“BLAC understands that it’s vitally important that more funds get allocated to Black communities in this region. As a lifelong resident of Kentucky, I feel so passionate about this that I joined the team to help! We are sharing funding opportunities with communities and helping them along the way. We also serve on local funding boards so that Black voices are represented.”
– Shana Goggins (Richmond, KY)
BLAC Wave
Historically, Black voters have played a pivotal role in election outcomes, especially for the Democratic Party. For decades, Black voters have been pandered to by politicians only to be let down by false promises.
In February 2024, BLAC launched its #BLACWAVE, a multi-generational initiative to not only uplift Black voices, but catalyze Black voter engagement beyond presidential elections and political cycles to hold our government accountable.
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