The Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) will host its first policy summit occurring July 22-24, 2022. The inaugural event, being held virtually, will center around the core theme of storytelling as a precondition for policymaking. The multi-day regional summit seeks to amplify Black voices and influence effective, community-centered policies. Summit attendees can participate in the following: Storytelling Workshop: Understand how your story plays a role in shaping and defining policy using story-based strategies and solutions. Policy 101: Comprehend what policymaking entails, how it affects your community, and how to use it to leverage change. Story Mapping: Learn the best practices for how to weave your stories with others to build relationships and a collective narrative of the Black Appalachian experience. The State of Black Appalachia: Take a deeper dive into what’s at stake for Black Appalachia. Build discussion around the unique challenges Black Appalachians still face, the progress made, and how you can make a difference in your community. Admission to the summit is free! The summit takes place Friday, July 22nd from 6-8 p.m., Saturday, July 23rd from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, July 24th from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Register at https://bit.ly/BLACPolicySummit